"Christmas Holly Basket"
by Toni Rynicke
(4" x 6" x 4")
Materials:
3/8" flat - natural, red, and green
5/8" flat - green
1/4" flat - natural, red, and green
1/2" flat - natural
#2 round reed
seagrass
5/8" bell
8" notched handle
Preparation:
Cut 2 pieces 3/8" flat, natural - 20" long
Cut 2 pieces 3/8" flat, red - 20" long
Cut 1 piece 3/8" flat, green - 20" long
Cut 4 pieces 3/8" flat, natural - 18" long
Cut 2 pieces 3/8" flat, red - 18" long
Cut 1 piece 3/8" flat, green - 18" long
Base:
Start with the 20" spokes horizontally and work from the top down: one spoke natural, red, green, red, and natural for a total of five spokes. Starting with a green spoke (18" in length), weave it in at the center vertically. Start with an UNDER so that the weaver passes under the center spoke. Weave a natural spoke on each side of the center green spoke, then red spokes, and ending with natural spokes on the ends. Spacing is about 1/2" apart.
Twine 1 row around the base with #2 round reed.
Upsett.
Weave:
3 rows - 3/8" flat, natural
(first row over the center spoke on the long sides)
1 row - 1/4" flat, red
1 row - 5/8" flat, green
1 row - 1/4" flat, red
3 rows - 3/8" flat, natural
Cut off inside spokes. Fold and tuck outside spokes.
Insert notched handle.
Wrap rim with 1/2" flat. Use seagrass as rim filler.
Lash rim with 1/4" flat.
Bow and bell: Use a piece of 1/4" dyed red (22") and a piece of 1/4" dyed green (24") to make the bow. Thread the bell on the longer piece of splint to the center on the smooth side. Take both pieces together and thread an end under the rim on each side of the handle. Pull both pieces evenly, leaving a small loop to the front. Cross the tails of both dyed pieces from the back to the front and thread through the loop. Tighten the loop from the inside of the basket. Bring one set splint tails from the bottom up creating one side of the bow and secure through the center loop. Do the same on the other side. Trim ends of bow and enjoy your holiday basket.
Copyright 1996 - Toni Rynike
This pattern may be printed out for use, but may not be printed out in quantity for resale.
For more great patterns and coordinating wood products, send $2.00 for a catalog to:
Toni Rynicke
The Deerfield Peddler
4881 New Haven Drive
Howell, Michigan 48843-7867
517-548-5064
The Idea Magazine for Basketmakers
(616) 846-7926 * sheri@justpatterns.com