2014 so far!!

Australia Day has come and gone and that marks the end of the holiday season for us!!  All the holiday makers will have headed home, leaving us locals to the lovely beaches and some peace and quiet!  I may have been quiet for a little while, but have been working.

Firstly, I have put wheels into motion - preparing for several shows coming up in the next 15 months.   I'm getting in with an early start in the hope that I don't end up doing nothing but weave in my usual frantic efforts to have enough stock.  I'm determined to spread the load so I have a little time at least to enjoy doing things other than baskets - hahaha!

I have been working on a new border!  I should mention that I do not glue borders to my baskets.  I always finish with a woven border or a bound border, depending on the basket I am making.  Most baskets in real size are finished with what is called a "commercial border" and that is what I use for the majority of my baskets.  It took me 2 years to get the ending on the border correct - slow learner here!! Worth it in the end.  Of course, the choice in borders is huge - and I have selected the 2 rod, 3 stroke plaited border to master.  The start and end are the crucial bits.  If you get the start wrong, then the end won't happen.  As you can see from the image below, I have not cut the threads yet.  They will all be unpicked and I will start again.  And again.....and again......and again - until I am satisfied.  I haven't got the tension right yet and I need to cement the start and finish bits.  Not too worried about how long this will take though.  It's not a border that one would use a huge lot - especially in baskets with handles etc even in full size baskets.  However, it does look good say on a fruit bowl type basket, on trays and platters and on cradles.  ENOUGH OF THE BORING STUFF!!

2x3 plaited border

This little birdcage was inspired by the bird feeder I bought at the end of last year.  It measures 68mm from base to tip and 40mm at its widest point.  I was quite happy with the result.  You will notice that I did not put a border on this one at all.  For sale ones will have a border!

Birdcage

The fishing creel, which I have been wanting to make for so long!  At last I've worked out a shape I am happy with.  This one does have a border on the lid - a very basic trac border.  I'm really happy with this one!  Measurements - 38.5mm long, 28mm high at back, 25mm deep - opening lid.

Fishing creel

And here are a couple random shots just for something different - Been practising using my new camera and loving it.

A bromeliad in the garden

A couple of fisher-persons 

More fisher-people!

Another orchid

And that's it from me!  Hope everyone is well and already tackling the year with gusto!!  I have to otherwise I will run out of time!

Take care, all of you!