The leaves are coming off the birches and some of the larches (though not the one in this photograph). Time to collect some twiggage for baskets. I’ll be taking some of yesterday’s harvest to Cambo for the Woodworks Taster weekend:
twigs
Benarty families skillshare
I don’t have many action photos of my workshops, we’re usually too busy! However, Diane caught some good ones today:
We were experimenting with bendy twigs, making hearts and wreaths and Valentine’s Day gifts. All with the intention of sharing ideas for using local materials in creative activities for families.
This series of workshops is funded by the Living Lomonds Landscape Partnership.
http://www.livinglomonds.org.uk/projects/living-heritage/craft-of-the-hills/
Learn and teach
Today I travelled to Falkirk with Caren Gilbert to contribute to an International Women’s Day Celebration sponsored by Central Scotland African Union.
It was a very pleasant afternoon. We learned about the beautiful African textiles on display round the hall, sang together, watched a demonstration of classical dance from Northern India, did some dancing ourselves (feeling a bit clunky dressed in trousers and boots) and were treated to a fab lunch of African food.
After lunch there were crafts tasters and creative writing on offer and I showed my group the method I’ve been using to make stitched baskets, using assorted bendy twigs and fibres. I think everyone enjoyed the process. We heard the silence of deep concentration anyway!
Thanks Meg for the invitation to take part and thanks Caren for suggesting me to Meg.
Goosegrass rope
I made a short length of rope to carry home these roadside twigs. This goosegrass was brittle and much more fragile than than my first sample, maybe more weathered by frost and wind. The twigs will make a colourful mini-basket. My conscience is clear about cutting them, they were growing out into the road, a danger to cyclists and passing cars 🙂
Jan Hendry 