"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 99 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: March 08, 1998 Subscribers: 487 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. 98 Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 00:15:11 EST From: LMBAUCH To: davidc@iei.net Ruthanne I usually cut the spokes, and bundle them by long and shorter ones, and then let them mark their own. It teaches them how - so they can tell which side to mark and why. Some are much more particular than I am and it would frustrate them to have them off by an inch (or two?) which happens if I do a lot. It can keep the costs down, too. I mostly teach at a Community College so they collect a Course fee. I charge a materials fee that reflects prep time, ordering/storing, cutting, dying etc so if I spend a lot of time in preparing, it would drive that up. If the class is really full/lots of beginners and I can't them get real creative - and finish on time, I will make up kits - to keep ME from going crazy - which can be worth it most days. Sometimes I lay out the different items in different areas and tell them to get 1 of these, 2 of those (I put notes at each spot because people forget or don't always hear well when they are still getting settled in.) I also have a tool kit for them to use. That way I know they have scissors that will cut! They are asked to bring their own bucket and towel. Joy Another Good Question! It made me chuckle 'cause right now my "studio" is in the basement. We have an old house with cellar wall that are still stone, mud and limestone with 2 SMALL cellar windows. I keep a dehumidifier down there for summer but store the reed I'm not work with in my bedroom. It gets chilly in the winter and heats up in the summer - but I can make a mess and leave it as long as I stay away from the furnace! (so I shouldn't complain). I dream of a large. sunny room with lots of windows, and storage shelves that have doors that can shut if I want to put away the clutter. There will be pegboard (with pegs that don't pull out) for handles and tools. There will be a large sink next to the surface for dying - not my washing machine with dye drips in it! There will be a counter for doing some of the wood working stuff, tables and chairs for students, great music on the stereo, tea in the pot and a few rocking chairs to sit, weave and talk! I think I got part of this picture from Liz Lapaham (wherever you are!) cause her place was a converted garage, next to a wonderful old house with sheep in the fields nearby and lots of her neat work around. I have already announced that I want it - now I've just got to wait 15 more years until the kids are done with college before I can do it but I dream. Ah, well, Someday..... Laurie In PA (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 98 Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 00:39:20 -0500 From: olneyjw@juno.com (Judith W Olney) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 >When you teach, do you mark and cut the spokes for your students, make up kits, or let them do it all?< When I teach at a convention or any other place where time is very limited, I do cut spokes, dye, and do as much as necessary to speed up the getting started time. When I teach a weekly class at "home", I let the students do all that...they are there to learn everything and cutting, dyeing, etc. is part of what needs to be learned. Also I have to charge for my time if I do the cutting, etc. and that increases the materials prices considerably...something I'd rather not do for the regulars. Well, actually, I'd rather not do it for anybody...especially right now when I have TONS of it to do, but it's part of the job, I guess. On the subject of moldy reed: If it's not too awful, you might want to consider dyeing it a nice dark color. Boiling the reed kills the mold and the dye pretty well covers it. It's such a shame to toss reed that's otherwise good just because it's a little moldy and except for those living in the desert, I dare say we all have a bit of a mold problem now and then in the summer. I have noticed, however, that the reed I seal up in plastic bags when it is really dry out seems to escape the mold. JOlney who is getting really nervous because we have not had much of a winter in northeastern MA (and we did have 2' of snow on April Fools day last year!) (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Basketry, Art or Craft Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 01:56:17 -0500 From: "Judy Mullins" To: Hello weavers, In answer to the question, is basketry an art or a craft? Ask yourself this question, is this basket a unique one of a kind, or is it made from a kit? In my opinion, art is the expression of one's self. Therefore, it can't be art if it's made from a kit or pattern. When you first learn basketry, you are learning a craft. As you gradually improve, your work becomes art. I have been teaching basketry since 1984. So, I would like to respond to the new question, do you cut the reed or spokes for your students? My answer is NEVER. It does take longer for the class, when everyone cuts there own materials. But I feel you learn more, when you do the entire basket, from start to finish. I think it would be almost impossible to pre-cut spokes for an egg basket. If you fail to get your hoops exactly centered, then your spokes will be wrong. My computer has been down for sometime, so I haven't meant to ignore anyone. To the lady that asked if I would like to trade some of my hickory and box elder bark, for her cedar bark. I'm sorry, I don't have an abundance of either. But I do have an abundance of the cedar. However, I have never worked with the cedar because I don't like the resin. Would anyone be interested in gathering at my log cabin and farm this summer for basket weaving.? Primitive camping is only 5.00 per person. That would be the only charge. We could all share our ideas, and have a fun week-end. You can view my cabin at the beginning of Weavers Words. I am located about midway between Lexington, Ky. and Cincinnati, Oh. Let me know, and we will plan for a week-end in June. In the meantime, happy weaving. Judy Mullins in Grant County, Kentucky where it's cloudy and in the 40's. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: Another "lurcher" going to NCBasket Convention Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 11:37:27 EST From: DeeGrin To: davidc@iei.net David , I really enjoy reading all the volumes of e-mail. Have been "lurching for months reading every issue and look forward to opening my e-mail for the latest news from you. Thank you so much. I have really been busy with craft fairs since December and even demonstrated basket weaving at the Florida State Fair one day. Met a lot of interesting old time basket weavers and was great fun. Now I am taking a break from my basket weaving obsession to clean my house and get ready to go to the North Carolina Basket Convention in Raleigh next week. This will be my second year to go and am really looking forward to it. I would love to meet some of the other Weavers Word weavers attending. I remember some where some- thing was mentioned about a way to recognize other WW weavers, but can't remember what it was. It would be great to be able to plan dinner or breakfast or some kind of way to get together as a group. I will be attending the following classes: Thursday: Rose Kiley Shaker pin cushion Friday:Jeffrey Gale Berry Basket Saturday: Rosie Kiley Shaker Sewing basket Sunday: JoAn Kelly Castsos Small Country Bread Basket I look forward to meeting some of the great people who write in such great hints and information. I retired a year and a half ago from the field of occupation nursing, and my husband says I am obsessed with baskets. We live on a five acre farm in the middle of Dover Fla. where all the strawberry fields are. We have just had two sets of baby lambs born in the past week and I love sitting out in the back yard weaving. I don't know how I ever had time to work!!! and so glad I don't have to now!!! Dee Grinenko/ Dee's Needle In the Haystack. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: RE: WW v.1 I.97 Date: Fri, 06 Mar 1998 12:24:37 -0500 From: Ellen Dewkett Organization: Greenwood Genetic Center To: davidc@iei.net Ruthanne--Speaking as both student and occasional teacher, I think it's best to cut and mark the spokes for a class. It helps on time and on waste of materials if students have a kit to work from. It's also good for beginners to have one less stress if they are a little worried about making the basket. Bert, I agree that most art requires a certain amount of learned technique before the real artistry can begin. I guess that's why many artists study with a master before branching out on their own. It's supposed to rain here most of the weekend, but it's not too cold. The fruit trees are blooming away. No doubt a freeze will get them, and we'll have another puny peach crop. Ellen Ninety Six, SC (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Scanner info needed! Date: Fri, 06 Mar 1998 12:45:55 -0500 From: Ernest C and Julie C Kleinlein To: David Collins References: 1 Hello everyone, I need a little help with something! I would like to purchase a scanner, and I know allot of you on WW have them. I do not want to spend a bunch of money on it, maybe $200 or so. I would like easy to use, and a good program with it, that is easy to use. I would like to use it has a copier (scan the letter or picture and then be able to print it out on my printer). I have an Intel Pentium, 32 MB RAM, 2.1 GB Hard Drive, 16XCD-ROM, 16 BIT Sound Card, 2MD Video Card, hopeful this is enough info for someone to help me. I am not a whiz at this computer stuff. So any help is really appreciated. Also: REMEMBER TO WRITE WW ON YOUR NAME TAGS, NEXT WEEK AT NC BASKET CONVENTION. Nancy, our love and prayers go out to you, and your family. Thanks! Julie (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 97 Date: Fri, 06 Mar 1998 14:54:41 EST From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 97 Ann Moum - There were teachers in my family: Mother, her sister, my mother-in-law, her sister, her brother-in-law. My BS degree was a Biology major with minors in Chemistry & German. The school denied my petition for an Art minor on a technicality (but allowed me a Senior Show - usually reserved for Art majors only - go figure!). I didn't get teaching certification because there were so few jobs available in teaching in the early 70s and I didn't want to limit myself. (Nobody thought it was strange for men to major in sciences and not get teaching certification!) My career with the US Army Corps of Engineers was Park Ranger, Ecologist, Biologist/Water Resources Planner. Teaching has always been more of a 'hobby' with me: vacation church school, Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Girl Scouts, & Society for Creative Anachronism (a non-profit medieval & renaissance historic recreation group). It pleases me when people think I am a teacher and when I find I have helped someone learn a new thing. Thank you! I think your copper penny idea for controlling mold in stains is a good one. They may well affect the color, though, so anyone who tries it should be aware of that possibility and not expect the stain to give the same color each time they use it. (Copper sulfate is one of my favorite mordants for natural dyes.) Brenda Johnson - I have sometimes used the word 'cute' as a criticism, although I try not to do that, because I realize there are many people who love 'cute' things and those things have their place in the world. Mostly, I try to avoid using that word, except in reference to my one-year-old-niece. I have a couple of friends who describe nearly anything they like the looks of as 'cute'- it drives me up the wall! I think they are just being too lazy to think of more appropriate descriptions (such as gorgeous, elegant, exquisite, delicate, magnificent, even awesome). I love double rainbows! (The last one I saw was in November, on the way home from our basket weave-in.) How are the piglets? Johanna Heller - I think you're right about the eye of the beholder (or buyer) deciding what is art and the determinations varying among different groups of people. Kristin - How true, that art is not always the result of an artist's effort! I'm with you in the 'I'll keep on weaving department.' Tracy Jenkins - Congratulations on your new computer system! Isn't the web fun?! I limit my web-surfing because I could spend hours and hours at it too easily. It's good to hear from you. Have some fun for me at Indy Weave; I can't be there at all. Sigh. I'll be thinking of all of you who are fondly, though. Donna Kallner - Glad to hear you and your travelling buddies weren't more seriously hurt in the car accident. Thanks for telling us about it and letting us know you're okay and for all the excellent suggestions you made about packing tools and sharing contact information. I wish there was a way to keep the drunks off the roads entirely! (I've had friends who didn't live to tell the tale of such an encounter.) Nancy Hedberg - If you have electricity in your shop, it would probably be worth your while to get a dehumidifier to help dry the air and prevent mold and mildew from ruining your reed and baskets. Even running an electric fan might help some. Bert Comstock Independence, MO (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Marking Reed when you Teach? Date: Fri, 06 Mar 1998 16:14:19 -0500 From: mbzaj@infinet.com To: David Collins References: 1 To Ruthanne: As an instructor I started cutting the reed at first but the next year started marking them too. Many of my students come after a full day of work and don't want to be there all night. They really get busy faster at weaving, as before they would start to visit while marking and I couldn't get their attention the rest of the night! I've found they'd rather pay me a tiny bit more for my preparation time and have this added convenience. I've also noticed that my students have been more prompt lately; maybe this is because they think they might miss out on the beginning instructions, as before, they would just start marking their reed late. Who knows? Brenda Johnson in OHIO (brrrr)where's spring. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Count our blessings Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 14:20:47 -0800 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" To Donna Kallner - Thank goodness you and the occupants of your car and the other cars are okay after your frightening accident. And that there were so many people to give you support. I hope you are continuing to mend. Thanks for your words of advice - they are well taken. I often drive around with the cab of my pickup full of all sorts of things including sharp tools for spontaneous gathering, and never considered the consequences. It is after near misses such as yours that we get wiser, and also count our blessings a little dearer. I wonder if craft becomes elevated to art when executed with superlative craftsmanship? However based on the dictionary definitions, I am not sure that art and craft are mutually exclusive, just different: My Websters lists craft as "noun: 1) skill or ability, especially in handwork or the arts. 3a) An occupation, especially one requiring manual dexterity. verb transitive: To make by or as if by hand." It shows art as "noun: 1) Human effort to imitate, supplement, alter, or counteract the work of nature. 2a) Conscious arrangement or production of sounds, colors, forms, movements or other elements in a way that affects the aesthetic sense: production of the beautiful in a graphic or plastic medium. 2b,c) the study, product of these activities. 3) High quality of conception or execution, as found in works of beauty: aesthetic value. 6a) a system of principles and methods used in the performance of a set of activities [as in the art of basketry]. 6b) A trade or craft that applies such a system of principles and methods [as in pursuing the basketmaker's art]." Does this imply that we are using creative vocabulary with our casual vernacular use of the word craft to mean hot-glued pinecone ornaments and mobiles made from used greeting cards with glitter round the edges? (no particular skill, although they are made by hand). Or that basketry is both craft (made by hand, hopefully with skill), and also art, if it is beautiful? But then we are back to "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Too much thinking for my small brain. To Nancy Hedberg - I will be interested to hear what others come up with for banishing dampness from your workshop. I might suggest those DRI-Z-AIR crystals, but you might need a lot if the space is large. My husband uses them in his safe, my father uses them on his boat, and I used them in a rented storage room when I left all my worldly possessions and went off to Great Britain for 6 months. I live in the wet cool Northwest, and am wishing for a workshop/studio in a garage or other outbuilding. I have sort of resigned myself to the prospect of heating it to counteract moisture problems. Sounds like the others with de-humidifiers live in warm wet climates. Covering the ground with a moisture barrier might help as someone suggested. That reminded me of this funky little house we rented for awhile that was on the edge of a small private lake. I think an underground spring ran under the house and it was very damp during spring and fall - mildew on the walls and musty smelling books. We tore up the horrible old carpet in the bedroom and took it to the dump, but after that we would occasionally get slugs (yes SLUGS) that somehow squeezed between the wooden floor boards and found their way in. Ugh! To Laurie in PA - I couldn't have said it better! I also strive to make "strong-useful-aesthetically pleasing-based on traditions-well constructed -no seams showing-consistent-holder of stuff-that won't be tossed with the latest fad" baskets for the most part. Whether they are art or craft, I don't know. Mostly I agree with Jane Wilson - I weave because it makes me happy. As for changing materials in rib baskets, I usually just leave the end against the spoke to the inside or outside depending on which will be viewed more at that particular location, often laying the new weaver next to the old for several spokes worth. I have tried running the ends into the weaving, parallel to the spokes, but that definitely shows. Many of my ribbed pieces are woven with a variety of materials and textures. When I have a really bulky end to try to hide I sometimes use a "fluffy" materials. This does the job nicely. Examples would be store-bought Spanish moss or gathered lichen loosely tugged and patted into a fat sausage and gently woven in, or handspun bulky yarn or wool roving for a few rows. Junk stores are a great source for the latter. Kathleen - enjoy the heck out of your trip to the Amana Colonies - wish I were going too. In fact I am envious of all of you with cool basket destinations coming up! I am eagerly awaiting our spring retreat. It is only 3+ days, but is always an intensely inspiring basketry experience with renewals of wonderful friendships. This year Linda Dixon will be coming all the way from Vermont, and Eileen Scheldt and Jeannie McFarland are coming from Alaska. I think we have some other travellers joining us too. Ruthanne - I only cut spokes and make up kits if I fear the students won't finish otherwise, such as when I have scheduled several sessions of a new class and the first goes way over time. I make the students do it for two reasons: First: They get a sense of what and how to manage the whole project in case they want to do it themselves. We cover how to unwind a pound of reed, etc. and use the time to discuss the qualities, origins, sources, care of reed and/or the history and lore of the technique or basket we are making. Second: My time has value. Many classes I teach are through public school Community Education programs where they want the cost of materials to be actual cost. It takes me several hours to prepare for a class anyway, not counting creating handouts. Cutting spokes and making kits adds to that time. There are several exceptions to this however: If you have extra kits made up, it is likely that students will buy them. And sometimes I teach a mix-and-match rib basket class where I put identical selections of weaving materials in bags for each student, using a complimentary color scheme such as yellow, gold, burnt orange, rust, brown, tan, beige, cream, olive drab, moss green, etc. I tell them they can trade with each other. It is always a marvel to see what they come up with. No two baskets alike, yet all with the same beginnings. Oh, and I almost never mark anything! Or measure much for that matter, perhaps foolishly. Shaping up to be a pretty weekend here in the Great Northwest. Sunny days and frosty nights. I was even inspired to photograph my chickens yesterday morning, crowing like mad behind the camera to get the rooster to crow for his portrait. Best wishes to you all from Kay Harradine in Mt. Vernon, Washington. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: SUBSCRIBE Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 20:05:13 EST From: PMG3WMSBRG To: I recently learned about your service from LMAKing@erols.com. I am anxious to be included on your mailing list and can be reached at: pmg3wmsbrg@aol.com I have been basket weaving for a little over 10 years and have taught, done demonstrations, worked with an area museum and sold my work at shows. I've seen some of the bulletins that you've sent out and am very impressed with them and looking forward to being a recipient. Thank you for all your hard work, David. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 98 Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 16:13:43 -0700 From: Sharle Osborne To: David Collins I have a question for the group. A co-worker gave me a handful of peacock feathers asking if I could use them in baskets. Some of the 'fronds' are over six inches long, iridescent. How do feathers hold up? If worked into a pouch that is worn, will they wear off? Has anyone used them twined with waxed linen? I have found the art and or craft discussion interesting as well as all the other posts from weavers. Thank you all for your contributions. From Sequim WA where it is cool and clear. Sharle Osborne (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: No Limitations Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 23:33:19 -0500 From: "Russell & Leslie Johnson" To: This is my first time posting at Weaver's Words and I would love to put my two cents in about the question Joy Moody asked "If there were no limitations, what would your work space look like?" Boy I need one of those rooms & mine would have two deep laundry tubs, a huge table and some sort of pegs around the room to hang my reed. I would have stacks of see thru drawers or bins to hold all the little things like wooden trim, beads, etc. A place where I could just go and work and not be concerned about the mess I make. It is so hard to keep everything organized when you weave everyday, if anyone has suggestions on how to keep things a little better organized , I would be glad to hear about them. I also have a problem with where to put all the baskets I weave for the craft shows I do. Any suggestions? And before I leave I wonder if any of you fellow weavers have ever done "home parties"? I have been asked to do one & I have no idea what I would talk about, seems silly just to go & display baskets with out some sort of presentation. I am a Michigan weaver and so far we have had very little if any winter, the weather is decent for March in the 40's most days and it seems everyone is hoping for an early spring...some of the trees are budding already...hope we don't get hit with a big spring snow storm!! Happy weaving to all of you :-) Leslie in Michigan email: rjohnson@lni.net (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 08:32:55 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hello Everyone, Hope some of you are happy weavers in Spring-like weather. I was just contemplating clearing out & setting up the barn studio when more snow arrived here in Maine! Synchronicity is a funny thing. Yesterday I happened upon an article in a magazine I'd never heard of before. It was all about the various craftsmen of the 19th century, and talked about how they were highly skilled, & referred to as "artisans". They were required to apprentice 7 years before entering into their guild. A finished piece was submitted for guild acceptance. There were actually more artisans than shop keepers, and the utilitarian aspect of their finished work did not keep it from being seen as "their art". It's interesting how society's view has shifted. Whereas art & craft were often synonymous in the past, & objects of everyday use were considered art, now we may only see a small segment of hand produced works as "art". I like the idea of being surrounded with "objects of art". Regardless of what we call them now, I "see" and consider many of the objects in my surroundings to be imbued with the artist's spirit... the wooden spoons in my kitchen, the pottery bowls, the hand turned or carved furniture, the small enamel box, the tatted doily, the baskets bring a pleasure that the rest of life often misses. Welcome Lesley! So glad you came out of lurkdom to join us! Thanks for the info on Nature's Miracle & on hemostats. I was wondering where I could easily find one. Bert, your adventure sounded like lots of fun. There's nothing like a day of pok'n, especially when you happen upon some neat finds. Laurie, I enjoyed your input. I wonder what it is that makes certain baskets "shine". I know what you mean. I bet we each have our own view of what makes a basket "shine" in our eyes. For me, I guess it could be lots of things: of course excellent craftsmanship is right up there, but also things like unusual design, the beauty of either simplicity or outstanding complexity, use of color or starkness of monotone, contrast of materials & techniques............oh my, that's a lot of different types of baskets! :) This is also why there are so many markets for baskets. Alice, Ruthanne & others, I appreciate your pondering & sharing your thoughts! I knew when I asked the question that there was no final answer. It has been lots of fun hearing everyone's views. One last word: Indian Artist magazine will be featuring a series of articles about Native American basketry in various parts of the country. The Spring Issue is on the basketry of the NorthEast tribes in this area. It was well done; can't wait to see the others. You might like to check the magazine out. It would be most economical to buy a subscription ($14.95) than to buy a series over the counter ($4.95 each). I'm not selling magazines, but I also hope there's not a rush on Xeroxing copyrighted material. Happy Weaving, or as KMC would say, "Make a Basket today!" Joy Moody Sign of the Crow www.signofthecrow.com Hampden, Maine where the weather can't make up it's mind. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.