Snowshoes
Willow Withes
Constance and I have been invited to a mountain for some winter fun!!! The invitation was unexpected and last-minute, but Constance wanted to have all the proper equipment, so we did our best to provide it.
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Peeling the bark
We cut some willow, and peeled it…
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Boiled, Bent and spaced
…boiled the withes, bent them into shape and inserted spacers…
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“woven”
…and attempted to lace them approximately. Where was my chair-caning book when I needed it, and where did my babiche get to???
We won’t be winning any weaving prizes with these, but at least Constance will not fall through the snow!
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Oh, you’ve provided Constance with just what she needed and in such a clever way for a beautiful little wooden doll to enjoy winter snow fun with you. Thanks for the winter cheer.
We had some fun making them – I really do think my chair-caning book would help, and I don’t actually have any babiche, but I thought my artificial sinew would work, but can’t put my hands on it! Drat!
We know she has a warm hooded parka and now she has snowshoes. I think she is ready to brave the mountains. I do hope her human is as well arrayed!! Have fun!!
The favourite photographer and I share a single down jacket between us! We had to borrow another one when we went to the Yukon!
oh how very clever, is the frame red osier dogwood? Is Constance going on an adventure? I’m hoping our snow is over for this season
The frame is from my Willow tree, Salix discolor. I peeled the red bark off before boiling, but the water still turned red!
Those are darling. And if it makes you feel any better, my attempts to do something similar were dismal failures, so kudos to you!
Thanks very much, I am sure they will suffice, but I will try again when I track down my fake sinew, and hope to have them turn out slightly less tangled!
This is another jaw dropper. I am in awe of your abilities and creativity. These snow shoes are amazing. K, you are one of a kind, and just want you to know how much I appreciate you and your stories.
Thank you very much – I had been looking around for Hitty-sized snowshoes for a while, then suddenly thought – I enjoy trying my hand at different styles of weaving, why not try! I think I could use some practice, but the nice thing is that Hittys like whatever I try. It is very encouraging!
So snowshoes are beautifully done. Constance deserves the best. She is an amazing little girl
She is intrepid, and adventurous, and luckily, not picky about the activities, nor the equipment I provide!