by Jane Haselden | Sep 7, 2020 | Basketry & Natural Crafts
A couple of weeks ago I was gathering some common rush in our garden, when I noticed some grass that was really fine and yet very tough. I had a feeling that it would make some great coil baskets, so I collected a small amount to try it out and left it to dry. I have...
by Jane Haselden | Sep 5, 2020 | Basketry & Natural Crafts
Up until now, I have been making baskets purely by trial and error. I think that is a great way to get started – you start to build a connection with what you’re doing and also learn the questions that you need to ask. I also have to consider that we have...
by Jane Haselden | Aug 19, 2020 | Basketry & Natural Crafts
I decided over the weekend that I would try out some traditional harvest crafts this week. I remember seeing a display of traditional corn dollies when I was little, at a country fair in Buckinghamshire. I found it fascinating then. The designs are so delicate and...
by Jane Haselden | Aug 15, 2020 | Basketry & Natural Crafts
This week I had my first go at making a basket from willow bark. A few weeks ago, I was clearing some of the lower branches from one of the willows on our land and I noticed how easily the bark peeled away. I quickly stripped as much as could, just using my fingers...
by Jane Haselden | Aug 5, 2020 | Basketry & Natural Crafts
Last week was a difficult one for us. We lost someone very dear to us and Matt had to take two ferries and drive over 800 miles all the way back down to Cornwall, to attend the funeral and support his family. So we found ourselves separated by sea and the length of...
by Jane Haselden | Jul 22, 2020 | Basketry & Natural Crafts
I have been busy working on my baskets over the past couple of weeks. Working far too late and getting up far too early, to start again the next day. It seems foolish to waste the long daylight hours of summer, when I have more energy and inclination to push myself...
