"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 98 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: March 05, 1998 Subscribers: 485 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 If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 96 Date: Tue, 03 Mar 1998 15:08:41 EST From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 96 Hi Weavers! My late February trip to Branson was interesting and fun, but the basket search was not at all what I had anticipated! We decided not to go to Rogers, AR, even though the Arkansas Basket Guild was meeting Saturday afternoon, because V.I. Reed & Cane, our original basket-oriented destination does not have a retail store. (Oh, well - I can still order via phone.) Silver Dollar City has baskets & at least one weaver, but is still closed for the winter. In the yellow pages we found a basket shop in Branson and a basket weaver in nearby Kimberling City. Since we were headed that way anyhow to go through Talking Rocks Cave (Laura's first cave tour!), we went on to Kimberling City for lunch. When I called the basketmaker, I got an answering machine using the name of the Branson Shop. Figuring that the weaver was at the shop, we returned to Branson, via Reed Springs (because I missed a turn). That was not a problem, as we found Robbie's Antiques where Laura found a Gene Stratton Porter book she hadn't heard of and I found a nice little pine needle basket, possibly Indian-made, definitely quite old. There was another good pine needle basket identified as Choctaw that was shaped like a hen, but beyond my budget for the day. Among the twenty or so oak baskets they had, an old one was a possibly-one-of-a-kind picnic basket that had been woven over a wood frame. It was, unfortunately, not in good condition. The recent oak baskets were anonymous and not as well made as I wanted. Back in Branson we searched for the address of Baskets of Love, which used to be in the Engler Block. It was no longer there, but the Ozark Mountaineer bookstore was! They had about a dozen good basket books and I bought two I hadn't seen before. They referred us to a craft complex not far from our motel so we stopped there after our cobbler-a-la-mode break. It seems the elusive Baskets of Love weaver doesn't keep a shop there any more either, having decided that she has enough outlets elsewhere and makes most of her individual sales at a fall festival. (I checked in my MBG directory and decided she must be Joan McBain. Maybe I'll get to meet her at convention this summer.) On the brighter side, The Red Barn shop did have good traditional oak baskets by Thomas (I think) Long, who learned basketweaving from his father and still cuts and splints his own oak. He's not in the MBG directory, though, so if any of you know him, please let him know that I'm happy to have bought one of his round market baskets! Michelle Deak - Congratulations on your new guild and your office. Please post information about future mini-conventions in advance. Best wishes for continuing success. Nancy Hedberg - I was sorry to hear of the loss of your husband's mother and sister. You have my sincere sympathy. It takes a while to sort out the mixture of feelings of loss and loneliness and the relief that their suffering is over. I'm really glad to hear your mom is feeling better, though. Julie C Kleinlein - Thanks for sharing your acorn stain method. This year I won't leave them all for the squirrels. When doing a poured or drippy method like that, I like to work over a plastic litterbox or dishpan (or anything that's more rectangular than round) because it's easy to pour the drippings back into the storage container from a corner of the drip catcher. Alice Edwards - I missed the Woven Circle meeting yesterday because I was still in Branson. Did you get there? How was the shaping session? Deb Curtis - Are there any published books or articles that might contain pictures of baskets by Leon Niehues? I agree with you about unusual or nonstandard techniques resulting in baskets. I find it very difficult to draw definite lines. Being a lumper rather than a splitter, when in doubt, I tend to count an item in rather than out. (But that doesn't necessarily mean I think it is a good basket, or that I like it.) I understand there is a book out about handmade papers for basketry. It's on my want list. Yet another type of project to tackle. I believe there is a certain level of craft skill required for the successful execution of most arts. No matter how great the artists concept and vision may be, working sloppily will decrease the effectiveness of the communication, even in the case of abstracts. I definitely agree with you about the need for us to educate the public! Fran Steidel - Thanks for the seminar and gathering information! I'm working on a calendar collection of approximate times for such things so I can plan more of them into my schedule in the future. Andrea Lee Wade - I hope you will get to read this & am guessing that someone from Weavers Words is sharing hard copy with you. It was good to hear from you. Maybe they would be willing to take your comments as a file on a disk and email them in for you. Your father's birthday basket sounds wonderful! Did you write up the explanation for him to go along with it? If nothing else, you should keep a copy of it as part of that basket's history. Bert Comstock, hoping she hasn't been too wordy today, in Independence, MO (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 97 Date: Tue, 03 Mar 1998 00:36:31 -0500 From: mbzaj@infinet.com To: David Collins References: 1 Note to Bert (and all): Thanks for noticing the picture of my boys on vacation last summer. They just turned 12 and 9 in February. I have no information on the basket in the picture. They had many lovely examples of baskets in the showroom at Royalwood. I always find this very "inspiring"! Thanks, Brenda Johnson (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 97 Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 09:04:48 EST From: LMBAUCH To: davidc@iei.net Hi, I want to add to the art/craft discussion. I find that I agree with many of the responses. I feel that I am a Craftsman (Note the capital). I am still learning different techniques and how to use different materials, and sharing what I have learned so that there are more weavers out there. I seek to make a strong-useful-aesthetically pleasing-based on traditions-well constructed -no seems showing-consistent-holder of stuff- that won't be tossed with the latest fad. Although I don't always use patterns, when I make a new basket it tends to be based on function or to try something to see if I like it. (And I am grateful to the pattern writers because they have taught me so much) I find that I think "artistry" comes in when you are experimenting or sharing an IDEA, whether it be form, and/or use of the materials to express it. I have seen baskets made in the traditional mode that transcend that Craft barrier but they 'shine' when you see them. You know they are among the best - and you know it when you see them. I wonder if furniture makers have the same debate. We have a local artist that takes the idea of 'chair' to a whole new place. What he creates are still functional, I assume they are comfortable, but I doubt that too many of them are pulled up to the kitchen table for a family dinner! In teaching, I find that the students in the class take whatever you teach and lend their own talents to 'em. There are those who find total joy in just knowing that they made it. - and others who will take the little bits of info and get really creative, It all depends on how they 'see' it. Same class, same info, totally different responses! So I guess it depends on how you see yourself and what you are doing - and like some one earlier said - in how your public sees it. Sometimes you have to search for the right 'public'! Sometimes it is freeing not to be bound by someone else's categories! I can get up on that soap box! I have a question, too!!!! (Though, Joy, probably not one to bring such discussions! ) Do you all know how much I've been referring to you all lately? It's been fun - now I have to find and try acorns! ANYWAY, my question is this ---In ribbed baskets - how to you change materials in the body of the basket gracefully? I found out how to change colors - but if you go from flat to round - or vice versa - how do you end the weaver and/or start the new ones? I didn't find it in the books/patterns I have. I'd appreciate any help you might have! Laurie in Pa (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 97 Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 20:37:01 -0700 From: Sharle Osborne To: David Collins Bert- yes, those are the little vinegar and oil bottles you can pick up in kitchen shops. I also covered a large olive oil bottle that had a cork instead of a threaded top. I use it with one of the metal spouts that may be for pouring liquors. I found a large heavy glass jar made in Spain that I covered for my Mom as a Tea canister, It has a wide mouth with a cork lid. I've been keeping my eyes open for interesting bottle shapes and found some tall three sided bottles but haven't had time for them yet. I'm working on a waxed linen pouch with split cedar withes for spokes. I was given two charms, a dragon fly and a crab for the holidays and am trying to end up with one represented on each side. It's my first attempt at anything like this, so I was pleased when I figured out how to twine and keep a color to the back. Now I'm worried about whether I'll have room for the dragonfly's head! It is the most portable project I can imagine. It fits in my purse. From Sequim, where it has been windy, and rainy Sharle Osborne (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: ammonia and hemostats Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 22:00:47 EST From: Arlo1225 To: davidc@iei.net Hi all! I'm another lurker and fairly new basket weaver, but I'm hooked! My dining room is filled with reed and basketmaking supplies - need to get organized SOON! (any suggestions?) Daughter's birthday is next month and we need the dining room for the party......anyway....I have been reading the notes about ammonia and animals marking their "spots", and it brought to mind the story of my second basket. My first basket was made 3 years ago in an adult credit- free class offered by a local college - no mention was made in the course description about previous basketry experience needed......we made a Shaker cheese basket...NOT a good first basket,at least for me....needless to say it took me 3 years to attempt another basket - this time with a friend and a much simpler pattern - it was a success and I was extremely proud of it. When I brought it home I set it on our kitchen table overnight - being too lazy to put it away properly. The next morning, much to my dismay, I found that one of our cats had "marked" the basket. I was sure it was ruined as the little critters had marked other items in the past - all of which had to be thrown out. As a last ditch effort I tried a product called "Nature's Miracle" that my neighbor recommended. I saturated the bottom "marked" portion of the basket with the liquid - setting it in my utility sink. I think I left it in the liquid at least overnight. I then rinsed the basket and let it dry. It was a miracle! No scent remained! And better yet, even the cats didn't smell anything - they have left the basket alone since! Not sure "Nature's Miracle" is good for the reed but it sure saved my basket! It also didn't effect the stain - ........ Re: hemostats - someone was looking for a place to purchase one....."Keepsake Quilting" sells 2 sizes - 5 1/2" long for 7.99 and 10" long for 11.99 - the address is: Keepsake Quilting Rt 25B PO Box 1618 Centre Harbor, NH 03226 Phone: 1-800-865-9458 Fax: 1-603-253-8731 Hope this info. helps......guess I can't be considered a "lurker" anymore! Oh, and I WILL make another Shaker basket - maybe even two or three!!!! But not just yet! Happy weaving to all! :-) Lesley (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Mildew problems Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 06:41:08 -0600 From: "weavers" Reply-To: "weavers" <@i-55.com> To: "David Collins" HI Again: This is just a quick note to Nancy about the dampness and mildew...Since I live in the Mildew Capitol of the World (Southern Louisiana), I have experienced a lot of the problems you are talking about. When we have a lot of rain, it doesn't matter that my reed is in a completely enclosed storage room, it will tend to mildew because the moisture seeps in through the slab and bricks. After attempting many solutions, I finally invested in a de-humidifier. It is a small machine that will pull moisture from the air. I use it only when the humidity is high for several days, and the "feel" of mildew is in the air. You have to be careful because you can run it too much and then pull too much moisture out of the air and the reed will suffer from overdryness (is that a word?) and be brittle. The de-humidifier cost more than I wanted to spend, but after losing about $1,000. worth of reed and cane one year, I decided it was cheaper than the loss. I did reclaim some of the mildewed reed by soaking in bleach, but this only works if it is slightly damaged. The reed with really bad mildew I just had to pitch. Another hint I found, because my baskets would mildew while drying during high humidity, was to put a "glug" or two of bleach in the water while I was weaving. This prevented the mildew from forming. Of course this doesn't work if you are using colors...But if I was making a basket with both natural and color, I would still put the bleach in and put the color in a different pot of water. Hope this helps. We are getting ready to leave for a 10 day basketmaking adventure...we are very excited. We will be teaching in Bel Air MD, Annandale, VA and then proceeding on to Raleigh for the North Carolina Basketmakers Convention. This will be so much fun. Hope to see many of you there. For those of you who have checked out our website, I hope you'll come back, We are upgrading the site and it is almost ready. It will be really sharp - I think...Please check it out and let me know what you think. www.basketsupplies.com Well, have to go pack. Take care everyone. Johanna Heller (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: suggestions Date: Tue, 03 Mar 1998 10:21:18 -0500 From: Winnie Organization: @Home Network Member To: David Collins References: 1 Hi Fellow Weavers, Wedding Basket- JDDCNICK asked about a basket for a wedding. I have been teaching basket classes for 8 years and have many students that have made baskets for wedding parties. The basket that they usually decide upon is a Gathering Basket in Pat Depke's booklet, Basketry Tomorrow's Treasures. It's a beautiful little basket. The base is 5x7 and it has slanted sides, a rim done in round reed and a wrapped handle. It's been made so many times that we now call it the Wedding Basket. Nancy asked about humidity. I have my "studio" in my basement and when the weather turns hot I turn on my dehumidifier which helps a lot. I'm lucky that I have a small window in the area so I have connected a hose to the dehumidifier so I don't have to empty it constantly. I also store my reed in plastic baskets that let the air circulate around the reed. A fan in the area also helps circulate the air and prevent mold and mildew. Hope this helps, Winnie (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 13:32:46 -0800 From: "Dede Harris" To: "Weavers Words" Hi David and fellow weavers. Thanks again for all your work on WW. Nancy, have you tried Kitty Litter out in you shop? They are designed to absorb moisture, so it should work. Also if you could on occasion bring out a portable heater, it goes a long way to help dry the room out. I have a one car garage with two sky lights that both leak, so I have had to do battle with the mold. I have also put all my materials in plastic bags, and plastic storage boxes. So far so good! Hope this helps. Dédé in rainy Seattle (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 3 Mar 1998 16:44:43 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hi Everyone, WOW! You guys sent so many great perspectives on "art" vs. craft". It was exciting to read. I agree with the thought of not getting stressed over it. I doubt very much that it matters what we call it. What we get out of it is much more important. That's why I make baskets. I was curious though, what you all thought. I'm sure we can find bureaucracies in both the "art" and "craft" worlds. So far, I've avoided all that, thank God! According to Webster, art reveals, "skill in performance acquired by experience, study & observation"; it stands apart in possessing, "a personal, unanalyzable creative power." I propose that both art & craft meet those criteria, and the unanalyzable creative power is at the root of the "healing" or "therapeutic" aspects of both. A special note to Ann, Tracy & JDDCNIC (?) for emerging from lurkdom & sharing! Donna, what a story! Let's be grateful it was not worse. I used to counsel alcoholics & drug addicts in an in-patient, 30 day program. Too many judges remain ignorant that these are chronic, progressive problems that require treatment vs. "willpower". That guy should have been ordered into rehab as well being sentenced for DWI. Jo sounds like the greatest kind of friend to have. I especially liked part about the dog being able to break the carpet boundary. Pet therapy. Tracy & Brenda, that 'ol teacher and the fellow basketmaker epitomize "the critic", sometimes found outside ourselves, sometimes found inside ourselves when we do art or craft. Negative comments rarely "feed" the artist's spirit, or fuel the work. Finding ways to manage "the critic" allows us to go forward & create. WHICH BRINGS ME TO MY NEXT QUESTION: IF THERE WERE NO LIMITATIONS, WHAT WOULD YOUR CREATIVE SPACE / WORK AREA LOOK LIKE? Lastly, Brenda & Bert asked about the Medusa Basket Sign. You can see it close up in the Pattern Room of my website. Yes, it is BIG - two feet X almost three feet! :) Joy Sign of the Crow www.signofthecrow.com MAINE (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: craft vs. art Date: Tue, 03 Mar 1998 16:13:51 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from Honolulu where the weather is pretty much the same every day.. To Donna K.--thank goodness you suffered no serious injury--my thoughts and good hopes are indeed with you while you recover, physically and mentally. After the "discussions" we*ve had in the past concerning are we basketmakers or basketweavers, copying or buying patterns, and so on, I*ve avoided discussions like the plague. I find it not worth endangering my stress level to give an opinion that might upset someone. However, when weavers start discussing are we artists or crafters and some of the answers require me to go off and find a dictionary, I find the need to say a word or two. Before I was a weaver, I was a quilter. Quilting can be just as addicting as basketmaking--in fact, I still go into fabric shops and run my hands over the beautiful fabric and I still buy "fat quarters" and stack them neatly in my basketroom saying to myself, "someday..someday". No one ever asked if what I was doing was an art or a craft. (and yes, I was doing the same thing--buying fabric (reed), following a pattern, and making a treasure--just like basket weaving). No one ever said, upon looking at my Triple Irish Chain quilt, "wow, what a neat craft". They said, wow, what a neat QUILT". I wasn*t called a crafter nor an artist. I was called a QUILTER. I like to think it*s the same now. People look at my wares and say "nice basket" and I*m called a "Basketmaker"--neither an artist nor crafter. So I don*t think it*s either (an art or a craft)--it*s a basket created with love. If it*s made from cedar bark or twine or kudzu or antlers or reed--it*s still a basket. Sometimes I think we give too many names or create categories when it isn*t necessary. Kristin in Yorktown has made the most sense so far--we*ll just keep on weaving while people hash it out--art or craft. Lois Honolulu, HI (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Iowa Arts Guild Basket Seminar Date: Tue, 03 Mar 1998 22:25:25 -0600 From: jajesper To: David Collins Hello from Northwest Iowa. I am wondering if anyone else is planning to attend the "Midwest Natural Basketmaing Seminar" at the Amana Colonies April 25-28? Instructors included Marlys Sowers, Cass Schorsch, Peggie Wilcox Arends, Jo Campbell-Amsler and Dianne Stanton. The class list looks great! Can't wait to learn lots of new things. The Amana's are always great to visit and the basket weavers are all a great bunch to get to know. Kathleen (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: MOLDS Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 19:05:34 +0000 ("GMT") From: SHARP9@ULSTER.NET To: davidc@iei.net IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO MAKES OR SELL BACK PACK PUZZLE MOLDS, PLEASE FORWARD THE INFORMATION TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE BEEN IN SEARCH OF ONE FOR OVER TWO YEARS. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 17:25:58 PST From: "Alice Edwards" To: davidc@iei.net My Oh My - Joy asks thought provoking questions! Art or Craft? That's a good one. I have certainly enjoyed thinking your question, reading some of the comments, and discussing it with some of my friends. Unlike Roberta, I put off answering awhile so I would have time to ponder. I'm still pondering, but will go ahead and comment since I suspect this is a question with no final answer. Personally, I think basket making is a craft that can be an art. But it seems hard to articulate the differences. The first baskets I made while following the instructions of others, instructors or patterns, were I feel part of learning the craft. Although even then instructors offered choices of colors, etc. and some creative/personal aspects were applied. As I change proportions, add color or change other aspects of the baskets such as where to add the color accents, they become more uniquely mine. When this becomes art is a very hard place to define. I still feel my baskets are mainly craft. But, some of the abstract sculpture examples in books are, I feel, definitely art. As I tried to explain this in a group of friends discussing the issue, one of them told me that my baskets might be a craft to me, but if she felt they were art, then they were art for her. I felt complimented because she does quilted panels that I feel really do qualify as art. I do think that creativity, form, balance and design are important, BUT so is the skill used to create the basket. Also, I want to make functional, practical baskets, that are skillfully made. That is my top priority, although I do worry about the proportions of where to add the color accents, what colors to use, etc. I don't think you can totally separate art and craft. And, I suspect the opinions of the public are as varied as our own opinions. Donna - Thank you for your warning, and thank goodness you are well enough to warn us. I'm even worse, I have tossed a few tools in an open basket, put it on the seat next to me and took off for guild meetings. After reading your story, I will be more careful. I'm glad you have found the good side of your experience to be grateful for, but certainly wish you could have been spared this experience. I hope your therapy goes well. Remember our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy - Glad your trip home went so well, sounds like lots of fun. It is sad to hear about Archie's mother and sister, but I can relate to knowing that long illness has seriously eroded dignity and quality of life. David - Thanks for providing this format for all of us to meet and visit. Alice - Where the Kansas City area was sunny today. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Issue 97 Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 22:46:33 -0500 From: David & Ruthanne Morningstar To: David Collins Re: Weavers Words Issue 97 To All: I wish everyone writing in would sign off with their name, city & state. If they want to add weather conditions, that would be great too. It's really quite interesting. To Donna Kallner: Sorry to hear about your horrible accident. Thankfully you and your friend, Jacki Bedworth weren't killed. A person has to be totally insane, not to mention an Idiot, to drink and drive. I certainly appreciate your sharing the fact of tools being thrown about the interior of the car. Many of us travel with our tool baskets and I'll bet have never given a second thought to sharp implements flying through the air. Rest assured my tool basket will receive much more attention from now on and I'm sure many others will be doing the same. Thanks for sharing this. You may have saved someone a great deal of sorrow, and I wish you both a quick recovery. To Nancy Hedberg: I asked my husband about the problem with dampness in your workshop. He said, "First, get rid of the rubber matting. It traps the moisture and will eventually rot your floor. Second, lay plastic on top of the dirt. This will help keep the moisture in the ground." I hope this helps you. To Joy Moody: To answer your questions: 1. Do I consider basketry an Art or a Craft? - I thought about this and immediately decided that if the vessel is functional, i.e. useful, it's a craft, but if it's a non-functional piece, one that is only displayed and not utilized, I consider it Art. That may sound rather blunt, but it's how I look at it. 2. What distinguishes one from the other? - Again, if it's functional or not. 3. Can Craft turn into Art or vice versa? - That's hard. An Oak basket that I've made, splitting out the wood and carving the handles, is an art, but when I haul wool or knitting to a Guild meeting or lug it out to the Garden and load it with vegetables, it hardly looks as an Art piece. Still beautiful in my eyes, but Art? 4. How does the public view basketry? - Like most things, it depends on their priorities. People who appreciate quality certainly see quality in handwoven baskets. A few people who have bought baskets from me and then have taken a class, feel any price isn't enough. Like most things, if they had to take the time to make them, they would gladly pay any price. This has been an interesting question. It makes one ponder. (It seems we don't do much of that these days, do we?) To Peggy Tomaszewski - Good to see your name on the list! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Will I see you and the group in April at Camp Fowler? To all - There is a Basketmakers Weekend Happening '98 to be held April 24 - 26 at Camp Fowler in Michigan's Thumb Area. This is the eighth year for it. It's a small group, up to fifty weavers, several teachers, a large variety of baskets to pick from and relatively inexpensive. Oh, and I forgot, it's lots of fun! But then, what weaving weekend isn't! For more info send a SASE to Jeanne Wilson, % Thumb Hobbies, 3441 S. Main Street, Marlette, MI 48453. Or Call (517) 635-2497 (Home). Here's another question for the group. When you teach, do you mark and cut the spokes for your students, make up kits, or let them do it all? I find marking and cutting the spokes certainly helps in the weaving time frame, especially if they are new weavers. What are your views on this???? To the students, do you like having the spokes done for you or not???? Whew! . . . I guess if I wrote in more often, I wouldn't be so long winded (My husband, David, read that line and said, "Naw!"). Anyway, peaceful weaving and "pondering" from Ruthanne Morningstar in Dryden, Michigan where we were under the impression that Spring had arrived, but it's now snowing and in the low 30's. David & Ruthanne Morningstar Dryden, Michigan Mstar@mich.com dmstar@CompuServe.com (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.