Mongini style baskets

These baskets are nice because they are so lightweight. They are literally as light as paper when completely dry. Notice the round basket and the Funky hat. They are the first round bottom baskets I have made this way.

Square bottom baskets and a calabash

These are what I make every Easter. The kids love them, and I enjoy giving them something handmade.

Hanging basket 2

This hanging basket has a more shallow pocket size. The basket front comes to a point like a handkerchief.

Hanging basket 1

These baskets are made using the entire coconut frond. The can be made quite small, or very large. Great for storing fruit, vegetables, toys, etc.

New Baskets

Aloha Nui,

Wow. Well, I have found myself staring at the feather green leaves of the coconut yet again. Easter always brings me renewed passion for weaving as every year I make our kids new Easter baskets.

For the past 4 days I have been weaving from the moment I wake up until I fall asleep. Taking time out now and then to help the kids with their schoolwork, eat, or enjoy the beach.

These past two days have been a trying mix of creativity and learning.

There is a type of basket that I have enjoyed making. It is simple, light weight, and doesn't require the rib of the frond. They are called Mongini Baskets.

Essentially, they are square bottom bag made with just the leaflet. I learned how to make these a few years ago and quickly became board.

So, I modified it into a handleless basket. Trimming the leaves into narrow strips to make tiny baskets.

As much as I enjoy simplicity, I also enjoy a challenge.

The one thing I could not figure out was how to make a round bottom basket with a pinwheel base, (Like the bottom of a calabash basket), out of just leaflets.

I have tried and given up many times over the years, but yesterday it struck me.

It took a good 5 hours to finish, but I made an awesome basket using 15 leaflets with the ribs removed. It has a double base with two pinwheels.

When you look into the basket the spiral is opposite from the outside, bottom, of the basket.

I was so thrilled I decided to begin a second last night. I finished it to day. It became my Funky Hat.

Now, I am relaxing. Awaiting the approaching thunderstorm. Hmm, perhaps I'll collect some banana leaf for tea before I have to take shelter.

Thunderstorms and I don't get along.

I've been shocked twice now. The first was at Mirror Lake in Wyoming while I was fishing.

I was putting a worm on the hook when lightning struck the lake. My pole was touching the water and the electricity ran up the line giving me a light burn of the fish hook on my fingers.

I had other close calls, as it seems lightning likes to chase me now.

But it wasn't until we moved here that I really got a good jolt.

At that time we had our T.V. antenna in one of our Mango trees. The storm was a hot one and I was worried lightning would blow up our t.v.

I was trying to disconnect the the cable from the t.v. but it was stuck.

My hands were tingling. And I kept jumping back anticipating the strike. Then I thought I was being silly. I again took hold of the cable.

Suddenly everything was bright white and the thunder deafening. The kids were screaming and I was picking myself up off the floor,  two feet from where I'd been standing.

We have solar and it actually knocked our power out for a second. It was crazy. I no longer worry about the television. It's not worth it. LOL.

Mahalo for reading,
Melissa

pictures of the Baskets will be posted soon.