I have a “growing” interest in planting. I’ve recently started growing plants like basil in my apartment at school. A few weeks ago, I was driving back to school on the I-5, and when I pulled over for gas I saw a small stand selling bonsai trees. After purchasing one, I was given instructions on how to care for this delicate plant. I learned the hours at which it’s able to receive sunlight, and that the small tree cannot be in direct sunlight. My idea for this project was to create a woven shade for my bonsai tree and other plants.
When I was deciding what materials to use, I tested canvas with light and saw that it blocked out too much light for my liking. Instead, I found this plastic clear-ish mesh to weave my strings through. I wanted to find a good balance between the light that would shine through, and the amount that would be blocked by the woven strings.
Here is my tree. It includes a little panda, turtle, fisherman, and pond.
I wasn’t sure what pattern to create but I decided on a sunset. I thought that the image of a sunset is a peaceful image that the fisherman and the tree would enjoy. I wanted to create something with water and a tree to go along with the fisherman, pond, and tree.
I added flexible rods to create the base which also allows me to adjust the height.
This shade may not seem like it symbolizes love, but this hand woven shade is a symbol of care of one who takes care of plants. This is a somewhat high maintenance plant that I hope will stay alive for a long time. He’s been added into my daily routines and I will continue to care for it to make sure it grows big and strong. My long term goal would be to have the tree outgrow the shade.