"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 2 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: May 10, 1998 Subscribers: 571 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 @=@=@=@=@ In order to conserve space on printouts, I have removed the list of pictures. You can still see the list on Weaver's Words webpage. I will list any new pictures here. Keep the pictures coming. If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Hi Everyone, I am beginning another basketry mailing list. This is totally separate from Weaver's Words and will go out once a month. This will be a list of basketry dealer's addresses/phone numbers/web pages and personal web pages. Here's how it works: 1.) If you want to receive the list, go to Weaver's Words web page. Scroll down about 1/4 of the way. There you enter your address and click the red button that reads "Join List". You will then receive a confirmation message through e-mail. YOU MUST REPLY TO THE COMFIRMATION MESSAGE TO VERIFY THAT YOU SIGNED UP. Presto you're done! 2.) If you would like to have your business and/or webpage added to the monthly list send me a message at gordon_24_fan@yahoo.com. That way I won't get it confused with Weaver's Words messages. Please include the following (If Applicable): Business Name, Contact Name, Address, City-State-Zip Code, Phone Number('s), Web Page Address & E-Mail. Hopefully this will help weavers find different dealers and web pages. ALL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT PRIVATE! Take Care, David davidc@iei.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 112 Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 20:41:43, -0500 From: CRAJ51A@prodigy.com (MRS MYRA J STUTLER) To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everybody: Haven't been contributing lately -- just so darn busy. I have a part-time job right now working in a bank typing letters, minutes of meetings, etc. in their computer. I work from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. I love it! Someone was asking about basket tags. The Country Seat, Inc. basket supply in Pennsylvania has basket tags. The tag opens like a greeting card and has "Basket By" on the front and a hole punched to attach it to basket. They are $1.65 per dozen. Their phone is 610-756-6124. Their website address is: www.countryseat.com I ordered their catalog and they have some neat stuff and great prices. My hubby returned to work last Thursday after his heart attack and is doing fine. He said he feels great. My basket business has really taken off -- have my baskets in a craft shop and also a garden center owned by friends of mine. I have a craft show next Saturday and have to do a lot of weaving between now and then. I like to weave different baskets so I have a good variety. I have been trying different types of ways to put the stain on my baskets and finally came up with the ultimate -- the turkey baster!! I know -- the lady is nuts. But try it -- it works great. I put a large plastic container under the basket over the sink or outside and then load up the turkey baster. It spreads evenly and then you can pour the stuff in the plastic container back in the container to use for another basket. There isn't a piece of reed anywhere on the basket that doesn't get covered. David: You are amazing -- another great list to look forward to. Myra Stutler CRAJ51A@prodigy.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 1 Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 21:42:12 -0400 From: "Baskets Of Joy" To: "David Collins" Hello from Maine! I am writing in response to Judy who wanted a supplier for Rit dye. We at Baskets of Joy have all the Rit colors and will include the dye chart to mix your own custom colors. visit the website www.basketsofjoy.com and click on catalog, then click on dye icon. Hope you find what you need. Maurine Joy {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 1 Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 21:04:30, -0500 From: CRAJ51A@prodigy.com (MRS MYRA J STUTLER) To: davidc@iei.net Hi All: Thought I would add my thoughts about what to charge for baskets for those of us who sell them. First, I love weaving and weave lots of different types of baskets and enjoy the variety. Baskets are something everybody loves and a basket can make a person feel so "special" and give them much happiness by just looking at it or decorating it as they please. Some people cannot afford to spend a lot of money but want very much to have a beautiful basket. I feel I have a talent that can be shared by others and that is how I price my baskets -- reasonable. I am not in this to make a gold mine and if I can make some less fortunate person happy or feel good then I feel good. When I sit at craft shows, I study the faces of the people there. When they look at my baskets, they always smile. I really feel sharing my talent with others with reasonable prices and seeing their happiness is what it is all about. But, this is me -- I am a very spiritual person and feel there is a great need in our world for bring some happiness to others. I also enjoy "giving" baskets to special people who have touched me and given me joy. Again, these are my thoughts. Myra CRAJ51A@prodigy.com {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Catching up. Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 20:20:43 -0700 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" I just read the article about Barbara Morton at http://www.kcstar.com/fyi/food/food.htm. My first impressions were, "how happy she looks", and "what a lovely write-up." Something to strive for, if and when I have been retired for 20+ years. Bert - Can you describe and give the dimensions of the Canada goose nesting tubs? Also there is a one man company in our area that makes small spinning wheels as well as drum carders. The name is Fricke Enterprises. I can research more if anyone is interested. I received one of his two-pedal spinning wheels a few years ago as a Christmas gift, but am embarrassed to report I have yet to use it - in want of lessons. Keep us posted on the progress of your odd-shaped pouches - maybe send in pictures? Kathy Derrick - There is something magic about basketweavers - I find them to be the nicest, and most enlightened group of people, for the most part, that I have ever met. Glad you have joined in on WW. Lois Keener - I thought the three-toned monochromatic spaced dyed reed was a great idea. I think I will try that next time I dye, and then use it to weave up a ripple-twine basket - it should give a most subtle effect. Thanks! I could hardly believe your stories of Made-in-China baskets being announced as "yep-I-made-em'" baskets. I am used to shop keepers trying to tell me a basket is "Indian" when I know it is made in Africa or Asia, and some of the time I am sure it is merely innocent ignorance. But your story made me shudder. Diane Brown - I don't have Lyn Siler's book in front of me, but you could solve your problem with Chase Weave if you have an even number of spokes. Not sure if I can explain it well, but weave one row around O1, U1, then just to the left (assuming you are working clockwise) of where you started row one, insert a second weaver and weave one row around U1, O1. At the end of each row, drop that weaver and pick up the other - each weaver chases the other until it catches up, and so on. Brian Jenkins - Nice photos, and very nice baskets. Thanks for sharing them with us. Billie - We had a member of our guild who passed away suddenly several years ago. He was a character, larger than life in many ways, and one of very few male members. I remember him often, especially during cedar bark gathering time, as he gave a demo on how to sharpen our knives and I have tried not to wimp out on that task ever since. His name was Mike Falk. He was a man of many talents. He came to basketry late and seemed to devour it. He worked wrought iron into his pieces, or wire, or big chunks of leather. He had a big white beard and wore purple. He often said, "If it isn't selling, raise the price." And he would do it even as the customer stood there and complained, "Why is it so expensive?" "The price is xxx now! ", he would say. It worked for him. Judith Olney - I really like your philosophy of weaving what you want to, not what you think will sell. Every time I weave up a stock of an item just because it seems particularly sellable, I come home with every one. I also remember what Michelle Berg told me: Just because you don't like a particular basket you have made, don't lower the price on it "to get rid of it." Someone else will like it and won't have your same prejudice about it. I find I do sell those baskets - always a relief to me, but the customer should not be aware of my disdain for that item. They obviously like it as they have selected it. Billie (and others) - Whew! You try to pay yourself $10 an hour plus the cost of materials when you sell your baskets? I guess I better start weaving faster! Can you give some idea how long it might take you to make a basket (perhaps something common we could all use as a gauge?) For instance, I made a fancy twill basket the other evening, with a star design in three colors in the base, and swirling twill sides of O3,U2 in natural; the base was 6 or 7 inches square, the finished diameter was roughly 18 inches, 5 or 6 inches high. It took me most of 5 hours. I have yet to put the rim on (I anticipate another hour, based on last similar rim.) I just can't see anyone paying $60+ for that basket. Not that I may not think it is worth it. When pricing my classes, there are some for which I just have round numbers (garlic basket $15 incl. materials, 8" Egg basket - $25 incl. materials) But I haven't raised those prices in ten years (Probably should). For new classes I try to charge about $6 per hour, but I usually round that to the nearest 5, plus estimated materials fee (including prep & pattern if supplied). Speaking of writing patterns for classes, 1) I find it is very time-consuming, 2) I find I am the one who does the major learning, not the students and 3) I think the class fee should be increased by $4 or whatever price the pattern alone would cost, to help to pay for that overhead task. Ann Ridgeway - Good luck with your show. Here's wishing you lots of exposure and success. Coleen (was Hickey - now Bourgeois) - Best wishes to you and your new (old) husband. I married mine just before our 11th anniversary. I am glad you will still be in our area. Hope to see you again at one retreat or other. Leslie Johnson - Good luck with your home party - tell us how it turns out. I am becoming intrigued with the concept. Sharle Osborne - Looking forward to seeing more of your cedar work. (I met her in person at our Spring retreat by stopping behind her while she was having supper and blurting "Wow!" when I discovered the wonderful hair snood she was wearing, fashioned from cedar. Her work is terrific, and to think she has only been weaving for such a short time.) Hope you can come to Sketch Day at the Pond, Sharle! I would be happy to give you bear grass if want some. Diana French - Congratulations on your award winning baskets! Beverly Scott - Good for you - I know just what you mean! I recently sat down and wove a basket plus its lid, and all but the rim of another different basket - What a pleasure to have a completed article, instead of a nagging half-done project. You might also look in craft/floral supply houses for simple inexpensive plastic "vases" for your basket liners. Andrea O'Keefe - my thoughts are with you and your husband. I hope his recovery is speedy. Johanna Heller & Bert Comstock & Betsy Clark- Thanks for the description of "hairpins" for creating a lip for a lid to sit on. I tried it recently and it worked great. Dolores on Long Island - and anyone else in that area, Do take a class from Donna Carlson if you can. She is a great teacher and very knowledgeable and tells great stories and her projects are so beautiful and unusual. One of my favorite basketweavers. About using patterns to teach others: I usually print "Copyrighted 19xx. Do not reproduce without written permission" on my patterns. On the rare occasion I am approached, I evaluate the intended use. Being a sucker for kids, I usually "donate" the pattern for their use. I don't know if there is any legal protection from such a note, but it may cause people to think about their actions. Happy weaving to you all. From the Pacific NW, where we are enjoying wonderful weather and the mud is finally drying up on the farm. Kay Harradine Ames Briar Heap Baskets mames@fidalgo.net Kay (Harradine) Ames 747 Fuselage Responsibility Center Production Support Team (425) 717-5622 M/S 0J-XE Located at 40-22.5-E4.5 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Oregon weavers Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 20:32:55 -0700 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" To Linda Nelson - There is a guild in the Portland Oregon area that is very active, offers classes and workshops and a retreat and newsletter and field trips, etc. Their address is Columbia Basin Basketry Guild, Multnomah Art Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR 97219. What a wonderful retirement gift! Kay Harradine Ames Briar Heap Baskets mames@fidalgo.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Hi All, I'm New Here Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 22:36:01 -0700 From: "hannah" To: Hello there!!! My name is Pam and I live in Ohio. I have been weaving baskets for 5 years now, and I have been bitten by the basket bug!!!!! I wanted to say that I love this page, and thanks to Linda Braun who sent it to me. I have a couple of questions, first of all, I noticed somewhere on the web, it may have even been in one of these newsletters, but am not sure. There was a lady who asked everyone how they felt about seeing people sell the baskets that they made from a pattern that they bought from her. I thought this was the purpose in selling the patterns in the first place. I know that a lot of people just make baskets for themselves, but I know ALOT of weavers who buy patterns, make the basket according to the pattern, and then sell the basket. Am I wrong in thinking this, because if I am, then I will never be able to afford to continue to weave, as I sell the baskets that I make to get back the money I have invested in them, plus a little of my time, but I want to make baskets and in order to be able to make more, I have to sell them. Also, if I don't sell them, you wouldn't be able to walk through my house!! Secondly, if we are allowed to sell the finished basket made by a bought pattern, can I also sell it over the internet from my own web page? I wanted to tell everyone, that I write down all of my costs in the basket, and then double it, for the amount that I price it. In order to determine the amount of reed that I have, I weigh the basket and then figure the amount of money that I have in it by the weight of the reed. I sell a lot of baskets and everyone says that my prices are fair. I am higher than some, but less than others, and I won't sell anything unless it is quality. Well, I have rambled on long enough, so I will sign off. I wish all of you happy weaving!!!!!!! Pam/Ohio {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: Fishing creel Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 09:45:32 +0100 (BST) From: Chris Jordan To: David Collins Diane, > ...after the three-rod > wale at the bottom) I am trying to go around the basket doing a > continuous weave on an EVEN number of stakes. It doesn't work. In willow basketry, the way to deal with this problem (apart from adding or removing a stake), is to start the weave with 2 rods, one on each side of the basket. (start one rod and weave it half way round, then start the second one and weave with the first chasing the second. (The first sits above the second). I've had a lot of fun recently learning how to do square willow work. eg picnic hampers. It's a totally different technique to the round work that I've done so far. A few more baskets and I might even be able to work a square corner on the border without my notes (and less than three hands). All the best from wet and soggy Cheshire, England Chris Jordan {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 1 Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 05:08:15 -0400 From: Jim & Jimmie Kent To: "'David Collins'" To John Miles and all who are interested. NCBA convention is March 26,27&28th in Charlotte, NC for 1999. Our dues are now $25.00 a year. They are due July, if you need an application just email me and I will send. Jimmie Kent, Membership {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: fishing creel Date: Thu, 07 May 1998 10:26:22 -0400 From: Winnie Organization: @Home Network Member To: David Collins Hello weavers, Diane Brown had a question about Lyn Siler's fishing creel. I had a lot of problems with that pattern too. The one you mentioned was one of them which was relatively easy to overcome, I did the same thing you did. Wait until you try to do the lid! I found the technique difficult to understand and a fellow weaver and I had a hard time with it. I finally finished it but I am not happy with the finished product. Please let me know how yours comes out. I'm especially interested in how you do the lid. I'm afraid this isn't much help to you, but at least you know there's at least one other person who had difficulty. Good luck. Winnie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Word Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 22:15:22 -0400 From: "Susan Tripp" To: Hello Dave and Weavers from a newcomer! I've been weaving for a few years and just can't seem to get enough. Whenever I get the chance, I visit and re-visit all the basket pages I can find and oh the excitement when I find a new one to view! I have yet to experience the exhilaration of a convention. Almost made it to Winter Weave this year: worked out coverage at work, made husband rush purchase of 4-wheel drive vehicle in case we ran into bad weather during the trip, made all the at home preparations needed to leave behind a husband and two dogs for several days, packed the car, drove 1 hour to pick up mom (my weaving buddy who was joining me for the trip) and then drove six hours to Ohio only to find out that the convention was held the week before! Oh the disappointment. I had been looking forward to that for months! After a few days in Ohio (had to figure out what to tell our husbands before we returned home) and several days of tears, I can finally say: Oh well, there is always next year... A few questions: Dave, where do I find the "secret code" to view past issued. I was so excited to see the link to go there, only to find myself locked out. :( Can anyone tell me where I can find some basket graphics for a web page and business cards? I've searched several locations on the web to no avail! Andris Lapins do you sell the round peeled willow bracelets pictured in weaver's word? I would like to purchase one and wear it to my shows. And, the same for your geese, Diane Macomer! They are beautiful. I wouldn't want to try one - but would like to purchase one. Please e-mail me the details if your work is for sale. Thanks. To those of you who price your baskets for your time - good for you! You are lucky to be able to do that. I cannot charge for my time in my area. I do make a small profit on my baskets but not a lot. Fortunately, I weave for a hobby and my love of the art. I get so much from the customers comments, compliments and purchases, that it makes up for not being able to live off my hobby. I enjoy doing shows for those reasons alone. Also, I won't do shops anymore because they just mark them up too high. I've had bad experiences with shops also. One shop put my baskets in the back room after the owner found those Tender Heart catalog baskets that were cheap and made him more money. Another shop in the area packed up everyone's goods and skipped town. No one could find the shop owner or recover their goods. That's all for now. Thanks for letting me share. Susan Tripp Baskets by Susan Upstate NY {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 1 Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 21:56:14 -0500 From: jmereau@bbs.tsf.com To: davidc@iei.net To Flasue: Your letter touched me deeply because today my father-in-law was released from the hospital and needs 24 hour a day care, I think that anyone who has committed to being the care giver understands just what kind of a commitment that means. As we made plans and lists today many thoughts and feelings went through my mind, memories of a time two years ago when I cared for my own Dad who was dying from cancer and I drove 40 miles one way each and every day for a year to share his last days with him, it took me nearly a year to recover from that gift of my time, and now we begin another journey with another very wonderful man in my life, my father-in-law the man who gave me another wonderful man my very special husband. Your letter really touched me it was that special something that I needed to hear at the end of a very stressful day. We have all had those special something's that we have "saved" for a special occasion, but today you reminded me that indeed every day is special, and all those wonderful people in our lives are worth the perfume, and the good clothes. Thank you for reminding me. Sue {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers words Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 22:08:55 -0500 From: "Linda Scoggins" To: Hello, I'm another person who has been lurking in the background. My name is Linda Scoggins and I have been weaving since 1983. I learned in North Carolina and taught basketweaving there until 1991 when I moved to Florida. I have a shop here and have been teaching since I moved here. I have really been interested in some of the topics discussed. The current discussion on pricing has brought me out of the background. I agree with some of the ideas in Grace & Forrest Davis' book on pricing. Like most other weavers, I figure and price for my hourly wage, add the cost of materials, and some to cover overhead. I guess what I don't think I can get away with is charging considerably more for a basket simply because I have been weaving for so many years. If I used their formula, I wouldn't be able to sell even a berry basket. I agree that we should not just get minimum wage and I realize that some people can get more for their baskets because of name recognition. I am a fast weaver and can charge a little more for my hourly wage because of that, but I cannot get away with charging as much as they recommend. I also think that you have to charge more for an intricate design than a simple one. If I do a round reed border I am going to charge more than a lashed border. Also, although I would love to only make baskets that appeal to me, which would definitely be more intricate, I have a shop that has to have inventory. I have people coming in off the street to buy and some only want a small inexpensive basket. Rather than carry China made, I make some for them and then make one or two that appeal to me. Granted, they all sell. Inexpensive as well as expensive but I have to have all ranges. Most people will start out buying the simpler baskets as gifts, but will move up to the expensive baskets for themselves. Thanks for letting me put my two cents in. Linda Scoggins Woven In Time Niceville, Florida {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: bits and pieces Date: Fri, 8 May 1998 08:58:24, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Diane, about the fishing creel pattern in Lynn's book. It seems to me we went through this a long time ago on another list and there is a mistake in that pattern. You are right that you need to have an uneven number of spokes. Don't remember all about the pattern but think I would add an extra spoke some where on the back at the same time you upstake. I recently need to preform a rim of half round for a large (ala Joyce Schaum laundry) and finally realized that a large garbage can lid was the right size. Luckily I had an old one as I had to cut off the handles but after that I clipped the well soaked material to the inside and outside of the lid. I am not sure of the actual size I need as I haven't tucked the spokes yet so I made the rim larger than I needed and only cut a scarf in one end of each rim and will do the other later when I know the right size. You have to plan ahead tho' (HA) so you will be able work on the correct side of the rim. i.e. I scarf the underneath rim on the outer and the top on the inner am not sure this makes sense but after it is formed in a circle this is the end that will be easily accessible to re-insert into the shave horse to do the other scarf. Think about it and you will understand what I mean. (I hope) as I find it very hard to explain and have to really think about it when I am doing it. New trick. I use the small sandpaper rolls that are sticky on one side and I was always having to pick them up as they rolled off the table and look on the inside of the paper to see what size(coarseness) it was. As the sizes are fairly closes together and it wasn't always easy to feel. So I took a small strip of wood, nailed 5 long nails with no head in a row and then slipped the spools on each nail in order of finish. I then wrote the size under each roll. This allows you to select the correct size at a glance and to also instantly recognize which size you are almost out of. I clamped this to my work table with two small clamps so it is easily reached or removed if it is in the way. Well it is raining again in Va. Beach and I was up most of the night again with the granddog who is terrified of thunder She is so scared she just trembles all over . Billie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Fri, 8 May 1998 22:32:12 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hello Fellow Weavers - I hope everyone is enjoying a nice Spring. We've had some nice warm weather here in southern New Jersey, although we did have some very heavy rain here today. David: Loved the postcard! Hard to believe it has been a year already. I've been reading and enjoying the list practically since the beginning even though it took me quite some time before I made my presence known :) You've done a great job and we all appreciate your hard work. Here's to another great year!!! Bert Comstock: Thanks for the congrat's. I entered several different baskets, but my ribbon winning baskets were a bean pot, a square market w/a braided rim and an egg basket on 18" hoops. I was thrilled to have my baskets recognized! Diana Macomber: I checked out your geese and they are beautiful! You are a very artistic person. I had read comments here and there on WW about the goose/geese lady, and now I know why they refer to you as such. Linda Kotarba: Thanks for sharing the link to the article on Barbara Morton. I really enjoyed reading it. She sounds like quite a lady! Someone mentioned shark's teeth as embellishments on baskets... How do they attach them? When I was younger and living in Mayport, FL we used to walk the beach and pick up sharks teeth. We collected those rather than shells. I still have those shark's teeth (somewhere) and am just trying to imagine them on a basket. Well, it's late and I'm tired. Need to get to bed as my son is an early riser :) Take care everyone! Diana French from Southern New Jersey {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 10:18:19, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Dear Willie and Susie, Thnks for the flowers. They are really pretty and quite a surprise, doubly so as they came yesterday evening late and I was upstairs weaving and didn't hear the door bell tho' I did hear the dogs barking. Anyway when I came downstairs later they were on the table as Dad had accepted them and didn't tell me. The florist did a great job on what I suspect must be one of the busiest days of the year. It is raining again today. Friday even the weather guy said that we already have had something like 6 inches of rain in May already. Looks as if it is going to be one of those years. No danger of a drought this year. Of course since we are now getting water from Lake Gaston it isn't the problem it has been in the past. Judy is in Fredericksburg for some kind of conference and will be home later today. The animals are all doing ok. Just bringing in lots of muddy footprints into the kitchen Tip I picked up in the beauty shop of all places. I was complaining of ants coming to Fusspuss's food bowl and no matter what I did they were always there. Tammy said that someone told her that ants didn't like cinnamon and would stay away. I thought what the hell it's worth a try. So last night I put a paper towel under his food bowl and sprinkled cinnamon around the bowl. So far it has worked. Will continue to watch it and see what happens. Of course I can't use it around the dog bowls as I would have cinnamon all over the house. Besides this greedy bunch would probably like it. Love Mom {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.