Basketry - An ancient craft still very much alive

It's an art as ancient as man himself, practiced by many civilizations including the Egyptians, Indians, Eskimos and many other cultures. Handmade baskets were as common in the homes of our ancestors as was their daily bread, yet each design was as personal and unique as a fingerprint. They stored grain, transported goods from one village to another, stored corn for drying... and even today we serve bread in a basket at the dinner table.

So.... are you ready to try your hand at basket making? There are lots of different methods for making baskets, but you need to get started somewhere. Let's talk a little about two easy techniques... twining and coiling.


Twined Basketry -

This is one of the most ancient methods used for making baskets. You have to wonder where and when the first person learned this novel intertwining of fibers that enabled them to construct baskets and other containers (just like you wonder who was brave enough to eat the first artichoke). Like most crafts developed by ancient civilizations, twining used for baskets has continued in use over the centuries and even today is an essential part of living in some societies. And twining isn't just for baskets. You can make lovely accessories for the home... flower pots, plant holders, rugs and even lamps.

So, what is twining? It's a simple process where two or more cords called weft are twisted around each other between cords called the warp. By changing the direction of the twining techniques, a variety of patterns and designs can be made. How to Twine Baskets and Such by George Smith is a great Basketry tutorial from the 1970s. Using 5-ply Jute, 4-ply Sisal Tree Rope, Polypropylene and Mop Cord he covers five different twining weaves... each with the purpose of adding design and durability to the finished projects. Projects created as you learn twining include baskets, a rug, tote bag, lamp, pillow and more.

Coiling Method of Basket Weaving -

You'll find this method an easy one to master... and your works-in-progress will be infinitely "portable". It's adaptable to an endless variety of materials including strings, twines, crochet and macrame fibers, leather, wool, mohair, linen... just about anything you can imagine. Basket Magic by H. Trester is an excellent tutorial for coiled basketry with easy to understand illustrated instructions and some fantastic projects to make as you learn. Projects include Baskets, a Wall Hanging, a Belt and a Handbag.


Soooo.... what are you waiting for? Visit my store, Stone Hill Collectibles, and satisfy that Crafting urge. You know you want to!

Those adorable Kissy Heads, Squeezums or Kiss'n Critters...

Everyone has seen or had one of these at some time or another. They're known by various names: Squeezums, Kissy Heads, Kiss'n Critters, Kiss Me Quicks, and probably others that I can't think of right now. Squeeze their cheeks and their mouth opens wide. They're terrific for holding some tiny little surprise item, the most traditional use is with a Hershey's candy kiss in the mouth so when you squeeze the cheeks you get a kiss!!!

These make up quickly with Plastic Canvas and there are dozens of delightful designs to choose from. You can use them for Party Favors, adorable magnets (clamp your notes in the mouth), Christmas Stocking stuffers, to hold money for a gift, as package ties, placecard holders... the possibilities are endless. They're perfect for clamping (biting?) onto the branches of a Christmas Tree as Ornaments. Pass them out in the morning and they'll keep the kids occupied and happy... and give you a few minutes to relax before the day really gets going.

Kiss Me Quick from Leisure Arts has patterns for a Lion, Clown, Alligator, Zebra, Parrot, Lamb, Monkey and a Cow. Christmas Squeezums from American School of Needlework has over 2 dozen Holiday designs including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Snowflake Singers, Angels and more. Squeezum Folks from American School of Needlework has another 2 dozen or so designs that you'll love, like: Punk Rocker, Construction Worker, Fortune-Teller, Highway Patrolman and others. You can find a terrific assortment of Craft Patterns for Squeezums at Stone Hill Collectibles. While you're there check out all the other wonderful Craft Patterns for other great projects. And don't forget to pick out your Free item before you check out with your goodies... one per order (please) and NO minimum dollar amount required.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Well.... I'm just a little bit late on wishing everyone a Happy New Year... but better late than not at all!!! I hope everyone had a safe New Year and specially wish everyone Health, Happiness and Prosperity in the new year!!

We have been so busy and I have a ton of newly acquired vintage items to put in my store. We went to an auction that was just crazy crazy!!! I think we ended up with something like 230 pounds of items... (as in HEAVY). Now officially certifiably CRAZY, we had them shipped back to Texas. I'm still opening boxes (and wondering if I'll ever get through everything). So, what did I get??? So many vintage items I can't catch my breath!! There are Craft patterns (lots of Cross Stitch), jewelry, postcards, a few cookbooks... and I don't know what all else (remember? those boxes I haven't opened yet???). Would love to have you come visit my online store and poke around to see what you can find. There's something for everyone, and what's on the "shelves" is always changing:
Stone Hill Collectibles