Post by fernwood on Aug 12, 2017 15:10:07 GMT -5
Ok, so this is not as intricate as what many out there are making, but it is an example of one of my creations in progress.
Yes, it is very time consuming to make.
This i a custom order.
The teardrop frame is made from willow branches I gathered at my old place. The branches need to be used immediately after gathering, or soaked in water until used (within a week), to prevent them from drying out.
I weave the branches to either a circle, oval or teardrop. Smallest size is about 4" in diameter. Largest I have ever made was for a 4' long, traditional Dreamcatcher.
Now, the willow forms need to dry for at least 6 months. Otherwise whatever is attached to them will be off, per say. If they are used for a Dreamcatcher, the catgut will become loose, due to shrinkage of the willow.
The willow form pictured, was made 2 years ago.
Before attaching anything, I spray with a little linseed oil to counteract the brittleness. Let sit for about an hour or longer.
So, for what is pictured. This I started additions on today.
Since the weaving of the Willow was not that great, I tightened it with a jute wrap.
Used thin fishing line, interlaced into the Willow to hang the stones/shells from.
This is a very complicated and time consuming process for me. I am using a lighted magnifier with another magnifying glass on top just to see what I am doing. After a few pieces were attached, they wanted to twist around the one I was presently working on. Frequent untwisting along the way.
All that is left to do is glue down the wooden beads about the crackle quartz and MOP moon shaped shells. Plus finish the jute loop and good to go.
Sometimes I add feathers to the form or wrap the form in leather. Not this time.
Thanks for reading.
Yes, it is very time consuming to make.
This i a custom order.
The teardrop frame is made from willow branches I gathered at my old place. The branches need to be used immediately after gathering, or soaked in water until used (within a week), to prevent them from drying out.
I weave the branches to either a circle, oval or teardrop. Smallest size is about 4" in diameter. Largest I have ever made was for a 4' long, traditional Dreamcatcher.
Now, the willow forms need to dry for at least 6 months. Otherwise whatever is attached to them will be off, per say. If they are used for a Dreamcatcher, the catgut will become loose, due to shrinkage of the willow.
The willow form pictured, was made 2 years ago.
Before attaching anything, I spray with a little linseed oil to counteract the brittleness. Let sit for about an hour or longer.
So, for what is pictured. This I started additions on today.
Since the weaving of the Willow was not that great, I tightened it with a jute wrap.
Used thin fishing line, interlaced into the Willow to hang the stones/shells from.
This is a very complicated and time consuming process for me. I am using a lighted magnifier with another magnifying glass on top just to see what I am doing. After a few pieces were attached, they wanted to twist around the one I was presently working on. Frequent untwisting along the way.
All that is left to do is glue down the wooden beads about the crackle quartz and MOP moon shaped shells. Plus finish the jute loop and good to go.
Sometimes I add feathers to the form or wrap the form in leather. Not this time.
Thanks for reading.
