Yvonne Kostic
Yvonne has been a resident of Big Pine Key, Florida for the past three decades. Coming from a family with a long history as fiber artists, it was a natural progression for Yvonne to follow in her family's footsteps and search for her eventual media. After studying different types of American art forms, Yvonne found pine needle baskets and has been working solely with this media for many years. Having found the passion of her dreams, Yvonne plans to continue on with pine needle baskets for many years to come.
Big Pine Needle Baskets
Pine Needle Baskets are a traditional American art form. Historical references don't indicate a wide use of pine needle baskets in the basketry of American Indians, however, because of availability of pine needles the Seminole Indians of South Florida are thought to be the first pine needle basket makers. Today, many American Indians utilize pine needles as a media for their baskets.
Modern use of Pine needles in basketry may have started during the civil war times when a south Georgia woman, Mrs J. MacAfee used pine needles and cotton twine to make a hat for her father.
"I use pine needles that I collect from the Florida Slash Pine. This is a species of pine tree that grow abundantly around Big Pine Key. I feel the larger baskets are stronger and easier to use for any purpose. Thus the name, Big Pine Needle Baskets. Occasionally, I use the Long Leaf pine needle I collect from the Everglades. Its needles are more flexible, adding additional diversity to my baskets."
Care of Pine Needle Baskets
These baskets are sturdy and will give you many years of service with a little care. As with any basket, please do not leave out in the sun for any duration of time. The ultra violet rays of the sun severely damage the integrity of the basket by degrading the pine needles. Keep the basket dry. Occasional washing is fine, but make sure the basket is completely dry before storing. Wetting the basket with water when the basket feels a little loose will moisturize the needles and add strength to the basket.
Never moisturize with linseed oil as it will cause a change on a chemical level that will weaken the pine needles with time. Even using one time will damage the basket.
If your basket has a large Florida native shell incorporated in it
please take note to oil the shell on a monthly basis. The oil will help the shell maintain it's natural color for years to come. Simply moisten a cloth with olive or vegetable oil and rub the face of the shell.
I love every basket I make and hope you enjoy them as well. |
