Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a forest covered with fragrant pine needles? Can you imagine those pine needles being crafted into a basket, tray, or sculpture? In this article, you will discover the brief history of pine needle baskets and how to use these beautiful and fragrant works of art in your home decor.
Pine needle basketry has most likely existed for as long as pine trees and people have shared the earth. Historical references do not indicate when pine needles were first used in baskets. However, due to the availability of pine needles in their area, Seminole Indians of South Florida are noted to be the first pine needle basket makers. The Seminole Indians used a bone or shell needle to sew bundles of pine needles together with fern roots, sisal, or swamp grass. Some of the baskets were used for feed baskets, to carry water, and for winnowing seeds.
Modern pine needle basketry is noted to have begun during the Civil War times (1861-1865) when Mrs. M.J. McAfee of Southern Georgia used pine needles that she bound together with cotton thread to replace a worn hat for her father. She claimed to be the originator of pine needle basketry as we know it today.
In the present day, pine needle baskets are most often created using the coiling technique, which is one of the oldest and most universal methods of basket making. The basket is created by coiling and stitching one continuous bundle of pine needles around and on top of the row below. The foundation of the basket is formed with a bundle of pine needles bound together with various fibers such as raffia, split roots, birch paper, yucca, sinew, embroidery thread, yarn or waxed linen thread. Decorative stitches and wrapping techniques are often used to make the basket strong as well as add an attractive element. The most common stitches used are the straight wheat stitch, spiral wheat stitch, fern stitch, popcorn stitch, diamond stitch, the Indian wrap, and numerous knot stitches.
The pine needles come from a variety of different pine trees, such as Jeffrey Pine, Long Needle Pine, Monterey Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Bill Pine, and Gray Pine. The pine needles are gathered from the newly fallen top layer on the forest floor or picked from a fallen tree or limb and chosen based on their flexibility and length. Once the pine needles have been collected, they are carefully washed, cured, and then stored until use.
The natural colors of the pine needles can be used or the needles themselves can be dyed. Embellishments such as colored threads, buttons, beads, nut slices, and cones are often used to enhance the pine needle basket or project.
Pine needle baskets make attractive statements in home decor. The following is a small list of ideas on how to use pine needle baskets to decorate your home:
? Display one or a grouping on a bookshelf to create an eye catching display.
? Use them like you would any basket to create an appealing arrangement of silk greenery to accent a special little table or chest.
? Mount a grouping of two or more baskets on a wall for interesting wall decor.
? Place dried flowers in an urn shaped pine needle basket and place it on a nightstand for a charming look next to your bed.
? Use a rounded taller version as desk organizers for your pens and pencils and a shorter version for holding your clips, rubber bands, etc.
? Place faux fruit in a pine needle basket tray for an attractive center piece on your dining room or kitchen table.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless on how to use pine needle baskets in your home decor. Today, professional basket makers and hobbyists all over the world are creating these beautiful pine needle baskets. Many pine needle baskets can be found in art galleries, art and craft fairs, home decorating shops, and on the internet.
Pine needle basketry is considered to be a lost art that is being revived by today's crafters and artists. With an interesting background and an exciting future, pine needle basketry and projects are sure to be around for many years to come.
Lesley Dietschy is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange and the Home & Garden Exchange. The Home Decor Exchange is a popular home and garden website featuring resources, articles, decorating pictures, free projects, and a shopping marketplace. The Home & Garden Exchange website is a link exchange program and directory dedicated to the home and garden industry, as well as offering free website content and promotional ideas. Please visit both websites for all of your home, garden, and website needs.
http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com
http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com
Down, feathers, goose down, duck down, these can all be... Read More
Kitchen island sizes vary considerably from moveable cutting and serving... Read More
If you've been consistently bewildered about how to make your... Read More
Mini-blinds are very convenient and attractive window treatments. They typically... Read More
When shopping for a bathroom vanity sink, let both function... Read More
Why is planning home decorating projects important? Let's start by... Read More
"Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor.... Read More
Not just food for pandas or the stuff of cheap... Read More
Many people enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or... Read More
? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More
Good care and maintenance of a hardwood floor enhances its... Read More
Down comforters provide you with a luxurious natural warmth that... Read More
One of the easiest ways to accent and decorate your... Read More
How to decorate a teens bedroom is one of the... Read More
If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive way to... Read More
Shabby Chic bedding is definitely the answer if you are... Read More
I can still picture my roommate as she lay stretched... Read More
Many years ago I was told that the least expensive... Read More
The Murphy bed, once the best way to fit into... Read More
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a... Read More
Wood mini blinds are one variety of wood blinds for... Read More
Christian art is wonderful for inspiring us. Cathedrals and churches,... Read More
Portable dishwashers are just the ticket for those with less... Read More
It is a cliché that wines get better with age.... Read More
Philip Diehl first invented the ceiling fan in 1882, around... Read More
One personal junk is another personal treasure. Never is that... Read More
Aluminum blinds are a low-cost and durable solution as a... Read More
You've just invested in a beautiful Persian rug. Even though... Read More
The easiest and most inexpensive way to invigorate the design... Read More
In any household, a kitchen sink is one of the... Read More
There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make... Read More
A Room With A ViewHave you ever wished you had... Read More
Electric adjustable beds are adjustable beds that can be automatically... Read More
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a... Read More
The nursery is your newborn's first room, his own little... Read More
Longstrip hardwood floors are wide and long, and each plank... Read More
Massage recliner chairs are different than traditional home recliners. These... Read More
Some people have a natural artistic ability when it comes... Read More
For most people, they can count the times they redecorate... Read More
The name "grandfather clock" instantly conjures up images of a... Read More
Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block... Read More
Posters make great gifts. They are large but easy to... Read More
Many people agree that flowers are one of the most... Read More
There is literally thousands of different colors, different patterns even... Read More
Color is influential in every aspect of our lives. It... Read More
It would be obvious to assume that the sudden boom... Read More
If Josiah Wedgwood were alive today, even he would be... Read More
Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the... Read More
When redecorating a room, don't forget about your lighting. While... Read More
FIVE EASY STEPS TO DECORATING ETHNICNEW YORK, NY - With... Read More
Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of... Read More
A sofa slip cover may be just what you need... Read More
When we talk about scents it could refer to a... Read More
You see it all the time in retail discount stores:... Read More
What does your dream dining room look like? Is it... Read More
Did I get your attention? Sorry, I just couldn't resist!... Read More
From their inception, fresh fruit baskets were exactly that ?... Read More
For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are... Read More
Right now one of the most popular shows on television... Read More
Choosing appropriate faucets for your kitchen sink is as important... Read More
Most people like you love to keep everything in its... Read More
Decorating your child's room should be fun and exciting for... Read More
I love burning candles and have them all around the... Read More
Creating a comfortable area for your baby is important to... Read More
Picnic baskets are the best way to eat outdoors, and... Read More
If you love animal prints or have an exotic theme... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |