About Pine Needle Baskets and How to Use Them in Your Home Decor

Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a forest covered with fragrant pine needles? Can you imagine those pine needles being crafted into a basket, tray, or sculpture? In this article, you will discover the brief history of pine needle baskets and how to use these beautiful and fragrant works of art in your home decor.

Pine needle basketry has most likely existed for as long as pine trees and people have shared the earth. Historical references do not indicate when pine needles were first used in baskets. However, due to the availability of pine needles in their area, Seminole Indians of South Florida are noted to be the first pine needle basket makers. The Seminole Indians used a bone or shell needle to sew bundles of pine needles together with fern roots, sisal, or swamp grass. Some of the baskets were used for feed baskets, to carry water, and for winnowing seeds.

Modern pine needle basketry is noted to have begun during the Civil War times (1861-1865) when Mrs. M.J. McAfee of Southern Georgia used pine needles that she bound together with cotton thread to replace a worn hat for her father. She claimed to be the originator of pine needle basketry as we know it today.

In the present day, pine needle baskets are most often created using the coiling technique, which is one of the oldest and most universal methods of basket making. The basket is created by coiling and stitching one continuous bundle of pine needles around and on top of the row below. The foundation of the basket is formed with a bundle of pine needles bound together with various fibers such as raffia, split roots, birch paper, yucca, sinew, embroidery thread, yarn or waxed linen thread. Decorative stitches and wrapping techniques are often used to make the basket strong as well as add an attractive element. The most common stitches used are the straight wheat stitch, spiral wheat stitch, fern stitch, popcorn stitch, diamond stitch, the Indian wrap, and numerous knot stitches.

The pine needles come from a variety of different pine trees, such as Jeffrey Pine, Long Needle Pine, Monterey Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Bill Pine, and Gray Pine. The pine needles are gathered from the newly fallen top layer on the forest floor or picked from a fallen tree or limb and chosen based on their flexibility and length. Once the pine needles have been collected, they are carefully washed, cured, and then stored until use.

The natural colors of the pine needles can be used or the needles themselves can be dyed. Embellishments such as colored threads, buttons, beads, nut slices, and cones are often used to enhance the pine needle basket or project.

Pine needle baskets make attractive statements in home decor. The following is a small list of ideas on how to use pine needle baskets to decorate your home:

? Display one or a grouping on a bookshelf to create an eye catching display.

? Use them like you would any basket to create an appealing arrangement of silk greenery to accent a special little table or chest.

? Mount a grouping of two or more baskets on a wall for interesting wall decor.

? Place dried flowers in an urn shaped pine needle basket and place it on a nightstand for a charming look next to your bed.

? Use a rounded taller version as desk organizers for your pens and pencils and a shorter version for holding your clips, rubber bands, etc.

? Place faux fruit in a pine needle basket tray for an attractive center piece on your dining room or kitchen table.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless on how to use pine needle baskets in your home decor. Today, professional basket makers and hobbyists all over the world are creating these beautiful pine needle baskets. Many pine needle baskets can be found in art galleries, art and craft fairs, home decorating shops, and on the internet.

Pine needle basketry is considered to be a lost art that is being revived by today's crafters and artists. With an interesting background and an exciting future, pine needle basketry and projects are sure to be around for many years to come.

Lesley Dietschy is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange and the Home & Garden Exchange. The Home Decor Exchange is a popular home and garden website featuring resources, articles, decorating pictures, free projects, and a shopping marketplace. The Home & Garden Exchange website is a link exchange program and directory dedicated to the home and garden industry, as well as offering free website content and promotional ideas. Please visit both websites for all of your home, garden, and website needs.

http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com

http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com

---

Google News Updated : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:45:58 GMT Kevin Federline on Britney: I Love Her, But I'm Not In Love With Her - FOXNews Telegraph.co.uk Kevin Federline on Britney: I Love Her, But I'm Not In Love With Her FOXNews - 1 hour ago With Britney’s comeback in full effect, her ex-husband Kevin Federline is ready to set the record straight. In a new exclusive interview with People magazine, Federline has shed his party-boy, rapper, gold-digger, boy-toy names in favor of “daddy. Kevin Federline Says Britney Spears 'Blindsided' Him With Divorce MTV.com K-Fed: I'd rather see my kids than Britney's money The Associated Press Extra TV - E! Online - TV Guide - Popeater all 215 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:16:01 GMT Rice urges Pakistan to ‘act quickly’ in Mumbai terror investigation - Christian Science Monitor Canoe.ca Rice urges Pakistan to ‘act quickly’ in Mumbai terror investigation Christian Science Monitor - 1 hour ago During a visit to India Wednesday, the US secretary of State said Pakistan’s cooperation could help smooth fragile India-Pakistan relations. Video: Rice: Pakistan Must Cooperate Fully AssociatedPress Rice Urges Pakistan to Act With Urgency on Terror (Update4) Bloomberg AFP - Reuters - Washington Post - Reuters India all 2,613 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:36:14 GMT British conjoined twin dies after surgery - The Associated Press BBC News British conjoined twin dies after surgery The Associated Press - 1 hour ago LONDON (AP) - Faith was breathing for Hope. So when the newborn conjoined Williams twins were separated, it turned out that Hope couldn't live without her sister. Conjoined twin in Britain dies after emergency separation Monsters and Critics.com Conjoined Twin Dies after Separation eFluxMedia AFP - BBC News - I Really Should Study - SmartAboutHealth all 511 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:42:45 GMT Yahoo shares rise as takeover reports circulate - VNUNet.com New Zealand Herald Yahoo shares rise as takeover reports circulate VNUNet.com - 1 hour ago Reports are circulating of potential suitors for a takeover of Yahoo, lifting the troubled web firm's shares and heralding major implications for the market. UPDATE 3-Ex-AOL boss looking to raise cash for Yahoo bid Reuters Yahoo Shares Jump On Report Of Possible Sale InformationWeek NewsOXY - Hard OCP - The Associated Press - Register all 899 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:18:25 GMT Notre Dame announces Weis will return - FOXSports.com Notre Dame announces Weis will return FOXSports.com - 42 minutes ago SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Charlie Weis will return for a fifth year as Notre Dame's football coach despite posting his second straight disappointing season. The Case For Keeping Charlie Weis Rakes of Mallow Shanoff's Wake-Up Call: ND Keeps Weis, Really? SportingNews.com Fighting Irish Insider - WRNN - CNBC - USA Today all 410 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:03:34 GMT Will Mac Become a Virus Trap? - PC World ZDNet Will Mac Become a Virus Trap? PC World - 40 minutes ago Apple has backed off its suggestion that Macs require antivirus software. Yesterday, the computer maker suffered a public relations nightmare after an article was discovered on the company's site encouraging Mac users to install antivirus software. Spin Zone? Apple Says Virus Warning Was Old CRN Apple pulls support note recommending antivirus software Apple Insider ZDNet - eWeek - Register - Boy Genius Report all 169 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:05:48 GMT Patriots bring back LB Colvin - International Herald Tribune Colorado Buffs Insider Patriots bring back LB Colvin International Herald Tribune - 30 minutes ago AP FOXBOROUGH, Mass.: The New England Patriots shored up their injury-riddled linebacker corps Wednesday by signing veteran free agent Rosevelt Colvin. Webster To I/R, Colvin Visits Patriots Insider Patriots Welcome Back Rosevelt Colvin FanHouse Boston Globe - Pro Football Weekly - WBZ - Boston Herald all 17 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:15:36 GMT Clickbank Affiliate Earn Money At Home

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

How To Install Window Treatments Like A Pro

Tools needed: a battery operated screwdriver, screwdriver bits (Phillips and... Read More

Furniture Placement Secrets

The easiest and most inexpensive way to invigorate the design... Read More

Nursery Decorating Ideas: Creating a Timeless Retreat

Decorating a baby room is a wonderful opportunity to create... Read More

Five Quick and Cheap Ways to Decorate for Fall

1. Utilize the "use what you have" theory! Go through... Read More

A Brief History of Wedgwood China

The story of the line begins in 1730 with the... Read More

Fireplace Accessories - Adding The Finishing Touch To Your Hearth

Back in the day, fireplaces were an integral part of... Read More

Corner Bakers Rack: Create Extra Storage Space and Style

One of the most highly sought after pieces of furnishings... Read More

Kitchen Island Design Ideas - The Look, Size, And Features

Kitchen island design ideas not only include choosing the right... Read More

Persian Area Rugs - Tabriz Rugs are a Fine Choice to Enhance Your Room?s Décor

Tabriz rugs are made in the north western part of... Read More

A Look at Portable Dishwashers

Portable dishwashers are just the ticket for those with less... Read More

Traditional Lighting - What Is It?

For those considering what kind of lighting style to use... Read More

The Benefits of Electric Adjustable Beds

Electric adjustable beds are adjustable beds that can be automatically... Read More

How to Choose Kitchen Sink Faucets

Choosing appropriate faucets for your kitchen sink is as important... Read More

An Introduction to Roman Shades

Roman shades are a simple and practical window treatment to... Read More

The Increased Popularity of Granite Kitchen Countertops

The popularity of granite kitchen countertops has increased dramatically in... Read More

Christian Art in Your Home

Christian art is wonderful for inspiring us. Cathedrals and churches,... Read More

Area Rugs Will Add That Special Look And Feel To Your Home

Decorating with area rugs is one of the easiest ways... Read More

Kitchen Island Sizes

Kitchen island sizes vary considerably from moveable cutting and serving... Read More

Mission Style Lighting - Its Timeless Beauty Continues

If you ask most people to tell you about Mission... Read More

Aluminum Mini Blinds

Aluminum blinds are a low-cost and durable solution as a... Read More

What are Water Softeners?

Soap scum. Stiff clothing. Clogged pipes. No matter what you... Read More

The Value of Antique Wood Stoves

Antique wood stoves provide decoration and can still be used... Read More

Tips on Budget Decorating

Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in... Read More

How to Install Bamboo Flooring

Not just food for pandas or the stuff of cheap... Read More

A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room

Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and... Read More