Our local woods were breathtaking today. Leo and I went for a quick walk with the dog and ended up wandering for hours. Lots of stopping and lots of sighing.
A little bit of willow, framed by beech and lit by the Sun...
On days like this, the air is so fresh, it reminds us of the cool, fresh air of the mountains. We both felt a strong pull to the hills, and will have to get out there soon. For today though, I think the forest is enough.
When we got home we dropped off the dog and went basket, handle bow hunting. I had spotted some perfect stems of ash growing in a hedgerow. So we went foraging for basketry supplies and came back with armfuls of willow and ash.
Home was warm. Willow ate lots of good food and went to sleep in her basket, Leo put Abba on and made up silly lyrics to the songs while making pumpkin soup and I had hot chocolate and made this...
The little bows are made from red merino wool roving. It's from my needle felting stash. The plait is natural raffia. It's all tied together with hemp. Really quick and simple to make. I got the basic design from Lyn Edwards book 'An Introduction to Basketmaking'. I made a star too but can't get a picture that isn't too blurry!
I love this weather!
Lovely pictures what a stunning day you've had - and thanks for the link to the book
ReplyDeleteThe decoration is beautiful - I love how it's all natural materials - a simple but beautiful celebration of nature.
ReplyDeletex
gorgeous pics hen :o) and love your decoration
ReplyDeleteStunning photographs, hen. The second one, of the branches, was just breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteI took my dog for a run today too, but with the temperate at minus 20C (with the wind chill factored in), fresh snow and strong bitter wind, we didn't stop to admire anything!
Love the tree decoration. Weather's great at the moment, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMrsL
xx
Oh hen, that first photograph is lush.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I have to say, your basketry is delightful. I'm thinking of placing an order in 2009.
Lovely decoration and baskets, Hen, and your little song was soooo sweet. You have a very gentle singing voice :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love a basket too, I'll try and email you in a moment :)
Kim x
Hi Hen,
ReplyDeleteit looks like your basket making is already a commercial success ;0)
Speaks for itself.
Well done.
Bob
You're a true artist!
ReplyDeleteIt's a real boost to get such positive feedback. THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeletehen
xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx
Your tree decoration is just gorgeous! So sweet.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. I just love days like that, a wonderful surprise around each corner. It's so wonderful to just be immersed in your surroundings, enjoying everything nature has to offer.
ReplyDelete:o)Thanks Sarah xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely dowhatyoulove, it's a life's ambition of mine to be able to completely let myself go in nature.
hen
xx