I made my “Midnight Waters” coiled pine needle basket using dyed black Longleaf pine needles, Pacific blue artificial sinew, beautiful two-sided three dimensional artisan lampwork beads. The lampwork beads show a moon shining down in the night on a lovely mountain landscape with a river running through them. I wrapped the pine needles in different ways to look like different sizes of waves and running water on all sides and the rim of the basket. I used a large black and brown crystallized agate set in resin for the center base. The inspiration for this basket was the beautiful waterways in the Pacific Northwest, but especially the many rivers that run through the dense forests during the dark days of winter.
Vicki Phillips
Every 1 2024 / May 7, 2024
Midnight Waters
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1200,h_1011/https://nationalbasketry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_4584-1200x1011.jpeg)
H: 6.25" | W: 11" | D: 10.25"
Photo by artist
Vicki Phillips
Gig Harbor, WA
I learned from a friend in 1986 how to make pine needle baskets, and I have had a passion for this craft ever since. Over the years I have made a variety of basket types by using an assortment of materials and techniques, however pine needle baskets continue to be my favorite. During my early years of basketry, I used only raffia for stitching and Ponderosa pine needles that I collected myself or gathered from willing friends and family members. Eventually I discovered a wider variety of pine needles from different regions of the country. I am still amazed at how something as simple as a bundle of pine needles can be transformed into something useful and beautiful. My baskets are an eclectic collection based on many years of self-taught experimentation -- playing with pine needles! Today I use natural and dyed pine needles from Ponderosa, Longleaf, White, Loblolly, Torrey and a variety of other pine trees. Each basket takes many hours to complete and is carefully hand-stitched and coiled using waxed linen thread, raffia, artificial sinew, poly cord, wire and other things in a variety of colors and textures. I incorporate agate, a variety of woods, shells, pottery, ceramic and other artistic pieces in the bases of my baskets. Some are adorned with gemstones, beads and trinkets. I also use sweetgrass, lavender stems and other dried natural materials in my baskets. I live on two acres of an old Christmas tree farm and am inspired by the variety of beautiful trees that surround me daily. A bit of my spirit goes into each of my one-of-a-kind basket creations. Most tell a story about something memorable in my life. My colorful baskets are both functional and decorative and are heirloom quality made to last for generations. I hope my baskets will provide some of the peace and happiness they bring me as I am making them. Enjoy! To see and read more about my basket creations visit my blog at www.giggybaskets.blogspot.com