We have been involved in 4-H for four years now. It has been a good experience, especially because it pushes us to get projects finished. Otherwise, we might get distracted or loose interest.

Every year we’ve made a basket – we take classes from a lady that doesn’t live too far from us. The good thing about taking a class is that whenever you have a question or problem – she’s right there at your aid. For the past three years, I’ve made up the pattern for the basket I’m making as I go. Usually it starts with an idea of what it will look like, and then it just comes together.

This year, I decided to make a picnic basket. I still have yet to decide whether or not there will be a wooden lid. I probably will end up having Daddy make me one, but wait until after the fair when things have calmed down around here.

All the reed we used was natural, it looks quite different before it is stained. Here’s the base with a few rows finished.

The basket turned out quite large with a 12×18″ base and sides 10″ tall. While working on it, I wasn’t sure how it would really turn out, but after it was stained with walnut, it seemed just right.

This is Maggie, our basket teacher, Me, and Breezy, each of us with our baskets in front of us. Maggie’s is also a picnic basket, and Breezy’s is a Baby Moses Basket.

My basket will go to good use on picnics, day trips, walks, and anything it’s needed for. I’m quite glad I made it. We all had a good time making them, and look forward to making our next basket.

P.S. Tomorrow I will be changing my template. I’ll go ahead and give you a hint at what it will look like. It has to do with matches and paper.

Categories: Handmade | The Home