New Project - Dyed Reed Heart

Recent Project - Dyeing instead of painting

I had someone who wanted a dark brown or gray heart. They ultimately decided on a dark brown. This was the outcome. I love the darker ribbon with this instead of the sheer I normally use.

I did learn that the reed dyes better when the water is hot or warm. It doesn't hold as well if the dye water bath is cool.

Simple instructions on how to dye reed can be found at: http://www.ehow.com/how_13937_dye-reed.html

Baskets

I have been working on my basket weaving skills lately. Volunteered to weave a basket for a silent auction item. It has been awhile since I have made a larger basket. Didn't turn out perfect, but was still fun to make (and those in my book club were impressed.)

I also have been using up some scrapes that have accumulated. The result is a few smaller baskets (all different patterns and sizes.) I recently purchased some different materials too. The accent in the large basket above and the maroon row in the ones below. The maroon material is ficus root. Is a bit delicate but still fun to work with some new materials.

Heart Basket

I had someone ask me today if one of my reed hearts could be used for a flower girl. Since the sides are open, it would not serve this purpose well. The question did get me to thinking about ways that I might be able to adapt the design or use another design to make a heart basket. While doing a little research, all I could find were Swedish heart baskets. These would work great, but are not easily made from reed.

After playing with some paper (since it is easier to manipulate and doesn't cost as much as the reed) I still hadn't come up with a solution. After more pondering I wondered if I could lash the sides together, similar to how I finish many of my baskets. I went home and started to put my idea into reality. Here is the result!