Sunday, December 25, 2011

The flax Christmas tree

Here at the bach, life is simple. There are no shops close by, and we use what is close at hand.

Mira requested a flax Christmas tree. So, armed with 3 books on flax weaving, I came out the the bach to see what I could create before the family arrived.

The black metal chimney looked like a tree trunk, so I started weaving a series of 'streamers') well they are called 'headbands in the book, but this was about improvising), and then I found a way of hanging them and joining them together.

 Ferns made a bright green base
 And then Mira arrived and we added angels and bird and other decorations from the Christmas bag,
And the gold star and baskets at the base, and then I learned to weave a basket to leave out for Santa to fill.
We are having a happy Christmas morning, here at the bach. The sun is shining, the tuis are singing, and we are together. Happy Christmas to you all, wherever you are.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was so hoping you would post about the flax tree, Juliet. I am so impressed with not only your craftsmanship and creativity, but you undaunted willingness to make your darling Mira happy. Your flax tree and the love you put into making it are an inspiration to me. From one grandmother to another, thank you.

Juliet said...

Oh, what a lovely comment Penny. It was a mission of love, that's for sure, and a delightful challenge from Mira.

Hilary said...

Hi Juliet .. love the creativity here .. and can only endorse both Grandmas' comments! Enjoy the adulation .. and Mira's delight in the experience ..

Happy festive week the last of 2011, and have a great 2012 .. cheers Hilary

Juliet said...

You too Hilary, and I look forward to more visits to your blog once I'm back in town and on broadband (rather than dialup) again.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet .. hey ho .. it worked and popped up and I have no flax hoops to tumble through! Thanks -

The flax basket is wonderful isn't it .. something we used to do with 'reeds' as kids - but that was only plaiting and they were thin reeds .. nothing like these .. fascinating ..

Happy New Year - you're almost there .. have a very happy 2012 .. cheers Hilary

anissa ljanta said...

i was hoping you had posted about the flax tree mira had requested and oh, look what you created...lovely. i like how you used what you had to hand and built on that as a base. A flax basket left for santa is a nice kiwi twist too xxx. i have said it before and likely will say it again...mira is so lucky!

Juliet said...

Anissa, thank you! I had no idea what might happen, but once I saw the chimney, like a black tree trunk, I knew I had a starting point. Creativity is so full of surprises, isn't it?