Article written for CACE by Foy and Mildred Sperring
PINE NEEDLE CRAFT REQUIRES PATIENCE AND MANY HOURS
OF INTRICATE, TIME CONSUMING WORK
Once you’ve seen samples of mirrors, gourds, trays, and baskets produced by Sharron Eckert, you appreciate how much is involved in the fiber art specialty known as pine needle craft. These one-of-a-kind pieces of art are literally hand woven using long leaf pine needles and thread, usually raffia, from palm trees imported from Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa.
Typically, a pine needle basket will consist of a center, or teneriffe (pronounced tenarif), using raffia for embroidering and for sewing coils. A center also could consist of an agate, sliced nut shells, or wood. Coiling continues until the desired basket height and shape is attained.
Sharron finds working with the pine needles and raffia has a unique feel that is “relaxing and soothing.” The needles and raffia are kept refrigerated or frozen prior to use and then steamed to increase flexibility of the materials in shaping and coiling.
Sharron’s interest began in 1998 when she met with master teacher Elisabeth McCutcheon for individualized instruction in pine needle craft; instruction continued through 1999. In 2002, Sharron participated in a class taught by master crafter Judy Mofield Mallow, who introduced her to other threads and materials. Ms. Mallow is a fifth generation pine needle basket maker; her work is displayed in museums and sold at fine galleries and craft fairs along the eastern seaboard.
In 2003, two of Sharron’s pieces were accepted (out of a total of 300 submitted) for the annual Open Juried Show at the Oak Ridge Center, with one of the pieces, “Plaid Raffia,” being awarded Honorable Mention. She received a First Place Blue Ribbon for “Mirror Swirl” at the Annual Awards Show of The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade in 2003, the First Place Award in Three Dimension for “Wood, Raffia and Pine” in 2004, and Honorable Mention for “Agate and Pine” in 2005.
Her work has been accepted for the consignment gallery at The Appalachian Center for Crafts (Joe L. Evins) in Smithville, Tennessee. She has demonstrated work with pine needles at both local and regional festivals. Her work is also available at her home. Tel. 931-277-5425.
To view her pine needle art in full color go to www.artguildfairfieldglade.com, click Featured Artists then click her name.
Although Sharron devotes much time to pine needle art, she finds time to be President of Cumberland Artisans for Creative Expression (CACE). She helped found CACE in 2003 with the goal of sharing ideas, information, and joint action supporting the creative accomplishments of artisans of all ages in Cumberland County.
