This one almost got away from me and I had to patch it back up, so we shall see. But I learned what to do and what not to do. It's about 9 inches tall with the handle and the basket is 7 inches square. I have more ideas for baskets some tall and thin, some with thinner slats. I like working with strips of clay, it's a real challenge. Perhaps the top of the basket could have had a strip as a top cap overlapping the inside and out, next time.
This is patterned after one of those old time fruit baskets.You know the ones made of thin slats of wood woven together. I vaguely remember seeing that type of basket as a kid in a grocery store or perhaps at a farmer's market. Now cardboard, styrofoam, and plastic containers have replaced wood ones. Pottery is a good choice since it can be used over and over again.. I don't think I'll glaze this one because of all the holes in it, but maybe some oxide stains or underglaze, what do you think?
We finally got some rain which was sorely needed. But the rain made it humid enough to keep the clay from drying for quite some time. I opened up the sliding door when it was pouring rain and look what I got, raindrops frozen in time. Thanks for reading and I love all your comments.
There's one of the clay forms I've never made! And you did a great job, the little basket is precious. I've always been in awe of baskets made from clay.
ReplyDeletethat must have been hard to do! i agree with you about the oxide stains. can't wait to see it done.
ReplyDeletewe have had lots of rain as well... it is taking days to get pots finished.
What a great work! Here it rain all the time. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Elna
Hi Barbara, thanks, I confess I actually had to have Gary hold up a couple of the pieces so I could insert the next one. Ha.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, yes very hard, as evidenced by my finger prints at the top. Ha. hopefully I'll get better with practice. We got another 3/4 of an inch last night. Since we are supposedly in a drought I can't complain, plus I don't have to water.
Hi Elna, thanks, I am surprised you get so much rain where you live.
I can't imagine the challenges of basket weaving clay. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI bought a beautiful pottery basket years ago. Made like a peck fruit basket, but smaller; maybe eight or ten inches long and proportionately wide. With those bands inside and out at top, and one strip was the handle. It was glazed a brownish, with some green. I couldn't fathom how it was done, and I was a weaver of threads. I'm just fine knowing nothing about making pots, just admiring them. Love your little berry basket.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda - love the basket! How do you keep the clay strips from drying out while you are working? I've always struggled with that when handbuilding with strips.
ReplyDeleteI do remember those baskets, I have one I use for harvest in the garden now.
ReplyDeleteAh that rain looks marvelous. My grass is dying now from want of water. Enjoy.
Linda- you're always thinking of something new to try with clay! Love your creativity.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, thanks, yes quite a few challenges, but uplifting to achieve.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, thanks, oh I would love to see a photo of your basket, perhaps you'll do a post on it.
Hi Julia, thanks, dab with sponge or mist lightly or cove with plastic and work quickly, very quickly, also this clay I am using has a very long working time.
Hi Patti, thanks, yeah that were used for harvesting and must have been made well since your's is still in use.
Hi Amy, thanks, these things just come to me somehow out of the depths of my mind. I've made clay trivets and trays that were woven but never a basket. Want to do more now.