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The Details
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During its first few years of growth, a willow stool produces more vivid rods than later in its life. This is especially true of Brittany Green. As a willow bed normally only lasts around 20 years, rods like these are rare and much sought after. With time and light the colours soften, moving towards pinks and purples rather than reds and oranges on the dark brown-green background.
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Brush with a soft brush if dusty. If muddy, give it a shower, brushing gently with a soft brush while you rinse, then dry it outside in the wind in a shady spot. To clear any bugs, leave it out in snow or frost for a few days in winter.
Made with a Respect for the Material
Give every basketmaker the same project and they'll each finish a very different basket. I like to work very neatly, but I also like things to be natural. If a willow rod isn't quite what you'd expect, and it doesn't affect the integrity of the rod, I make a feature of it.
The connection between the material, me as the maker, and you as the person who will love and use it for many years is one of the main reasons I'm a full-time basketmaker.