Materials:
#18 tapestry needle
2 postcards
1 new or used card and envelope
small awl
punch board
string
dry pine needle 5" or longer
Steps:
- Round off the corners of the card (two if you're using postcards) with scissors.
- Lay card on a punch board. Using an awl, poke holes around the entire edge 1/4 inch apart and 1/4 inch from the edge (figure A).
- Fold card envelope in half and glue to the inside middle of the card. If you are using postcards, cut a small piece of cardboard smaller than the postcard and glue in the middle of one card. This will give the card more stability.
- Thread the string on the tapestry needle and push the needle through the top middle hole of the card. Place three clusters of pine needles at this hole with the sheaths pointing to the right. Tie a knot around the sheaths. If the pine needles are too brittle, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes.
- Working right to left, put the tapestry needle into the hole to the left from FRONT to BACK. Take the tapestry needle back into the SAME hole (figure B) and wrap around the pine needles. This will form a "V" stitch. Continue for 8 "V" stitches or 2 1/2 inches to 3 inches. Place 2 clusters of needles over the front side of the bundle and stitch down. Continue stitching around card, evenly spacing clusters.
- On the second row, place 2 bundles on top of the sheath ends on the first row. Take two stitches in the middle of the "V" stitch of the row below.
- To add new string, tie a new end onto the old end with the knot lying at the back.
- Continue going around card for two or more rows. You may create a frame, small tray or shallow basket (figure C).
- To end the frame, let the pine needles run out or cut the needles at an angle on the underside. Weave the end piece under existing stitches, or make a small loop to hang the card.
More Ideas
- After you receive a Christmas card, embellish it with pine needles and return it to the "sender" as a Christmas gift.
- As long as the pine needles are dry, you can also dye them with a fabric dye such as RIT. Just follow the directions on the package.
Resources Pine Needle Basketry
by Judy Mofield Mallow (ISBN: 1887374140 )
Extra resource--not featured in this episode.
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here to order this title.
Amazon.com
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