Home SHARON DUGAN
BASKETMAKER

 

THE ARTIST

THE BASKETRY
Inspiration
Technique

THE COLLECTION

INFORMATION
& CONTACT

HOME

TECHNIQUE

There are many steps between the tree and the finished work. The tree does not give up its splint easily, the bark is scraped off and the length of the log pounded repeatedly to separate the growth rings into long strips. I have used both sledge hammers and mechanical devices – both methods require a great deal of strength and while I have pounded my share of logs I find that at this time of my life it is best to leave this part of the process to others.

Removing the splint from the log is just the beginning, each piece of rough “tree run” must then be peeled lengthwise one or more times to expose the coveted satin inner face. The back rough side is scraped or sanded smooth and only then is the splint slit to exact widths. What you do with the material is the part that takes experience to avoid waste; everything depends on quality, thickness, width, and length.

 

>