11”w x 3.5”t x 3”deep (interior)
This is the first completed coiled pine needle basket since we moved to N.C. in January 2020.
The colors of the basket are inspired by a small glass cabochon in greens, turquoise, gold, and bronze, that I painted then sealed with resin.
The cabochon is backed by leather. I added pine needles around it by attaching them to the leather with sinew.
About halfway up I began adding bear grass and twisting the coil. The dried grass is the ivory color in the coil. Most of these needles were dyed by me in a black walnut bath, made from the walnuts off our tree in Napa, California.
I’ve wrapped the coils part way up with cotton embroidery thread and finished the top rim with a handful of beautiful vintage 1940’s wound lamp glass beads to pick up the tangerine thread in the base of the basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Care instructions
My baskets are super sturdy but because they are made from mostly plants, not counting embellishments and are therefore sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. Keep your basket out of direct sunlight as this can change the colors in the basket. If your basket gets wet, allow it to air dry to avoid mildew formation. Treated with gentle care, these baskets will last generations.
Do these baskets hold water?
Some of my baskets could theoretically hold water if they were soaked for a short while, but not if there is an embellished bottom, as there are holes in the ceramic pieces. I cook and soak the pine needles in water to prepare them for use. I would not recommend using these to hold water.
Gift wrapping and packaging
I will happily gift wrap your order if this is a gift. Just let me know.
Why are all the baskets round? Do you make square baskets that might be appropriate for a man?
It’s true that my baskets are usually round, though I occasionally make an oval one. I personally like the round shape, but it is also a natural response to the materials. Coiled baskets lean toward roundness. You will find square baskets in the woven style, a different process than what I use.