2013. október 24., csütörtök

My new fav and updates

So this is my new favourite, a tiny rustic basket (made of buff and brown willow) with two small handles.
Did you know that small handles are actually more difficult to make than big ones? On one hand, they have to be identical as possible; on the other hand, it is tricky to twist and squeeze the willow sticks into such small structures...but it is definitely worth it, I love the way this one turned out for example!
For those of you who live in the Oxford area, I am prodly announcing that I will be exhibiting my rustic baskets (amoung other exciting creations) in the South of England Agricultural Showground between 14th and 17th November. I will be collecting email addresses of possible students for an upcoming local workshop as well.


2013. szeptember 24., kedd

As I promised...

Here is another contemporary basket I've been working on lately!
The small basket is made of brown and buff willow and it can be used to store wooden spoons or other kitchen utensils; the handle is rather "contemporary"...it is made of a thick willow stick I found on the way home :) I already sold this piece, but will probably make more; I kinda enjoy making small items these days!


2013. szeptember 14., szombat

Not another fairy?!

Well, yes :) I am still obsessed with these felt fairies! My latest favourite is Miss Carrotta; just looove the way her hair turned out...for which, I used wool yarn this time.
She even has a little organge butterfly in her hair!
The fairy is 100% handcrafted, made of quality merino wool and recycled organza fabric.
Don't worry, I haven't given up basket making either, next time will show you some of my latest items!


2013. augusztus 28., szerda

A rustic-contemporary basket

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you my newest creation; a medium sized round basket with a contemporary handle!
The basket, as ususal, is made of natural brown willow; for the handle piece I used a slightly curved piece of willow that I found in the woods. The basket is ideal for storing apples, potatoes, onions, nuts, etc. at home.
What do you think?



2013. augusztus 22., csütörtök

Lavender maces!

I have been making these lavender "maces" lately using the lavender flowers I picked a couple of weeks ago...it is almost as relaxing as basketmaking :)
The good thing about these maces is that due to the tight weaving, they keep the dry flowers inside; the maces can be used as decorative items, or could be hung in your closet as a protection against moths.
They smell heavenly!



2013. augusztus 15., csütörtök

A small oval basket for the environmentally conscious!

Why is it ideal for the eco-friendly user?
Well, due to it's reasonable size (approx. 15 cm X 38 cm) you won't be throwing any unnecessary items into it...only what you really need :)
The oval shaped "rustic" looking basket was made of buff and brown willow; you definitely won't mistake it for someone else's basket, I guarantee :)


Should you be interested in making your own rustic basket, I am running workshops in the Leamington Spa and Oxford area this autumn. To book your place and find out more about my one day courses, please send me an email!

2013. július 26., péntek

Lavender harvest and workshop update!

I just spent two wonderful days at Central-Europe's largest lake called Balaton; besides swimming in the refreshing water I went to pick lavender at a local organic lavender farm.
It was incredibly hot and the field was like a purple sea, busy with thousands of  bees, butterflies and all sorts of strange-looking flying insects buzzing away...this is how I imagine Provance must look like, altough I have never been there...


As for my basket making workshops, I am only running one beginner's course in the UK this summer; it will be held on 24th, August at the Foundry Wood in Leamington Spa.
Should you be interested, please let me know by sending an email!



2013. június 23., vasárnap

A busy day at Foundry Wood!

We had a wonderful day yesterday at the Foundry Wood which is an urban community woodland in Leamington Spa. As part of the Woodland Fair, I held a few hours "willow wreath making" activity which was extremely popular amoung children and grown-ups as well :)
I met superb people at the event who, for over 18 months have been doing an amazing job turning this tiny piece of nature into a refreshing oasis.
I am planning to run two beginner basket making workshops in the Outdoor Classroom of the Foundry Wood this August (Sunday,11th, and Saturday, 24th).
Should you be interested, please let me know by popping me an email!





2013. június 20., csütörtök

Help! I can't stop making them!

Yes, I am still busy making felt fairies of all kinds...This blue beauty is called Alvina; she is a silly little girl who will make everyone laugh :)
Alvina is sitting on a fairy-swing, made of willow (what else? :))


Alvina is a 100% handcrafted felt fairy made of quality merino wool and recycled organza pieces. Her hair is embellished with a shiny crystal button.
Isn't she adorable?

2013. június 11., kedd

Another basket making workshop scheduled for the Northampton area!

As there has been a lot of interest in my workshops from the Northampton area I am now organizing a one day workshop which will be held in a gazebo on Woodbine Farm (CV23 8BA) on Sunday, 23rd, June.



 

As usual, the one day workshop is designed to guide total beginners step by step through each stage of the basket making process.
On this course you will learn how to weave a medium sized "rustic" vegetable basket with a handle.

Date: Sunday, 23rd, June (10 am- 5 pm)

On this course I am able to tutor 8 persons so please book your
place to make sure you don’t miss it!

Come and learn this beautiful ancient craft with me and go home with a
finished rustic basket and the knowledge to make many more! 

For further details and to book your place please contact Borbala at:
borbalahidvegi@gmail.com

Booking is on a first come first served basis.

Beware! Basketmaking is highly addictive!

2013. május 10., péntek

Fairy and airballoon?

Well, it must be the heat here in Hungary that made me come up with something so...khmm...unusual :)
I was busy finishing a basket someone asked me to make, and I was amazed by the beautiful, deep colours of the brown willow I was using.
When the basket was finished, I still had a tiny bit of willow left, so I started thinking about a small object I could make with it. And this is how the airballoon was born!
I picked up one of those rice-paper globes from IKEA, and attached it to the tiny basket.
Of course, the airballoon was very empty without a proper passanger, so I put one of my new felt fairies in it.


I am still hesitating whether the globe should be painted or left as it is...will see :)

2013. április 2., kedd

Something new: felt faeries and willow!

A friend taught me recently how to make a felt faery out of wool; I was immediately hooked :)
I altered the original technique a bit, combined the wool with organza, and (what else?) willow, of course!
I hope this little creature will finally bring the spring...


My faery is made of quality Hungarian and South American wool, leftover organza pieces and beads; she is merrily seated in one of my green willow wreaths.
A perfect springtime decoration.
What do you think?

2013. március 9., szombat

This year's first basket making workshop scheduled

I am still in Hungary, but have been busy preparing my return to the UK.

The year's first basket making workshop will be held in the Oxford/Abingdon area and is scheduled for Sunday, 21st, April. Details of exact location coming soon.



As usual, the one day (approx. 7 hours) workshop is designed to guide total beginners step by step through each stage of the basket making process.

On this course you will learn how to weave a medium sized vegetable basket with a simple handle.


Price per person:  £49
(all materials, tools, step-by step handouts, plus tea and coffee included)

For further details and to book your place please contact Borbala at: borbalahidvegi@gmail.com

Booking is on a first come first served basis.

Beware! Basketmaking is highly addictive!