As spring is approaching, the stems of the hazelnut hedges have grown long, and the buds are starting to swell. I know that once the leaves fully open, the stems I want to cut will be completely hidden. They also block the lovely view from my kitchen out to the field, and I really enjoy looking out across the distance.
So I took my shears and started cutting the stems one by one. It turned out to be quite fun.
And before long, I had gathered a nice bundle of them.
Instead of throwing them away, I thought it would be nice to make something with them. At first, I thought about a little basket, but I already have plenty of those. I decided to try making something useful for the kitchen instead.
Not really knowing what it would become, I simply started with what I knew, a small wreath.
Then I added a few tension sticks across the middle.
and began threading the stems around and around, weaving them over and under until it slowly grew thicker. It felt a little bit like crocheting, although I didn’t use a hook.
It's always a pleasure to work with hazelnut twigs; they have wonderfully bendy fibres, especially when fresh, and make it easy to weave.
As I was working, I realised it would make a perfect trivet. The one I currently have is quite old and starting to fall apart, so this felt like the perfect replacement.
I’m very pleased with the result. Once its fibres dry, it should hold its shape nicely and lock the weave tighter.
The hedges are trimmed, and I can enjoy the view again.
And I ended up with a handmade trivet as a little prize. Hopefully, it will get plenty of use in the kitchen.
What a simple, productive day!
Have a lovely day everyone!