HUGH FREEMAN BASKETS AND CARVINGS

 The Hard Work

Find a suitable black ash log, soak it and then pound it for weeks, strip and dry the growth rings to make splints and then manage the chaos of splints all over the shop while they dry and are sized, sanded and stored for use. Colin Freeman at age 13 helped pound this log over a period of three weeks. Basket making is a real test of patience and endurance.

Managing Chaos

Pounding, sizing and sanding is not easy but the whole process is useful as unsatisfactory pieces will become evident and can be discarded - or turned into a basket yet to be developed - likely a fruit basket that can make use of narrower pieces. A picture will follow if that is successful.

Make A Mold

Once happy with the mold, the trick is to make a creel like the one on top. Then share the excitement - brag a bit!

I was lucky. With a long history of working with wood, I managed to ruin only the first one I tried. I confess some others became family gifts when I wasn't quite satisfied with the result but family gifts are becoming rare as my weaving has become quite consistent. I have a passion for making creels!