Small Easter
by Sheri L. Van Duyn
Dimensions: 4 ½
diameter x 6 high with handle
Materials:
#2 or #3 round reed-natural and dyed
3/8 flat reed
Seagrass
4 x 6 D handle
T-pin
Ribbon and ribbon flowers
Tacky glue |
|
Preparation:
Cut 6 pieces of 3/8 flat at 14 long.
Mark the centers and soak with a long piece of #2 natural round reed.
Lay out the 4 x 6 handle flat on the table and insert
3 spokes through the center of the handle and space evenly out looking like a bicycle
wheel. Hold in place by using the T-pin; this is like an extra hand to hold the spokes in
place.
Crimp a long piece of #2 round reed and start to twine these 3
spokes and include the handle for 3 rows. (Start out about 1-1 ¼ out from the
center.)
Now add the 3 remaining spokes through the center of the handle.
One area by the handle is left empty. (Option: If you wish to weave this basket using 5
spokes and the handle; this will also work out.) Continue to twine around the new and old
spokes until you reach the edge of the handle. Upset the spokes.
Now take 2 colors of soaked dyed #3 round reed
and begin twining around the basket. The pattern will end up looking like stripes..
Continue for 12-14 rows or until the basket measures 2 ¼ high. End the round reed
back on the same spoke where you started at the base. Trim round reed to 2.
Add a row of 3/8 flat for the rim row in an under over
weave. Cut and tuck the spokes.
Add the rims of 3/8 flat on the inside and outside of the
basket. Add seagrass for rim filler. Lash with a very flexible piece of #3 dyed round
reed. If this starts to crack, you can lash with ¼ flat or flat oval.
Add ribbon around the handle. Glue a bow on the top with a few
ribbon roses. Enjoy this sweet little Easter basket. Use this round basket as a first
Easter basket and fill with candy. Or, use in the bathroom and fill with Q tips or cotton
balls. Enjoy!
Copyright ~ Sheri
L. Van Duyn ~
2006
The Idea Magazine for Basketmakers
(616) 846-7926 * sheri@justpatterns.com