My new fav and updates

So this is my new favourite, a tiny rustic basket (made of buff and brown willow) with two small handles.
Did you know that small handles are actually more difficult to make than big ones? On one hand, they have to be identical as possible; on the other hand, it is tricky to twist and squeeze the willow sticks into such small structures...but it is definitely worth it, I love the way this one turned out for example!
For those of you who live in the Oxford area, I am prodly announcing that I will be exhibiting my rustic baskets (amoung other exciting creations) in the South of England Agricultural Showground between 14th and 17th November. I will be collecting email addresses of possible students for an upcoming local workshop as well.

As I promised...

Here is another contemporary basket I've been working on lately!
The small basket is made of brown and buff willow and it can be used to store wooden spoons or other kitchen utensils; the handle is rather "contemporary"...it is made of a thick willow stick I found on the way home :) I already sold this piece, but will probably make more; I kinda enjoy making small items these days!

A rustic-contemporary basket

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you my newest creation; a medium sized round basket with a contemporary handle!
The basket, as ususal, is made of natural brown willow; for the handle piece I used a slightly curved piece of willow that I found in the woods. The basket is ideal for storing apples, potatoes, onions, nuts, etc. at home.
What do you think?

A busy day at Foundry Wood!

We had a wonderful day yesterday at the Foundry Wood which is an urban community woodland in Leamington Spa. As part of the Woodland Fair, I held a few hours "willow wreath making" activity which was extremely popular amoung children and grown-ups as well :)
I met superb people at the event who, for over 18 months have been doing an amazing job turning this tiny piece of nature into a refreshing oasis.
I am planning to run two beginner basket making workshops in the Outdoor Classroom of the Foundry Wood this August (Sunday,11th, and Saturday, 24th).
Should you be interested, please let me know by popping me an email!

Another basket making workshop scheduled for the Northampton area!

As there has been a lot of interest in my workshops from the Northampton area I am now organizing a one day workshop which will be held in a gazebo on Woodbine Farm (CV23 8BA) on Sunday, 23rd, June.

 

As usual, the one day workshop is designed to guide total beginners step by step through each stage of the basket making process.

On this course you will learn how to weave a medium sized "rustic" vegetable basket with a handle.

Date: Sunday, 23rd, June (10 am- 5 pm)

On this course I am able to tutor 8 persons so please book your

place to make sure you don’t miss it!

Come and learn this beautiful ancient craft with me and go home with a

finished rustic basket and the knowledge to make many more! 

For further details and to book your place please contact Borbala at:

borbalahidvegi@gmail.com

Booking is on a first come first served basis.

Beware! Basketmaking is highly addictive!

Fairy and airballoon?

Well, it must be the heat here in Hungary that made me come up with something so...khmm...unusual :)
I was busy finishing a basket someone asked me to make, and I was amazed by the beautiful, deep colours of the brown willow I was using.
When the basket was finished, I still had a tiny bit of willow left, so I started thinking about a small object I could make with it. And this is how the airballoon was born!
I picked up one of those rice-paper globes from IKEA, and attached it to the tiny basket.
Of course, the airballoon was very empty without a proper passanger, so I put one of my new felt fairies in it.

I am still hesitating whether the globe should be painted or left as it is...will see :)