my latest baskets

[John Fenna]

It is that time of year again
Every year I make a couple of baskets, usually one "bucket" style and one "Melon" style.
This year I rang the changes a bit putting two extra ribs in the Melon to give it a flatter base and with the Bucket, flaring the sides outwards and using alternating bands of my materials.
Both baskets use local willow - bark on for the Melon and peeled for the bucket - and blackberry brambles ... plus rawhide to bind the Melon's first hoops and nettle cordage to start the melon's weavers off.
It is all experimental and I am basically self taught after on lesson at the Moot several years ago.

 

[Two Socks]

I like those! The melon design seems awfully handy for foraging mushrooms.

 

[Mesquite]

Nice work John

 

[Goatboy]

They're excellent Mr Fenna, it's a skill I desperately want to acquire. Had a go at teaching my self but would like to spend a few hours with someone who knows what they're doing. Nice colours on the bucket one - they look nice and robust too.

 

[John Fenna]

And the materials were all free!
Some will tell you that brambles are weak and fragile - I have one basket made of brambles that has been in constant use for several years now
Brambles "Age" to a nice brown.

 

[Stringmaker]

And the materials were all free!

And both items are unique to the creator and his environment.

Hand made stuff has soul

 

[crosslandkelly]

Lovely work John. I especially like the bucket one.

 

[bb07]

Nice! Something I'd like to learn how to do one day.

 

[Clouston98]

Good work there John!

 

[Limaed]

They're excellent Mr Fenna, it's a skill I desperately want to acquire. Had a go at teaching my self but would like to spend a few hours with someone who knows what they're doing. Nice colours on the bucket one - they look nice and robust too.

GB you could try this lady: http://naturallyuseful.co.uk/

I did a basket course course with her last year as she's based just down the road from me.

 

[tiger stacker]

Nice case of basket weaving, always wondered, does it keep you sane.

In all seriousness though they both look very impressive.

 

[Dave]

Very nice. How long does one take?

 

[Elen Sentier]

Nice ... love the colours

 

[John Fenna]

Very nice. How long does one take?

For the bucket one I had the willow soaking and ready but harvested the brambles in the morning and finished the handle at about 4pm

 

[crowded-solitude]

good work, I need to have a go at some basket weaving need something for picking shrooms.

 

[British Red]

They are great John - wish I could make baskets!

 

[Baelfore]

They are great John - wish I could make baskets!

What red said!

 

[John Fenna]

Give it a go guys!
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81721

 

[Wayne]

Nice work John. Baskets are much harder to craft than bows.

 

[ammo]

They are lovely. This is a skill that i would really like to master. I've got a list !