"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 103 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: March 25, 1998 Subscribers: 503 Back Issues: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Basket Biddin' Auction: http://members.tripod.com/~Basket_Biddin/ (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION*** ***PLEASE READ BEFORE PRINTING*** 1.) Highlight entire issue. 2.) Click copy. 3.) Paste issue into a word processor of your choosing. 4.) Now Print. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) <>------<> PICTURES SENT IN BY YOU <>------<> 1.) Ms. Brenda Johnson's Vacation Stop At Royalwood. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/basketshop.jpg 2.) Ms. Judy Mullins' Log Cabin Getaway. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cabin1.jpg 3.) Ms. Joy Moody's Basket Sign. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/medusasignclose.gif 4.) Ms. Sharle Osborne's Cedar Covered Bottles. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/bottles.jpg 5.) Ms. Fran Steidel's Wax Linen Egg Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/waxlinenegg.jpg 6.) Ms. Brenda Johnson's Wagon Full Of Bears. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/wagon.jpg 7.) Ms. Nancy Hedberg's Nantucket Bridesmaid Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/bride.jpg 8.) Ms. Tracy Jenkins' Kettle Corn Basket. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cornbasket.jpg NEW---9.) Ms. Andris Lapins' Willow Skein Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/willow.jpg NEW---10.) Ms. Andris Lapins' Round Peeled Willow Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/peeled.jpg If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 21:24:36 -0500 From: "Russell & Leslie Johnson" To: Hi Everyone...writing to you from Michigan, the first full day of spring and we woke up to 2" of snow covering a nice layer of ice! Happy Spring! As I headed out at 6 AM this morning for my first "spring" craft show, I thought about Myra writing last week about a show she had just finished with dismal results. I wonder if other weavers find that "spring" shows have poor sales? The show was busy with a steady stream of shoppers, but they didn't seem to be in the mood for buying. I think I will stick to fall shows from now on. I really enjoy reading all the other weavers adventures, tips and tricks. Thank you David for all your hard work & thanks to all you wonderful artists for sharing. Happy Weaving. Leslie in Adrian, MI (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 102 Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 23:05:27 -0500 From: olneyjw@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Chris Baker: Here's one teacher/pattern writer who will sell patterns in any amount (more than 1 or 2 that is) to another teacher: Me! I now know you're a teacher, so if you need any of my patterns in small quantities, just email or call...but not right away...I'm in Florida till the 30th (where it has really rained and turned right chilly--we've had several days in MA already that were warmer than today was here in FL--on the other hand, it is snowing in MA today--happy spring? Julie Kleinlein: You want another conference? Have I got a conference for you! It's not till November, but it's pretty sure to be a good one...and small. Personally, I really like these small conferences SO much better than the big ones. Somehow, I never manage to really meet new people at big conferences. There's so much going on and so many people to say "hi" to that I'm exhausted before I ever get to the meeting new people stage. The small conferences are less frenetic and so much cozier that it's actually possible to have a real conversation with someone you've just met and end up coming home with a new friend or two. So, what small conference am I talking about? The Florida Southern Basketry Conference in Tampa on November 6, 7 & 8. There is also a pre-conference on the 4th and 5th. This is a new conference that offers quite a range of classes--especially considering its size. Teachers will be John Garrett, Dianne Stanton, Patti Hawkins, Lynn Gammon, Johanna Heller, and Linda Arter. Dianne, Patti, Johanna and Linda may be familiar names to you since they teach regularly at conventions, but John and Lynn are pretty special, too. John Garrett is mainly a studio artist who creates basketry forms out of metals and recycled materials. I have not been lucky enough to have a class with him yet, but I understand his classes are a lot of fun, creative, and inspirational. I have been lucky enough to know Lynn Gammon for quite a few years now since she's a moving force on the Houston basket scene and I've been spending a lot of time there as my parents have aged and Mamma has passed on.. She's very dynamic, creative, energetic and inspirational as well as great fun to be around. This lady does just about everything and does it all well. If you'd like the full conference mailing, send 55 cents to Florida Southern Basketry, c/o Adie Moore, 6100 Lyon Rd., Spring Hill, FL 34601. If you have other questions, email Sue Cooper, flasue@aol.com. Florida isn't warm right now, much to my disgust, but El Nino should be long out of the picture by November and the famed Florida warmth should be an added enticement for you northerners. XXOO, JOlney (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 102 Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 13:11:20 +0000 From: Pamela Woodbury To: David Collins Hi Weavers, It's been a while since I wrote, but I am still alive and well. Been so busy I should have my head examined. I am getting ready to teach and vend at IN's convention and also have a craft show while I am gone. Of course my sister is doing the show, but I still have to get ready for it. I also am teaching at MI's spring event, Camp Fowler and 2 more craft shows in April. Thank goodness I will be free again until I teach at MO's convention in June. My husband is going to that convention with me and I am done teaching on Sat. so we will be getting up from convention bright and early on Sunday and leaving for a hopefully 2 weeks relaxed vacation. I guess if I see basketry I'll stop, but it is strictly a vacation. Mindy I don't sell any of my Nantuckets but I do sell baskets and do take special orders. I have had happen to me what happened to you several times. I used to just take a 20% deposit thinking they would not want to forfeit the 20% as I stressed to them when they ordered it was non-refundable deposit. It seems when people cannot come up with the other 80% they would rather forfeit the 20% than admit it so instead of calling and even trying to work out some sort of payment they ignore your calls. I now take closer to a 50% deposit, but like I said I am not selling Nantuckets so we are still talking about far less money than you are. I guess I sort of figure after I haven't heard from them in a couple of months they are not interested so I sell the basket. My policy is if they call again and want the basket as soon as they send me the rest of the money I will make another. Sounds harsh but it has happened several times and it is what I have been forced to do. Anne there is a small basketry shop in Jacksonville, NC called Crafts Plus owned by Debbie Collins. She carries several of my patterns. I know that Kim Renich goes there often and teaches. You might want to stop and talk to Debbie about upcoming teaching events. Chris Baker, I for one will wholesale on a smaller basis if you are buying at least a dozen patterns not necessarily of the same pattern. I wholesale this way with a small shop in NC and it has worked out well. I have gotten several orders from her. I will not wholesale one or two patterns but like I said if you order 3 or 4 of each and at least a dozen total I sometimes do this. Julie, I too have heard that NCBA and IBA will be the same weekend next year. There is no possibility that MI will be that weekend as our convention is always in October. One of my biggest craft shows of the year is also on the same weekend as IBA next year so I have a decision to make and soon as to what I am going to do. With 52 weekends a year I sure wish everything didn't have to fall on the same weekend. Well I'm off to do some serious packing today so I will be ready to leave bright and early Wed. morning. Hope to meet some of you at IBA. Pam Woodbury Birch Run, MI (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Sun. Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 14:23:32 -0500 From: Nancy Hedberg To: davidc@iei.net David, Thanks for posting my picture. It looks great! Lisa has told all her bridesmaids where to go look to see what they will be carrying. Since she lives in Africa and will be marrying a Norwegian, her bridesmaids are from all over. She was tickled to be able to share that with them. Ann Ridgeway's studio sounds like a dream come true. I think I'm jealous! I think just having running water would be wonderful. I'm forever hauling milk jugs for soaking reed and making tea. Billie: There's a shop near us in Asheville, N.C. that sells all sorts of art supplies including waxed linen. I've used some for a technique called tapestry weave in my Nantuckets. Anyway, they also sell linen that's unwaxed and wax, I'm sure it's beeswax, to pull it through. Have you thought about adding more wax to what you've bought if it doesn't have enough? Mindy: Thanks for the comment about my bride's baskets. I think you've given ample time to the woman who ordered the nesting set from you. If you have another buyer, I'd go for it. I'd also not worry about the 20% she paid you, after all isn't that why you require it? Jan S.: Isn't it nice to feel a connection with all the generations of women and men who have gone before us? Thanks for the history lesson. I'll look for the issue. Julie: I'm jealous of your (and everyone else's) trip to N.C. Sounds like a wonderful time. My sister goes all over to conventions and workshops for quilters. One of these days I'm going to go to convention too! Nancy in N.E. Tenn. where it's still cold wet and snowing. Where IS spring? (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 102 Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 11:06:28 -0500 From: reedbasket@juno.com (SUSAN A REED-FANFONI) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Greetings from the Shenandoah Valley where it is wet and muddy. I have been reading Weavers Words for quite some time now and enjoy every single issue. Much appreciation to David for doing this for us. I finally decided to write today and not play "possum" any longer. First I wanted to say I thought the NC Convention was excellent this year. Everyone had plenty of room for weaving and yet all the different exhibits were located together. Unfortunately it can't be helped that IBA and NCBA convention is going to be the same time next year and possibly the year after. Whatever weekends the hotels have available that is what choice the groups have. The conventions have to be booked at least 4 to 5 years in advance to get the weekend your group wants. Hopefully this can be avoided in the future. To Nancy in N.Illinois: I had a home party last fall at my husband's secretary's house. We sent out 50 invitations and 19 came. But those 19 came to buy! I did $700 in an hour and a half. I provided refreshments, and door prizes were given out every 15 minutes. They loved it and wanted to know when I was going to do the next one. I have heard positive comments from others who have done home parties and have a lot of success with them. Even if 10 people came, it was better than having to go to a craft show to sell. To Mindy Lower: I would stop wasting your time and money with this customer. I would send her money back minus your costs of long distance calls and certified letter. I think you have done more than enough trying to reach her and let her know. Most customers if they want the item, make a REAL effort to pay the person. I think you are getting the "run around". I'm sorry you are going through this but it will help you set up a policy next time around. To Chris Baker: I sympathize with you about buying the patterns wholesale for your small classes. I have a mail order business selling patterns and kits. Although I wholesale patterns in lots of 12, if a customer (like you) says she or he is teaching a small class then I will drop down to 6. I also give a 10 percent discount on the kits also if 6 or more are purchased. I do try to help the "small class" teachers out because I know how difficult it is. (I've been there). Maybe if enough teachers say something this will change or relax their policy. I wonder if Ann Ridgeway is giving tours of her studio? It sounds so wonderful!! Well I've said plenty today. Hope the temperatures rise some soon. ABWF, Susan Reed-Fanfoni (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: TEACHING KIDS Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 18:02:00 -0600 From: Gary Dunham To: "davidc@iei.net" Hi! In the summer I am a camp counselor. The age groups I have are 11 & 12 year olds. I thought it would be fun to teach them how to weave. Any any suggestions or tips that will help me in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated. Cindy From Northern Illinois (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 102 Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 20:55:37, -0500 From: CRAJ51A@prodigy.com (MRS MYRA J STUTLER) To: davidc@iei.net To Nancy: In regard to your open house -- why don't you have a basket party instead. When people come to a party, you are pretty much assured a sale. An open house keeps you tied down for the hours you schedule and to include everybody that almost means an entire day into evening. Had a bad week -- my hubby had a heart attack on Monday but I am happy to report that he is doing great. Boy, that was scary. He had a 99% blocked artery that goes to the back of his heart but they were able to open it fully with angioplasty and they also put in a mesh screen to hold the artery open. My nerves were revving on high so I turned to my basket weaving when I wasn't at the hospital. I weaved 4 baskets! Hubby goes back to the heart doctor on Tuesday. I have my guild meeting in Kingston, Michigan on Tuesday night but in all the excitement of this past week will have to see how things go at the heart doctor as to whether or not I can go to it. Myra Stutler craj51a@prodigy.com (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Finger Lakes Basket Weaver's Conference, etc. Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 16:39:21 -0500 From: Craig and Donna Weber Organization: DW Baskets To: "Collins, David" Hello Everyone! Happy springtime! Although you wouldn't know it here in the northeast...we just got more than 6" of snow over the weekend. Mother Nature forgot to check the calendar. I guess I shouldn't complain though since they had originally predicted 12" or more! And I do feel terrible for the people in North Carolina and Georgia. They really got hit hard so we should ALL count our blessings! For all of you living near those areas hard hit please let us know how you are doing. I am wondering if anyone will be attending the 1998 Finger Lakes Basket Weavers Conference on April 24-25? This is the Finger Lakes Basket Weavers Guild first convention and I understand it has received such a wonderful response. I am REALLY looking forward to attending (with a 2 month old and 3 yr. old this is my mini vacation away from home ;-) I will be taking two classes with Patti Hawkins; the Abundance on Friday and the Triple Arrows Purse on Saturday. I wish it was longer so we could take more classes as the selection was really terrific especially for their first year. It was hard to choose which classes to take! I'd love to hear from others who will be attending...maybe we could all meet somewhere to chat (and eat of course!). We wanted you all to be the first to know that we just got in some wonderful ceramic embellishments that are so nicely made! We have most of the pictures posted on our web site with the rest to follow within the next day or so. The bunnies, tulip and lamb are perfect for Easter and spring! Please check them out and let us know what you think! We also have some new wire handles that are really nice for spring and summer as well. We have a painted sunflower in both a wire handle and also as an add-on (with prongs on the back for attaching the front of the basket). Also have a brand new wheelbarrow and watering can, both as add-ons that are so neat! For new Jelly Jar and Bean Pot handles we have a terrific bunny on the top that is so cute (yes, I think it IS cute!). The wire handles now have a special coating on them so they do not rust, and it is NOT the kind that flakes either! They are VERY nicely made. Well, little Jake is calling for his next feeding so I got to run. Hope everyone has a terrific spring filled with lots of time to do all the things you love to do! This time of year is perfect for getting those creative juices flowing again! Happy Weaving## Donna Weber in Elmira, NY where it is a beautiful spring day although it is only in the high 40's. -- DW Baskets C&DWeber@clarityconnect.com http://www.dwbaskets.com (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Fw: pine needles Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 16:16:58 -0600 From: "Susan Waite" To: I still have long pine needles for sale. Anyone interested, please e-ma il slw@compu.net. They are $10.00 per pound plus postage. I will be glad to ship these anywhere. Thanks Susan, slw@compu.net (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 101 Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 00:41:47 EST From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Brenda Johnson - Cool Wagon! It appears to be on a table. How long is it? Nancy Hedberg's - Your Nantucket Bridesmaid Baskets are beautiful! Will the bridesmaids carry flowers in them? Tracy Jenkins' - What is Kettle Corn that it needs such a huge basket? The basket's great. Sharle Osborne - Your suggestion to look for baskets in Native American galleries is a good one. (& Jayna) - In addition to baskets, they sometimes have books about baskets. I also check for baskets and books at historic site gift shops. Bookstores sometimes have them in their regional interest sections. When (if) I finish my ideal workspace, I may have to install a bunkhouse nearby to accommodate all the visitors and students who would come for my workshops. Don't know what I'll do with the list of people who want me to adopt them and let them move into my existing studio (it's an upstairs room about 15 x 22 feet with skylights in the cathedral ceiling and cedar crossbeams)! Please tell us about your Spring Retreat when you get home. Linda I Nelson - Welcome! We'll certainly enjoy hearing about your international basket experiences. I wasn't weaving much before I retired. Hope to someday get back to many of the places I went on job-related trips. Let us know when you do your big tour. Myra - Congratulations on getting your basket business launched! May it continue to grow and prosper. Lesley - Thanks for the info about Nature's Miracle. Brigitte Burkholder - I would think it acceptable to sell baskets made from a pattern, but if I were to do that, I would certainly include a tag giving credit to the designer. Don't take my word for it though, because I haven't published any patterns yet. See what the published designers think. I suppose you could also ask the specific designer whose baskets you'd like to sell. Many books give generic instructions and leave it to the weaver to figure their exact dimensions and which elements to include or omit. That makes everyone's version more nearly their own. Darleena - Hi! Yes, I've missed you. Are you ready for the big move? Kathleen Jespersen - Thanks for the Amana information! I've just learned that the MO convention is the same weekend I'll be setting up camp for War of the Lilies and attending Crown Tournament. Drat! :=( I may have to see if I can get up to the Iowa event to console myself in advance. :=) Joy - I agree with you about how annoying it is for a teacher to grab your basket and work on it instead of just answering the question. I hate it when that happens! I once had a drawing instructor who did that. I never felt like it was my drawing any more after she had 'fixed' it to suit herself. If sweetgrass really needs a lot of moisture, how likely is it that it could invade the higher, drier parts of a yard? I'd like to know more about it, too. My guess is that it would do well in your wet drainage area, possibly needing some supplemental water when it's really dry. Tell Curious George my project last week was weaving seven cylindrical baskets in dark green and white reed to give away as prizes. They are about 7 or 8 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall to the flat rim, with an extra long spoke pair lapped across the top, reinforced and lashed to make a 5-inch tall handle. I consider them 'quickies' and not my best work, but the recipients loved them and they got a lot of compliments from others who saw them. My project this week is to file my income taxes and organize my basket supplies before I go to Camp MO-VAL, MO, for Betty Curry's Split Oak Basket Workshop this weekend. Winnie - I like the sound of your leveling method & will keep it in mind for future application. Johnny & Kari Walker - Hi! & welcome to Weavers Words. Had a great time weaving with Barbara last week. I made her Walnut Gathering basket (except for putting on the handle and rim - which I hope to finish tomorrow). She worked on a new design, but everyone'll have to wait til she finishes the pattern to hear the particulars. Billie - Congratulations on quitting smoking! Three Cheers for Billie!!!! It always brightens my day to hear that sort of good news! & Thanks for sharing your NCBA convention activities with us. Jacki Bedworth - Thanks for your additional safety tips for those of us who travel often. Good advice, whatever the reason for the trip! Hope you've recovered from the accident ok. Happy weaving, all. Bert in Independence, where it's almost like spring today. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: Weaver's Words Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:38:51 -0500 From: "Gail Caron" To: "David Collins" Hi David and all Weavers Words subscribers. This is my first posting, even though I still don't have much to say. I have been weaving for almost three years - I took a six week course at the local high school community school and became hooked. I am largely self-taught since after my brief introductory course I didn't have an instructor until I found Mary Carty at Pineland Folk Music and Basketry. Mary told me about WW and I have spent a lot of time reading all of the back issues. This was like cramming for an exam, which means that I probably don't remember even 10 percent of what I read. After "lurking" for several weeks, I have subscribed to WW, somewhere between the 468 and 500 member mark. I have enjoyed reading the back issues and have learned a lot. I feel as if I know most of you already. I even have pictures in my mind of what I think some of you look like. To Joy Moody and Winnie: Thank you so much for the information which you sent to me when I asked for assistance. You were both extremely helpful. Joy, my dream workshop is a renovated stone barn with lofts and windows and a lot of space. To all: I look forward to each issue of WW and hope to contribute regularly. Well, I have gone on long enough for someone who didn't have much to say. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and creativity. My name is Gail Caron, and I live in southern New Jersey. I am the recent "unlurker" who was introduced to WW by Mary Carty. Gail Caron (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.