Basket Weaving

 My wild and crazy day this month was a basket weaving class at the arts center!  I thought I would enjoy the class.  But good heavens, I did not know just how much I was going to enjoy that class!  It was taught by a local basket weaver who used to be an Art Teacher at one of the high schools.  Now that she has retired, she is persuing her passion - basket weaving - and sharing that passion with others.

We were making melon baskets.  I signed up for the class not knowing what a melon basket is.  It turns out it is not a basket designed to hold melons!  It is so named because the shape of the basket is reminiscent of a melon!

The instructor provided a handle with the starting ribs attached to the basket handle.  She then talked us through how to start weaving, how to add more ribs, and how to change colors.

The handle with the first ribs attached.
Beginning the basket was a little tricky.
You need to be very careful here.

My basket, at the first real stopping point.
Notice that I've added more ribs!
Wow, everything was so wet!

Once I fell into the rhythm of weaving, time slipped away from me and I entered a very meditative zone. I know I spent hours weaving, but it honestly felt like no time at all had passed!  I honestly think I I could take up basket weaving as a hobby!

Look!  It's my finished basket!  I can't wait for the next class!