Well done Carol! This student had previously only attended a couple of beginner courses… this weekend she completed this challenging project! All ready to feed the birds in her garden now.
Stunning student’s work
basketry
Basketmaking in Ireland
Had a marvellous time with Joe Hogan in the west of Ireland. Learnt how to make a skib, a non-functional pod from a ‘tree hole’, and practiced my fitching on a small log basket. Also made several underfoot bases which I am still less confident about. It’s all about repetition…
Recent work and upcoming markets
Bread/fruit baskets
Back-basket (straps to be added)
I’ve been enjoying a few unusual commissions this summer, which has been fun and challenging. Now starting to make stock for the upcoming local winter fairs and events, namely:
- Tunbridge Wells Farmers Markets: 12th November; 10th and 22nd December (9am-2pm, outside Town Hall)
- Great Dixter Winter Fair: 26th & 27th November (details to follow)
- Wilderness Wood Winter Fair: 3rd and 4th December (10am-4pm), Hadlow Down, East Sussex.
Looking forward to meeting old and new customers!
Random selection
Its been a productive month since France… beginning my ‘6 of each’ homework for AC (first pea-picker and peck pictured); two encouraging weeks at open studios; enjoying making hurdles in sunshine and rain; practicing underfoot walk-around slewed bottoms; recycling hazel and willow excess into Forest School projects; seeing what my bike basket looks like on Tanya’s bike. Generally feeling excited and motivated by it all. Oh and some new commissions to work on over the summer. Jolly good.
Wonderful Willow
Enjoying colour and texture in some close-up shots of my latest work
Cuckoo Fair Stall
Lots of positive response… just not much footfall!
Clucking around
Checking out the handiwork… less than impressed
a right pair
Learning basketry is not always an upwards trajectory, or a smooth and predictable continuum, but rather a zig zagging, to-ing and fro-ing, an endless set of puzzles. Hence these two rather wonky things. Hopefully not utterly lacking in charm, but rather far from symmetrical perfection.
A Month of Making begins
Day One of Weaving new stock for the Cuckoo Fair, to be held at the Bell in Ticehurst on Sunday 15th May. Thought I’d start small with these two bread/fruit baskets to get my eye in again… having fun combining different willows (the red/black/yellow tones I’ve grown myself), and a plaited border for a change, in white willow.
Do come along tomorrow evening between 6 and 8pm to see some stunning artwork and craftsmanship from a host of talented makers and artists. Aside from that, I will also have some baskets for sale!
Follow this link to the gallery’s website to find out more:
Emma Purcell 