"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 3 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: May 15, 1998 Subscribers: 579 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. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: N.C. shops?? Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 10:36:25 -0400 From: Larry & Amy To: davidc@iei.net Hello Weavers! First, I want to thank everyone for the info about rainbow/space dyeing reed. We've had so much rain here I haven't had a chance to try it yet. (With 3 colors, I'm going to do it outside) Over Memorial Day weekend, we are visiting my sister in Mooresville, NC. Does anyone know of some good basket places to check out in that area. She's just north of Charlotte. Thanks for any tips! Amy Smith from dreary northwest Ohio :^( {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Sorry Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 09:58:49, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net I do want to apologize for sending the message for my kids to WW. I imagine they are wondering if I got the flowers. So have to write them again. One time before I sent them the message I had intended for WW. and Susie returned it. At least I didn't say anything embarrassing. By the way the tip about the ants was one I was going to include in the next WW although it has nothing at all to do with baskets. It is still working. There are ants on the shelf where he eats but they do not go anywhere the food bowl. Find it fascinating. Now to real basket stuff. Kay Ames. I charge $75 for the type of basket you describe. I don't always get $10 an hr but it seems to even out over all. Of course you should include the price of the basket pattern you have written in your charge for a class. If you used someone else's pattern you would have to pay for it an then pass the cost on to the student. Just don't tell them you are charging extra for the pattern or some will decide they don't want it and will share with a friend or will never make that basket again so why would they want to keep it. Diana French, When did you live it Mayport? I grew up in Jax Beach tho' I suspect it was long before you were there. I had forgotten about sharks teeth. Also when everyone started talking about palm inflorescence I couldn't figure out where in was on the tree. When I went back to my last high school reunion a friend should me what it was. The things you don't pay attention to when you are younger and have no interest in such a thing. Of course down there the gardeners cut it all off the tree and trash it. Guess it is enough for now. Must write my kids and thank them for the flowers, Billie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: fishing creel pattern Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 09:02:22 -0700 From: Lisa Nortz Organization: Weaving Ways To: davidc@iei.net This is for Diane and Winnie, The Lyn Siler creel pattern is very difficult to follow for me as well. My solution was to make my own pattern that made sense to me. Nothing against Lyn Siler, I tell everyone that her books taught me to weave. My pattern involves flat and flat oval reed with a hardwood lid. The size is also more realistic. If you would like to take a look at it, there is a photo at www.basketpatterns.com under my name. It's not the same as the wicker version but it may work for you. If it will make you feel any better, I started weaving the Lyn Siler version twice and ended up burning both attempts years ago. I've enjoyed reading this column for a couple of weeks now and this is my first chance to write in. It's always nice to hear about and from other weavers. Lisa Nortz {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Tripp's trip Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 13:05:11 -0400 From: mbzaj@infinet.com To: David Collins References: 1 Susan Tripp: I was sorry to hear about your unfortunate trip to Ohio. This sounds like something that would happen to me. I am curious as to what basket event you were going to. I am from Ohio and am interested to hear for future years. Thank You, Brenda Johnson Darke County, Ohio -- Mike, Brenda, Zach and Alex Johnson mbzaj@infient.com Http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/3455 {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Hello Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 15:52:48 -0400 From: Tina Kowalchuk To: davidc@iei.net Hello, David and fellow weavers! I have been reading WW for a few weeks now and have finally found the time and the nerve to make myself known. I live in the northernmost part of New York State, along the Canadian border and the St. Lawrence Seaway, where I teach first grade in a local school. I just started making baskets in August and really enjoy it. I find it to be great therapy after a long and trying day. Most of my first baskets were given to relatives for Christmas gifts. I have had many compliments on the baskets I have made and recently started to put a few in a nearby gift shop. I am happy to say that several have been sold, but I'm not about to give up my teaching career yet! I do look forward to the days when I have more time to devote to my weaving. Being from a small rural community, I am limited as to where I can purchase my supplies locally. You can, therefore, imagine how excited I was when, on a recent trip to LLBean in Freeport, ME, I had the opportunity to visit Baskets of Joy. Thanks again to Maurine Joy, who was a BIG help. She was very patient and shared many tidbits of information to help me in my basket weaving. It was through her that I came to know WW! Thank you, David, for putting this all together. It must take volumes of time. Could you please tell me how or where to get the code needed to access back issues? Happy weaving! Tina Kowalchuk Waddington, NY {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Moving to Canada Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 16:57:11 -0500 From: The Ray Ohana To: davidc@iei.net Hey, everybody - I have nothing in particular to contribute, but do have a question. My husband has an assignment to Kingston, Canada. For those of you in the military or with military spouses, Jeff will be a National Defense Fellow at Queens University; this counts as his senior service school. Anyway, Uncle Sam is uprooting us yet again and sending us to Kingston for a year - too bad it's not Kingston, Jamaica! Now that I have totally bored all of you - wake up 'cuz here comes the question. Does anyone know of any basketry teachers in that neck of the woods? Kingston is about one hour north from Watertown, NY. Billie - do your kids subscribe to this list as well?!? LOL.... Carey Ray Bossier City, LA {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: aloha, all Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 12:11:02 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net I took 3 days off (Fri-Sun) and did nothing......except watch movies and read books (kids were working, Richard is in Korea) and it was great, but today I have to get motivated and weave and paint a picnic lid...loved that vacation. As for basket tags--since I sell a large volume of baskets, I find it cheaper to make my own. I simply use my business card (which I print up myself) and write all the basket info (what type, the name, the price) on the blank side while the printed side has the company name, my name, my phone #, my e-mail address, and a "blurb"--right now, it is "handmade baskets at affordable prices". I punch a hole and tie it on the basket with whatever is available--ribbon or jute. The philosophy of weaving what you want and not what you think will sell is neat, but for my case, not realistic. This is a business and my business is self supporting, plus there is money on the side for frivolous thing such as outer island trips and lots and lots of books, but also the money goes to help with college tuition for my girls. I*m coming to the IBA next year and it isn*t like I can climb in my truck and drive a few hours and be there--I*ll have to fly and probably come a day ahead of everyone and stay a day later than everyone--and to be honest, this trip is going to cost big money. So if I weave what I feel like weaving, I might have to give up that trip. Right now, that trip is far too important for that--so I*ll weave my teacher*s baskets and aloha baskets, knowing they will sell--and knowing they will take me to the IBA to see a lot of you all in person. But I don*t lower my prices.... I agree with Susan Tripp*s not wanting to do shops any longer. I*m the only weaver at one shop, but at the second shop, there are now 4 weavers. For a shop that size, that*s far too many. I was there first, and I have a great variety I can take to the shop, but when someone found I didn*t have a pineapple basket in the current inventory, she said "Oh, Lois doesn*t have pineapples. Can I make those to sell?"--and they said yes. The next month, a woman said" Oh, Lois doesn*t have wine baskets. Can I sell those?"--and they said yes. It isn*t that I don*t make pineapples or wine baskets--there were none at the shop at that time. And now it*s baskets with Hawaiian scenes and logos stamped on them......and every time a new weaver comes in, my sales go down. We could end up with 30 weavers in that shop simply because I don*t have a large market, or a key basket, or a cabin boy in the shop at that time...so I*m debating pulling out altogether. Linda Scoggins summed it up perfectly.... Some people get more for their baskets because of name recognition. That*s fine. But some us are running a business and we do what we have to do and weave what we have to weave to make that business a success.... aloha nui loa, Lois in cloudy and windy Honolulu {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 22:07:01 -0400 From: "Russell & Leslie Johnson" To: Hello Everyone, I was reading some back issues of WW and I came across something that peaked my curiosity. Someone had wrote in their post that they weave 15-28 baskets a day! I was wondering what is the norm for a days work? I have made 6 in a day and finished rims, etc the following day & I thought that was great! On average I do maybe 4 a day, totally finished baskets (not stained), but I have interruptions like the phone, lunch, etc. Those 4 baskets may have braided borders/curls/fancy handles, etc and after 4 my hands are screaming for me to stop! Just wondering what was an average for a days work? Betsy Clark: Received your book "Addicted to Baskets" It is great! Wish I would have had it years ago when I started weaving.. I love reading all the tips about staining and dyeing. You are all such a talented, diverse bunch! Been weaving everyday getting ready for my first "home party". I will let you all know how it turns out. Since the hostess made it "open house" we have no idea as to how many guests will attend, so it should be interesting. I will have about 75-85 baskets for this party, so I hope the orders are kept to a minimum...I need to do some painting(walls) and garden work..can't seem to fit that in my daily weaving routine! Til next time..Happy weaving from Leslie (in sunny, warm) Michigan PS...Thank you for the Mothers Day card David. Hope your Mom and all the other mothers out here had a lovely day........ {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Baskets Get Washington Post Coverage!! Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 09:03:13 -0400 From: "Ann H. Ridgeway" Organization: AnnCrafted To: lbraun@ashland.edu CC: davidc@iei.net Check out this web site: www.washingtonpost.com For an article on some HCBGers who are part of a group show. The article is in today's paper (5/12), style section. Two photos are in the paper, one of the weavers demonstrating at the reception, and the other, a grouping of baskets with a painting. Pretty exciting to hit the big time!!! Ann R. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 13:02:45 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Who asked about seat weaving books? You might try Making Chair Seats by Ruth Comstock, ISBN# 0-486-25693-6 and Seat Weaving by L. Day Perry, ISBN# 0-864-15270-3. Both address cane, rush, reed & splint techniques. I do have nicer quality gift/basket tags on my site. These are hand embossed for a special look that speaks to the total quality of your gift or " for sale" basket. Alright, Kay, I say "uncle".........what is "ripple twine"? Excuse my ignorance! Regarding basket pricing & your specific mention of the Swirling Star. I sell a 15" basket for $55.00 and I've never had anyone complain. They think it is a beautiful basket, and it's decorative potential is it's greatest selling point. Bev Scott: Have you tried the Crystal Light tumblers? They're somewhat shorter than you are used to, perhaps, but maybe with some adjustments..........? Pam in Ohio: Welcome! Yes, the Basket Bug gives a nasty bite. I hear that meat tenderizer helps most bug bites! Yes, when you buy the pattern you may make the basket & sell it. You can also sell over the Net. You might check back issues of Weaver's Words for some of our discussions about copyrights, patents etc. Basically, basketry is looked at differently than "art" (however they define that) and is seen as "utilitarian". Utilitarian objects are apparently not afforded the same protections as original art works. I bought a teddy bear pattern a year ago. It specifically DISALLOWS you to mass produce the bear & sell it. Collectable teddies are considered "art", not "utilitarian". Susan: Some folks have mentioned software that includes some basket graphics. Check past issues of WW. My impression is that you may have to buy a package of several thousand images to get only a few basket ones. Why don't you try your hand at drawing one that will be uniquely yours? I think is a wonderful thing to give baskets as presents & see the joy they bring. I bet there's not one of us who hasn't done that, & some maybe quite often. But, with all due respect, if you are in "business" you have to figure business costs to determine a fair price, and that includes labor. I have the feeling that there are quite a few of us who would like to be in business, or consider ourselves to be in business, but are not sharpening our pencils. I would also venture a guess that many of us would speak out against the makers of fine basketry in third world countries being paid pennies for their skill & labor. Yet, we will impose the same restrictions on ourselves! If the local area market is not good for baskets, try someplace else! I just returned from a trip to Massachusetts & came back with a nice order. I was also pleasantly surprised to be told my baskets are priced too LOW. Now, I know my basket prices might make some of you choke, so go figure! Welcome Linda in Florida! Thanks for your input & we hope you to hear more from you. Here's a new question: What is the most unusual basket you have ever seen? Joy Moody Sign of the Crow www.signofthecrow.com Hampden, Maine {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: one year anniversary Date: Tue, 12 May 98 10:02:46 PDT From: "Ralph/Annetta Kraayeveld" To: "David Collins" David, Thank you for the work of a year. It has been a good year, read them all, enjoyed them all, learned a lot. Thanks to you and to all who actively participate. And with that I apologize for not participating as much as I would like to and possibly should. My excuse is four children (3 teens) whom I home school. With trying to keep up with them and all the outside activities and the "unexpected" we have had since I last wrote in I haven't had much time. BUT when WW comes I copy it out, make some coffee or a glass of ice tea and enjoy. And when I get a few hours to weave I thoroughly enjoy my self. I keep telling my husband this is cheaper than any therapist he could find me ... especially since this 'habit' supports itself with a few sales here and there and teaching a beginner class or two. Some one asked a while ago about teaching homeschoolers. I do often and I don't give a price break, unless I am bartering for some other lesson for one of my children. I encourage mothers to take the class with their children (yes they pay too) and will not teach any child under 12 with out their mother or other adult, who takes responsibility for the child, taking the class. Most homeschool families are not offended to pay for what they get, although you will always find people who want something for nothing. Last fall I taught 15 kids at the same time. It was a study group that I am involved with so, I first had the moms make the basket, then a few weeks later they were able to help the kids, and I wasn't nearly as stressed out that way(although this session did take place a week after my daughter broke her shoulder, that made it a bit stressful). I only charged exact materials for this group because all the mothers freely share their talents, from book binding to calligraphy, from marbling to herbal remedies. That's the whole reason we meet each month. Any way, for whom ever it was that asked (sorry I can't recall your name) I hope this was a little insight for you. I wanted to know if the list would like to start a discussion on natural stains that you find successful. I know that their are several ways to make up a batch of walnut stain, and I have heard a lot of different ways to do the tea stain. I know that this is not a new subject, but with the coming of summer, more of us will get antsy to try some natural stuff. And I would like to read the 'whys' of your walnut recipes and tea recipes. I found it very interesting when someone brought up the ammonia factor. I had never thought about it being a problem with animals. How do you do tea stain with out ammonia? And what other natural things do you stain or dye with in the summer? Also, about basket washes. I have 'washed' a basket in cold dye and liked that result, but how do you control the results? And what about commercial basket washes? Are they more controllable? Where do you purchase them? And are they nontoxic? I was glad to hear that weaver's stain is non toxic! Good to talk to you all again Annetta Beloit, WI (where it thinks it wants to rain) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 15:10:04 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Oops! I forgot. For the person who asked: I have shark's teeth available for basket embellishments, earrings, or necklaces. These came from a defunct jewelry store. They're "gold dipped" & mounted on a jeweler's ring that will take up to #5 round reed. Joy Moody Sign of the Crow {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: BASKET TAGS Date: Wed, 13 May 1998 14:31:56 -0500 From: Gary Dunham To: "davidc@iei.net" Hello Everyone, I like to share with you what my friend & I do for basket tags. We print our own business cards on the computer. When printing the card we put on the left side, toward the bottom, Handmade by, then underneath that our name and under our name our telephone number. On the right side we have HANDMADE BASKETS Baskets with a basket graphic underneath. Under the handle we have the words BY and then our name. This way you fold it in half with the writing to the outside. You then have a little card. On the inside we write the price on both sides. We punch a hole in the corner & then tie it on to the basket. When someone purchases a basket, we cut of the side with the basket graphic. That way we know who's basket sold & for how much. The other half, with our name & number stays with the purchaser so if they want more baskets, they have our phone number. Unfolded, you have a business card. We use The Print Shop Ensemble III program for making the business cards. ttfn, Cindy Dunham {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers' Words Date: Wed, 13 May 1998 15:43:56 EDT From: ZOHE To: davidc@iei.net I would like to thank David for posting my goose picture and to thank many of you for your complimentary remarks and inquiries. The pattern will not be available until later in the summer, after two kind Weavers Worders have made their own geese and critiqued the instructions. Making detailed diagrams instead of saying, "Watch this," as one does in a workshop is more time consuming than I thought. Yes, I'm still glad to give goose workshops, just not at conventions. At last I have my new computer and am having a great time exploring the Net, but struggle with the new writing program and need to enroll in Corel Word Perfect for the Slow Minded. Books may help, but I need someone watching over my shoulder. Another excuse for why the patterns aren't finished and baskets are not getting woven. Thank goodness for Ann Ridgeway, who had a weave-in at her place today.. We can actually get some basketry accomplished without distractions. I will persuade her to tell Weavers' Words her secret strategy for gaining extra weaving time. Diana M. in Northern Virginia. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 10:20:00 -0500 From: catslapbaskets@webtv.net (russell/karen mitchell) To: davidc@iei.net Hi to David and Basketmakers! Congrats on the 1st year anniversary and the great website and postcard site....good job David!!! I just finished reading an answer that Ms Olney gave to someone on the Baskets Etc. website, concerning steaming handles....and wanted to ask if Judith has written any books on basketmaking?? I love to read everyone's ideas and suggestions but think that Judith's answers and suggestions are excellent and very clearly written and deserve to be published in a more permanent form. So Judith have you done this? or do you have any plans for publication in the future? I also would be interested in hearing about other's favorite weaving instruction/information weaving books. On the last full weekend in April, I went to Amana, IA for the Midwest Natural Basketmaking Seminar, Spring was definitely in the air and the flowers and trees were in bloom. I stayed in a motel in Amana surrounded by quaint shops and houses. Nearby in Williamsburg IA is an Tanger outlet mall and on the road that leads from the outlet mall to the Amanas is a great vegetable stand that sells all sizes of gourds!!! I took my first willow class from Jo Amsler Campbell and although the end product wasn't perfect I was happy to have completed it. Jo is a great instructor and does wonderful embellishments on her beautiful willow baskets. I also had a class with Dianne Stanton, working with birch and elm bark and ash. The materials were fabulous and Dianne is very knowledgeable about gathering and preparing material. The banquet on Saturday night was really fun including many door prizes and a basket exchange. If any one wants more info on next years Seminar in April or the Willow weaving weekend in Feb. contact Kathy Kellenberg, P.O. Box 169, Middle Amana, IA 52307. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone its a nice get away and the weavers in Amana make everyone feel at home and comfortable....it is also neat to be weaving in historic buildings. Also there are many B&B's in the area in historic homes and a wide range of motels nearby. Hope everyone is enjoying Spring as we in Minnesota enjoy tropical temperatures yesterday high was 91* Someone pushed the fast forward button on Spring and here we are with July like weather!! Happy Weaving!! Karen {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Wedding ideas please Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 13:02:09 EDT From: Arlo1225 To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone! Getting back into the swing of things - husband going back to work on Mon. and I am beginning to be able to plan ahead a little - still behind but we're getting there! We've just been invited to a wedding - end of June (so I have some time) and I'd like to make a special basket as a wedding gift, but have a real mental block - can't think of a pattern that would be suitable - couple leads very casual life style, wedding will be casual/outside......would love ideas from all of you. Guess too many stressful things happened here recently and I need a large push in the creativity area. Thanks in advance for all your help! Again, to all of you lucky enough to go to Stowe, please share your experiences - thanks! Lesley {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.