From Library Journal
Pine needles have become raw materials for baskets because they were a widely available, renewable resource. Mallow (Pine Needle and Nut Crafting, Glover, 1984) is a pine needle basketry artist and teacher. Here she covers materials, tools, basic techniques, and projects. Instead of step-by-step instructions, the projects refer the crafter to the general techniques pages at the beginning of the book. Novices are advised to make the practice basket project, which has detailed instructions, before attempting a more advanced basket. This book may be more suitable for use with classes than as a guide for beginners.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Create picturesque pine needle baskets, miniatures, trays, pencil holders and more. Special sections address dyeing needles, making lids and handles, techniques, and gathering and storing materials. “Mallow is an excellent teacher with a gift for keeping the subject entertaining and easy to follow.”—Small Press. “Beginners can create a basket by coiling and stitching together pine needles.”—Country Decorating Ideas.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

You've probably had the good fortune to walk through a forest carpeted with fragrant pine needles before, but have you ever dreamed that those needles could be transformed into beautiful and distinctive projects -- from baskets and trays to decorative containers and sculptures? Pine Needle Basketry will show you how.

The technique of coiling and stitching together pine needles is astoundingly easy -- so easy that in just a few hours, even a beginner can make an attractive basket. In fact, with the help of the author's step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations, you'll make your first basket before you've finished reading this book.

It might be tempting to think that because all coiled pine needle projects are based on the same simple technique, they all look alike. Nothing could be further from the truth. Almost limitless variations are possible -- and you'll learn most of them within a few days: shaping the coils; dyeing the needles; varying the stitches you use; adding embellishments; incorporating centers made of leather and wood; and weaving intricate teneriffe rings.

After you've practiced the variations by making a few of the more than 40 projects included in this book, you'll have only one more technique to learn: how to let your imagination take over! Allow it to picture the project you'd like to create, let it decide which variations to include, and you'll be well on your way to mastery of pine needle basketry.

SYNOPSIS

Create picturesque pine needle baskets, miniatures, trays, pencil holders and more. Special sections address dyeing needles, making lids and handles, techniques, and gathering and storing materials.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal