Monday, August 25, 2014

Sea Baskets

 Sea Basket 001
12 x 8 x 6 inches

The handles for these sea baskets were collected by me on the West coast, mostly Baja Mexico, California, and Oregon, over many many years. After hauling them from state to state, I'm finally putting them to some use. I particularly like the driftwood handle of this one. The pot has a definite lean to it like it was tossed around in the waves before it came ashore. Follow the link for driftwood there's lots of folklore and interesting tidbits about wood from the oceans and seas.

Sea Basket 002
7 x 11 x 6 inches

Measurements include the handles for both of these. Can't wait to make more sea baskets. I feel a sea creature or monster lurking in the back of my mind hoping to become visible. We all know about the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. We shall see if a monster shows himself. 

This last one is a second because one upright warped inward, but I wanted to practice putting on the copper wire. Wiring the handles to the baskets isn't as easy as it looks. For this one the gauge is too thin. I'll try again with a larger gauge. Copper wire isn't inexpensive either. I had wired the top two with copper but I picked up the color coated steel wire and I think that wire looks better on the top two.

If you can't live at the beach it's nice to have a reminder of the ocean or sea, I think. 

A little something to dream about. I hope my sea baskets can bring that feeling to those who come to have them. Stay tuned for more finished work coming up as soon as I take the photos. Thanks for reading and for all your comments and encouragement.


16 comments:

  1. I love them; what a brilliant combination of elements! The driftwood was well worth hanging on to and works so well with your dreamy, soft glazes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Elaine, thanks, dh is probably glad I am finally using the driftwood up as he considers me a pack rat. Ha.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You've chosen nice complements to your pots.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You've chosen nice complements to your pots.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It all hangs together beautifully. Lovely photos of the sea.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Could you use sea grass or reeds instead of wire? Love driftwood.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Lori, thanks, hope folks like these.

    Hi Gigi, thanks, a trip to the ocean is needed soon.

    Hi Charlene, thanks, I thought about waxed linen or I might try some seagrass, will need to see where I can get some and how to use it. Practice makes perfect I guess.

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are wonderful Linda! I love how you gathered the driftwood and how each finished piece captures a little memory of your time on the west coast.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Cynthia, thanks, you have no idea how much driftwood I have, I will be making these baskets for a good long time. Ha. So many memories that's for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Linda,

    There is, as you say, something rather romantic about driftwood and how it conjures up for us the sea in all its moods. It does make the most perfect of handles for your sea baskets, the colours of which definitely bring back thoughts of water and waves.

    We do like the way in which you have used the coloured wire to attach the handles. It seems to fit the purpose beautifully and is less harsh than the copper. Whatever, the owners of these baskets will surely be able to fill them with their own seaside collections....shells or pebbles would be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like your sea pots, Linda -especially the first one. Driftwood has a definite artsy look. I used to collect it years ago when we lived down in Louisiana... we could walk along the Mississippi and it was all over the bank.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The baskets do evoke the sea. Thanks for showing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. These came out beautifully...I also like the blue wire to bring out glaze colors...and the suggestion to find a grass could even include raffia, which is available everywhere and looks natural like the gorgeous driftwood.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Jane and Lance, thanks, oh what a good idea to fill with shells or stones from the beach.

    Hi Rian, thanks, I would never have thought the Mississippi would have driftwood but I guess every place does.

    Hi Joanne, thanks, glad you feel the sea by looking at them.

    Hi Barb, thanks, wonder how well the seagrass or raffia will hold up. also wonder if they are strong enough to hold up the handles upright, will have to try a couple and see.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love these! You have inspired me to get going on my driftwood handled teapots that I have been mentally percolating for years! I am at the beach in my heart all the time, and want to include shells, sea glass and more in my work.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Nancy, thanks, funny how things sit on the back burner for so long. I look forward to seeing your teapots with driftwood handles. How will you recommend folks wash them? will the handle be removable?

    ReplyDelete

I love suggestions, questions, critiques, thanks for your comment