Good Cheer and Winter Solstice

With the darkest season of the year upon us, we are cheered up with the bright berries on holly bushes that surround our property thanks to the early settlers in our area that had holly farms. Holly has a rich history with many meanings attached to it. Besides Christmas, the inspiration for these two baskets is the celebration of the Winter Solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year. After that the days get longer and that means that Spring is not far away! Just for fun click here to read an article about the Winter Solstice and the Celtic mythology story about The Holly King and The Oak King.

Good Cheer was also named after an island in the Georgian Bay with the same name and also because it has (or did have at one time) a drawing of holly on the rocks. 

Winter Solstice

I made both of these baskets using natural brown and dyed green Long Leaf pine needles, tan and brown artificial sinew and holly pottery bases. The baskets are on display and for sale at Sunnycrest Nursery and Floral.  Enjoy!