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Someplace in Thyme

I have been creating since I was a little girl. I am happy to say that having my own website has opened up a whole new world for me. Trying new mediums is a joy and sometimes a real eye opener. I sell what I create on etsy and my website, someplaceinthyme. If you have questions,please email me at cpeterson72@q.com. I welcome new blog friends and am honored if you find my little piece of heaven interesting enough to follow.

Monday, April 6, 2009

THE BIRTH OF A HANDMADE EASTER BASKET

I have hundreds of patterns for making all kinds of baskets. I usually weave a basket for holidays and fill them with something special. I enjoy giving my friends and family something I made from the heart and the hands. Oh My, what pattern should we use for Allie's Easter basket?
I think this pattern would be perfect for 3 year old Allie. Lets get busy, shall we?

For this pattern we need reed that is 3/8" and 1/4" wide, as well as some round. Now it has to be cut into the proper lengths.


We cut our reed into the lengths that we need according to the pattern directions.


I need some green reed and don't have any, so we need to dye some. You can either use a basket dye or Rite dye works just as well.

The dye is mixed with table salt and added to boiling water. I then turn the stove off and put the reed in. See? it's taking the color already.

Isn't this a lovely shade of green? Looks like spring and Easter to me. I love the way it turned out.

The pretty bottom. The design you see on the left and right side is called "chicken feet" and is achieved when you weave a solid bottom. The fillers have to have the ends tucked and this is the method I decided to use on this basket.

We are starting with three rows of green, remember I had to dye some reed? This is why.

We begin to build up the sides now.....you have to be patient.

A little look at the inside. I gave this a solid bottom so it will hold all the candies and goodies I will put inside.

We are getting there, but still have to prepare for the rim.


The spokes now have to be cut and tucked. The outside spokes get trimmed and tucked inside, the inside spokes get cut to the rim.

The top spokes are then cut and tucked inside for strength.


The swing handle is added.

Now we add the rim to the basket. I put seagrass in between the inside rim and the outside. Then we lash it with more reed. Clothepins help me hold the rim in place.

I love the swing handle. This could be considered done, but wait, I want to add some flowers. It is for a little girl and it is Easter, so what could be better to bring in the spring?!

The side view.

This flower is on the front. I decided to do both flowers in a hot pink and only place them on the front and back.

I added this flower to the back.

This will be Allie's Easter basket for 2009. I sure hope she likes it. Of course, now I will go fill it with Easter grass and all kinds of goodies. Yumm!!




















24 comments:

Lisa said...

That is amazing. I made a basket once, from a kit. The directions said EASY. Ha Ha Dee Freaking HA!

Problem is, you made it look easy. Now I want to try again!

Someday!

Smiles,
Lisa

Mary said...

How many little girls are lucky enough to have a hand crafted basket and such a beautiful one. I am so impressed and enjoyed how you showed it being made step by step. It's just beautiful, I hope Allie keeps it for her daughter. Mary

Elyse said...

this is so cool. it came out lovely. thank you for the step-by-step!

The Wrought Iron Gate said...

What an heirloom treasure for your beautiful Allie. Some day she may blog about the Easter basket that was so lovingly handmade, especially for her, by her grandmother. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments.

Best Wishes,
Kay

KayEllen said...

WOW look at the basket!!
Beautiful!!!

Thanks for taking us along for the inspiration and the finished project!!!

Smiles,
kayellen

Anonymous said...

That is amazing!! This is something she can keep forever! You make it look so easy.... makes me want to do one myself.
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Easter Hugs,
Marilyn
xxoo

Cottage Rose said...

What a beautiful job you did on her basket. You make it look so easy to do... What a lovely treasure for her to keep and remember all the Love you put into it....

Hugs;
Alaura

Nancy said...

Of course, I think this is your best post EVER! Love the basket, another, of COURSE!

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What a pretty basket!! Can't believe you made it ~ and sure can't believe how easy you make it look. Just gorgeous!

To answer your question from my last Pink Sat. post, yes, the china is Royal Daulton Old Country Rose. I have a few pieces & I also sell some!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Stephanie said...

I am in awe. I can't believe that you made this!! It turned out perfect!!

ArocaFamily said...

I think it is perfect! Allie will love it.

Fifi Flowers said...

That is a amazing... love watching!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

WOW, WOW, WOW! That is TeRRifIC!!! I've always wanted to make baskets......what a wonderful job you did!

And, your Easter tree is so darn cute too.

Thanks for visiting and have a Blessed Easter!

Warm regards,
Spencer

Chandy said...

Char, thank you for visiting my blog. I love that basket! You made it look so easy and yet... ;-)

Happy Easter!

Anonymous said...

IMPRESSIVE!!! I wouldn't even know where to begin, and you have so effortlessly created this amazingly beautiful basket!!!

Seams to Sew and Quilt said...

Oh wow, that is awesom. You make it look so easy. What a lucky little girl she is to have a hand made basket from you. Happy Easter!
Vera

Mermaids of the Lake said...

Amazing! You did a wonderful job! Very cute bunny tree too. Happy Easter. Enjoy your guests!

Anonymous said...

It's gorgeous! Happy Pink Saturday & Happy Easter.

Victoria
30 Days of Junkin' in April

Anonymous said...

THIS BASKET IS AWESOME.YOU ARE ONE TALENTED LADY...ANN

Joyce said...

Oh Char...... it is absolutely beautiful!! I have never seen a basket handmade~ oh how very talented you are!! what a gorgeous keepsake you have made for Allie to treasure!

Charmingdesigns said...

This is beautiful!!

sweetmemorymakingmom said...

Char, That is so amazing! What workwomanship goes into that basket. That is beautiful. Did you sell it or make it for a special person? Thank you for stopping by my blog. I think I am going to have to start making reservations for my room once it is finished. Cost would be a lovely handmade item! I would make tea and sweet treats. pink hugs, Ellen

Happy belated Pink Saturday and Easter.

Anonymous said...

Of course she will love it!! It is absolutely gorgeous. What a wonderful basket weaver you are!!! She is sooooo lucky to have you for her "mamaw","granny" or whatever name she calls you by.

Kris

Ali said...

this is absolutely amazing and lovely baskets,you have done a great work.

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