This activity gives you a two-in-one beautiful item, as well as letting you discover a weaving technique. This Easter Basket will be ready in time for the Easter egg hunt & can then transform into being a lovely bird feeder for your garden. Working with the weaving technique first in paper, click HERE, allows little fingers to learn the process so that you can all progress onto willow confidently as then you can learn how to work with & handle willow without also trying to learn the weaving technique. This is usually a big bonus for younger members of the family. Once happy with paper weaving the technique you can make the willow Easter basket too. Or if you're feeling bold and you have some fresh willow to hand, why not just have a go! This activity is great for your wellbeing because you can:
Get Active - Take a walk locally to see if you can source some fresh growing willow whips, you only want them young. If you aren't able to find any you could also use thin bramble ends (but you would need to use a gardened gloved hands to clear them of their prickles before use), dogwood or hazel. Should you be unable to find what you need you can also purchase willow from art & craft stores and usually from local weavers.
Keep Learning- This activity helps you learn a weaving technique that may develop into an interest into working with natural materials. Learn how to identify the relevant trees & plants that you can use to make these HERE at the Woodland Trust or use a mobile plant app to ensure that you understand what you need to find.
Be Mindful- Most plants and trees are best pruned at certain times of the year only for their own growth and to ensure that they are there for all to benefit from. Wildlife also depends upon the plants and trees too. Only take what you need during the correct times of the year. Do not assume that it will just grow back so it doesn't matter. Looking after our plants and trees is very important to our future on this planet. If you have missed pruning season then please look to local providers for your materials.
Practice Kindness- When making and learning something new it can take time to master the techniques. Remember to give yourselves some time to complete them and give help to younger family members as required.
Think Community- Why not consider a small group egg hunt with a mix of our hardboiled naturally dyed eggs and some chocolate ones. It's certainly plenty of fun!
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