"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 7 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: May 30, 1998 Subscribers: 603 "Weavers Words": http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} ***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 have a lot of information to tell you all about. Here goes... 1.) Our 600th Subscriber!!! I would like to welcome our 600th family member, Ms. Susan Hagberg. WOW!!! Our tight knit little family is reproducing like rabbits. By the time you turn around 10 more crawl out of the woodwork. ;-) 2.) Weaver's Stain Bulletin Board. In case some of you didn't know, I am the web page designer for Weaver's Stain (http://www.weaversstain.com/). Weaver's Stain's owners, Mark & Dollie Koch, wanted me to let you all know that we have just installed a bulletin board to Weaver's Stain web page. You can post questions and/or comments for others to see or you can read and respond to other people's questions. Your correspondence doesn't have to be limited questions about Weaver's Stain, but Mark & Dollie will answer any questions that you may have about Weaver's Stain. It's a great product and they take great pride in producing a superb stain for weavers everywhere. 3.) Weaver's Words Chat Room. I have set up a chat room on Weaver's Words web page (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/). Although the chat room is open 24 hours a day, I have set up a standard meeting time of every Sunday at 9:00PM EST (Eastern Standard Time). You can always meet at alternative times that are more convenient. Be there or be square. ;-) 4.) Weaver's Words Classifieds. You can sell your basketry-related items and purchase other weavers items. There is no charge to place an item in the classifieds, but I would appreciate a 10% consignment fee if your item sells. The consignment fee is only a request. It is by no means required. Your item will remain in the classifieds until it sells or you ask for it to be removed. If you see something that you would like purchase, please contact the seller. You can submit your item through e-mail or snail mail. I can scan a photo of your item. This will replace the Basket Biddin' Auction. I think the classifieds will be much more efficient. Please include the following information: A.) A picture of your item (It will sell easier if people can see the item first). B.) Your full name and e-mail address. C.) Brief description of the item. D.) Price of the item (Including Shipping). 5.) Weaver's Words Web Page. I have tried to give Weaver's Words web page a more baskety (Is that a word?) feel to it. If you ever have any comments or suggestions about the web page don't hesitate to e-mail me. 6.) Individual Weaver's Words Pages. Of course you can always find links to each individual page on Weaver's Words home page (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/). Weaver's Words Home Page: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Weaver's Words Basketry Links: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/basket.htm Weaver's Words Favorite Links & Stuff: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cool.htm Weaver's Words Free Postcard Page: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/postcard.html Weaver's Words Chat Room: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/chitchat.html Weaver's Words Classifieds: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/classifieds.html Weaver's Words Guestbook: http://www.lpage.com/wgb/wgbsign.dbm?owner=Basketry 7.) Last But Not Least. Please pray for my Indiana Pacers against Michael Jordan and those evil Chicago Bulls. Take a hike Mike. Take Care, David http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ davidc@iei.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 17:42:16 PDT From: "Alice Edwards" To: davidc@iei.net Hello David, Congratulations on your successful first year and good luck on the next year!!!! THANKS for all the work you do to let us 'basket' types get together through this list. I'm sorry I have been quiet for so long. I am finally feeling much better and as I felt better I kept meaning to re-read all the issues since I last contributed to the list and write. But as the stack grew, it has become intimidating and I'm going to go ahead and write now so the stack and problem can quit growing. I'll try to comment on recent issues, respond to what I remember, and continue to review and, maybe add comments later. I am not going to wait and read the issue that just arrived, or I may never get this sent. I hope all the other members, or their family members, with problems are feeling better. I have had you in my thoughts and prayers, even if I didn't have the energy to write and say so! I have really enjoyed the discussions on prices and patterns. LOTS to think about! Also, I've really enjoyed all the pictures of the baskets, WOW! Diana, your geese are truly amazing! Please add me, if you are keeping a list of people who want the pattern when you get it ready. In fact I was planning to ask about a copy of the general instructions until you said you were developing a pattern. Maybe you will still see different strains, etc. Someone mentioned rough hands, boy can I identify with that. I do remember someone mentioning Neutrogena, which I have used and liked, and a long time back Bert Comstock suggested Hand Shield, which I have found very good. It is available in drug stores or counters locally, at least. Someone else asked about other pattern addicts. After the last few weeks I am definitely to be considered in that category, but boy did I have fun. I would have waited if I was going to convention, but since I can't go to convention I had a buying spree. I said something about it to a friend at work and she said her friends who are into crocheting and needlework call it Pattern Acquisition Syndrome (PAS). Might sound better than addict, but whatever you call it, I have it. Enjoyed the discussion of John McGuire's table top shave horse. I have, and like the saw pony sold by several of the catalogs, but find the need for clamps occasionally awkward. I ordered, and my husband is studying, the shaving pony pattern by Judith Olney from Country Seat which appears to be free-standing. I think he is going to make it up for me, if only to once again have custody of his work-bench downstairs. Has anyone else tried it? All suggestions and experience are welcome. Bert - Obviously I am feeling better, finally, but did wind up back in outpatient surgery the last part of April with further kidney stone problems. At least I knew enough to not wait as long to yell for help, but some knowledge is painfully acquired. I still haven't finished the egg basket, but have worked on it occasionally. I did make it to the May meeting, since I won't get to go to convention is St. Louis either. I also have previous commitments this year but have told everyone else I am committed to the basket convention next year and unavailable that week-end. Have never been to a convention and I'm getting eager to go. I did get to go to visitor's day last year in Kansas City and really enjoyed it. Betsy - I got my copy of "Addicted To Baskets" and really enjoyed it. Finally got in to your website and enjoyed it also. Always nice to get input from others about tips, techniques and organization. EVERYBODY - Thanks for all the ideas, news, etc. I really looked forward to reading each issue, even if I was too miserable/tired to write in myself. I'm going to print the new issue, go get a big glass of ice water and enjoy the new issue. David - Thanks for all the time and effort you spend so we can visit. I like the changes to the web pages, they looked great the last time I checked in. Alice - from the Kansas City area. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers Words Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 17:36:07 PDT From: "Alice Edwards" To: davidc@iei.net Oops, Meant to mention the comments on someone doing 28 baskets in a day. I haven't had time to look up her name and specifics, but do recall that she was trying to produce a second income from her baskets. She did mention paying her children to do small chores, and I think cut spokes, etc. I think she was the writer that had a husband who was willing to do rims in the evenings after work. Probably why I remember her, since rims are my least favorite part of basket making. And I seem to remember she had some popular small baskets with wire handles, I think with gingerbread men maybe. From my limited experience, I think you could definitely make more baskets if they were small, the spokes were already cut - kit style for a familiar pattern, and you didn't have to rim them, or at least not all of them. I once made 2 more copies of a basket I had done in a class a few weeks before so I could leave them for my Dad to use to hold his CDs. By the 2nd basket it definitely took less time, and I think it was as good or better quality too. Also, I had the impression that this was a 'highest day' type of number, not necessarily something she would do day in and day out. So it was probably a long day dedicated to nothing else when getting ready for a show or something. Perhaps later on I can find time to search the discs I stored back issues on to be sure, or maybe she will have time to write and tell us more details. Well, I really must go now. Alice - in the KC area {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Bear grass Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 18:57:48 -0700 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" To Sandy Howard - There are two types of bear grass that I know of. One kind grows in the Pacific NW and I don't know much about the other, nor which type was advertised by Jason Morris. My dictionary mentions several species of Yucca are referred to as bear grass. I have seen some Papago coiled baskets tagged as made of "bear grass and yucca", but the material was not the one I am familiar with. The Latin name of the NW bear grass species is Xerophyllum tenax. It is 2 to 3 feet long, very sharp on the edges, shiny on the front side and has a ridge down the back. It grows in clumps at subalpine elevations in the Cascade mountains here in Washington state, but curiously also grows at sea-level on the Olympic peninsula to the west. When it blooms it puts up a spike with white frothy flowers like a patio torch. The leaves are shiny and brittle, therefore the material is used as an accent usually. The back is scraped and it is sized to an even width (roughly 1/16th inch or smaller) for use in wrapped-twining over cedar spokes, as in the Makah and Nootka style trinket baskets with pictorial designs, and it is sometimes used for imbrication in coiled root baskets, though canary grass is more common. It is also used as an accent element in plaited cedar bark work (rarely wider than 1/4 inch), most often supported with a strip of bark behind it. Unfortunately it is poached from our forests here. (It is legal to gather it with a permit which is usually granted for amounts for "personal use".) Some of the supply that I have came to me via a confiscation from illegal gatherers. You can contact the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild as I believe they may still have some for trade and/or sharing. I think they received 400 POUNDS of it this year. It is a tragedy that it is being ripped off from the mountains in such a greedy and careless way. The illegal gatherers cut the entire plant, every plant, instead of pulling the outer leaves from mature plants here and there. They then sell it to the overseas (mostly Japan) florist trade, where it is dyed, stuffed into floral arrangements and ultimately thrown away. I hear horror stories of their methods of gathering our wild mountain huckleberries, too. Not only do they drive over the delicate mountain terrain for easy access, but they tote rifles, arrive late at night, get up at dawn, rip the bushes out of the ground, throw them into the back of pickup trucks, and drive off before discovery, to pick the berries off the bushes in some safe location. Some general notes about gathering and permits. In our area, one is required to have a permit to gather seaweed off the beach. There are several types of kelp and other seaweeds that are used in weaving, and of course edible seaweeds. One can get a special use permit from the US Forest Service to gather cedar bark. Recently a favorite salt marsh location for gathering "Sweet grass" (actually a sedge) was closed to harvest, after a one season study of the impact to waterfowl habitat by gatherers who were issued permits. Possession (and sale of) wild bird feathers is not legal in the U.S., for all birds covered by the Wild Bird Migratory Act (which is just about everything except starlings and game birds like pheasant) - so be aware. I would be interested to hear what kinds of restrictions and permits you all deal with in other parts of the country when gathering your materials? Jayna - sorry you could not find any baskets in Spokane. I don't know the area well, but did ask around and no one had any ideas, at least, not without driving some long distances to Yakima or Maryhill Museum near Goldendale. I was very pleased to be asked to offer some classes at the Basketmakers' Weekend at Lake Crescent again this year, sponsored by Pacific Weave. Last year it was a marvelous and busy experience. I met some new weavers and refreshed friendships with others. One fellow came all the way from New York to attend. (Hint, hint folks - this could be your idyllic weekend getaway!) About the care of baskets. If anyone is interested I will mention that one of our guild members, Emily Hartley, has written a booklet called "The Care and Feeding of Baskets". She studied fiber conservation techniques at the Smithsonian. It has been awhile since I read my copy, but I recall she covers general and preventative maintenance as well as repair techniques. She can be reached at 206-564-0238. I may have mentioned I dropped my Flo Hoppe book in my soaking bucket one late evening when I was concentrating hard on a new rim technique. Got myself a new copy and I am really enjoying working through some of the design, shaping and accent techniques that she outlines. Looking forward to seeing her again when she comes here to teach in June, but I hear that both class sessions are already full. Lois - thanks for generously sharing your pineapple basket pattern with us. Carolyn Willoughby - welcome to WW. I admire your resolution to donate the proceeds from your gift shop basket sales to Heifer International - a worthy cause indeed. Susan Slaven - congratulations on your first basket teaching experience. It certainly does add another dimension of satisfaction to basketry doesn't it? Bert - thanks for the detailed description of the Canada goose nesting tubs. I hope we can give it a try on our pond some time. Also want to set up some Wood duck nest boxes. I live in Washington State, and there are many spinning guilds in the area, just precious little time to spend on branching out into a new hobby/skill. One day...... If you belong to the Society for Creative Anachronism, you may also be interested (though admittedly it is a little different) in the Society of Primitive Technology. They are a group of anthropologists, mountain men, survivalists, odd-balls, drop-outs, scholars, and all sorts, who are fascinated by atlatls and firedrills and earthen hut living and wild edibles and brain tanning and flint knapping and fiber arts ( that's us folks) and all kinds of other interesting skills. They put out a very informative publication 4 times yearly. Janet Freebairn - your Mackinac Basket retreat sounds wonderful! Happy weaving for now, from Kay Harradine in the rainy NW. Folklife Festival is over, next up is Sketch Day at the Pond, then "Wetland to Woodland, Weaving from Nature" if enough students sign up. busy, busy.... Kay Harradine Ames mames@fidalgo.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 4 Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 10:05:43 -0400 From: "Carty's" Organization: Pinelands Folk Music Center To: David Collins References: 1 Haven't written in for a while, but though I would let everyone know that I am still around. The question about wedding baskets. I like to just look at what supplies I have and create a basket just for the couple. The last wedding basket I did was really great. I took two swing stair step handles and made a basket using them. It turned out a little bigger then I wanted. This couple loves the outdoors. So I filled it with a nice small blanket, two really nice long stem glasses and bottle of wine. (Wish I though of the chocolate and candles) I did fill in the bottom of this basket. I also like to make a really big egg or melon (18 " hoops) and fill it with towels for a shower gift. When anyone in my family is getting married or going to a shower they always ask me to make them a basket to fill. Some of you know that I also play the dulcimer. I have a friend who has been palying dulcimer with us for about 15 years. I introduced him to one of my basket students and they are getting married in Sept. The cake is going to be a basket weave and on the top they are not have the bride and groom. They are going to have a miniature dulcimer and a chair. She was also in my chair caning classes and that is were they ment. So I guess I can also call myself a match maker. They are both is their thirties and this is their first marriage. Isn't love grand!!!! Sorry I am just so excited about the whole wedding. Well off to the shop for another day of teaching. If any of you travel NJ this summer stop in and say hi. It is sunning and beautiful here today. IN PEACE Mary Carty (njweaver) P.S. Hi Gail and Diana keep up the good work! I will be teaching in Kentucky again this year both dulcimer and baskets. http://www.imagegfx.com/users/pinelands/ Baskets & Dulcimers a match made in heaven {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Old Age? Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 09:41:40, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Don't know if it's old age, senility or just confusion that makes me forget what I was going to reply to with out making notes-probably all three. We are having Susan Kavicky come to the Tidewater area the end of June to teach 2 classes and I am really looking forward to it. Talking about show promoters and imports. My husband actually saw a vendor "kicked out" of a show a couple of weeks ago. I later heard that it was a jeweler . This area has a big problem with jewelers and what they say is hand crafter. the show was a fine art show and sponsored by a local charity. In fact they insist that all the components of the jewelry be made by the person selling it. i.e. earring posts, chains etc. Another show will not accept jewelry that consists of stringing store bought beads on a wire. Boardwalk (the major show here) will not accept anything that is purchased and embellished. i.e. painted sweat shirts, furniture. You must actually construct the object before you paint on it. The business of how many baskets can be made in a day is very confusing to me. There are only 24 hrs and if you make 15 a day that means only 9 hrs left for all the other things in life. I realize that it certainly is possible if tiring to even think about. But 24 or up is more than one an hr if you take other happenings into consideration. I love baskets and weaving them but life is too short for such a commitment. If you got really rich doing it I could maybe try it because you would soon have enough made/sold that you could retire and do your own thing. Besides you really must be doing a job on your body. It physically is not able to take such work for long periods of time. I of course have learned this the hard way.(by overdoing myself) Haven't seen the woven table in the ad. but thought someone said it was in a Ralph Lauren promo. If true he certainly didn't make that sucker himself. It is probably and import with the price raised many times and the weaver making only a few cents compared to the final price. There is a lot of wicker furniture out there these days and saw groups of it when I was looking for kitchen furniture a couple of years ago. I really liked some of it but the price was out of sight or range of my purse. Enough for now. Billie in somewhat sunny Southeastern VA. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 6 Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 11:59:35 EDT From: DeeGrin@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I have just returned from a great 10 days in Evanston Illinois, getting a lot of loving and playing with my "almost 3" year old granddaughter. Actually got an Illinois tan as the weather was in the 80's. I even had an order for 15 baskets from a lovely Shaker shop up there before I left and took a suitcase full of my new designs to show them with the idea my daughter Dori could add them to her collection ( She has more of my baskets than I do.) Anyway the shop took all 8 of them, so I can charge the trip as a business trip!! I am so thrilled that such a nice shop carries my baskets and sells them even at a double the amount I get. They have to pay for their overhead, electricity, rent etc. and time at the shop everyday, plus worry about the days they don't sell anything, specially in the winter months, it doesn't bother me that they charge that much. In fact I gave them a 15% discount this time as I feel it is to my advantage for them to be able to sell them at a reasonable price and then order more from me. They pay me up front and I don't have to pay rent or sell them on consignment. The way I got my first order from them was to sent them one of my miniature brown ash with a portfolio of my baskets and a letter telling them I would be In Evanston to visit my daughter and would like to set up a meeting to discuss the possibility of selling my baskets. My goal in life at that time was to sell ONE basket at their shop!!! I walked out with my first order for 30 baskets that was a year ago. Luckily, I don't have to depend on my basket making for a living as I am retired with a pension and will start getting Social Security next month, but it sure does help with my love for basket weaving and my supplies and conventions etc. I do appreciate the problem others must have to deal with if they have to do it full time for a living and make a profit. I have just made 12 baskets in the past 5 days for a craft show this weekend, and that is about my max, where I can really enjoy doing it. It will be interesting to see what happens at the craft fair , it is in Plant City Fl. which is a small rural community and there will be a Longenberger booth there!! Maybe, people will buy mine because Longenberger are so expensive!!! There really doesn't seem to be much true craft booths there and I plan on weaving so will be interesting and very very hot 90 degrees in the shade. Somewhere I had read you can cut bark off the birch tree and not hurt it, so sure hope this is true as I "borrowed" about 4" from my son-in-laws birch tree. Wanted more but thought I'd see what happens! Bert, you really give so much information! We just have Florida cross-bred sheep with some dorset mix, and raise them for the meat. The sheep shearer keeps the wool. I do want to get back to spinning again though. Got a great little phamplet from Michigan about a neat fibre festival in Kalamazoo in August with spinning, weaving and saw Ruthanne Morningstar"s name as a demonstrator and a teacher for three days. Will sign off and go make my tags for my baskets. I type out the name on on heavy stock paper with a description , uses and my name and address , punch a hole and tie it on with fine jute. Use sticker price tags so they can be removed and then people who receive the basket as a gift will realize they are hand woven. I tried filling basket to sell at seminars and gave some as door prizes and people didn't really realize they were hand woven until they read the tag. One lady told me, oh I make baskets too. When she was ill she received so many basket while in the hospital she saved them and filled them to sell as gifts at work for birthdays etc. David, I missed your WW while I was away, tried to connect at my daughters, but her computer wouldn't download so had to go 10 days without it. Thanks again for all the time you spend . Dee in hot and humid Fl. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 6 Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 12:02:04 EDT From: CARRING55@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Just a few comments on one's exclusiveness in a shop. I also have to agree with Darleen's opinion. The shop owner needs to be selective and not let in 4 people doing the same basket types . But, they also need to offer variety to their customers. Unfortunately shops aren't in business to showcase one artist but to make money!! It would be nice to always have all the business in town-but that's in a fantasy world. There are so many different weaving types and even ways to weave the same basket. Competition and variety are the facts of life. Having competition can keep your ideas and ultimately your baskets fresh and new. You don't expect to see only 1 basketmaker, or 1 potter or 1 woodworker in a craft show do you? Everyone puts a little bit of themselves into what they create. It's always nice to have a chance to share your creativity with others and not be kept out of a shop because they have someone else who does the same craft but in their own style. Just want to thank David again for Weaver's Words. I thoroughly enjoy each and every issue. Hope everyone is enjoying Spring. Paula {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Tags, space-dying, etc. Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 12:19:32 EDT From: CMGARDNER@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone, I have been 'lurking' for several months but have been enjoying every issue. Just have been very busy with job and basket shows, but felt I wanted to get back in the group again. Thanks to David for all that you do! This list has grown so much because of your hard work. I read the comments on space-dying and thought I would throw my ideas in also. I just taught a class on dying reed to our guild and it went well and I was thrilled to see all the great colors the members came back with after they did their own at home. My method is really simple....and not much of a mess either. I use 3 plastic 'shoe boxes' that are 1.5 gal size. They cost about .99 each at Wal-Mart. I put newspaper on the counter under the boxes. I use RIT Dyes and have wonderful luck with them. I heat up a pot of water to a boil, then I mix 1 pack of dye in a glass measuring cup with hot water, stir and pour into one of the boxes. Same for other 2 colors that I want. Then fill boxes with hot water(does not have to be boiling) up to about 2 inches from the top. It is actually a ratio of 1 pkg. Rit to 1 gal water. Soak the coiled reed in hot water about 3-4 minutes to open up the grain, and then dip a section in the dye box. Rotate it back and forth so color blends. I only have to leave it a few minutes when dye is fresh. Then dip in the next box, etc. Over-lap the 1st color. I always untie the coils and make them looser, then re-tye with string. I can get about 4 rolls of reed dyed before the dye starts getting lighter than I want. You can add another 1/2 pkg. of Rit and keep going, too. Last time I did this, I set up the boxes out on the table on the porch. This was great because I just laid the dyed reed on the lawn to dry a little, then hosed it off. I usually have a big tub of water that I have added 2 cups of vinegar and a cup of salt and I let the reed sit in that for about 10 minutes. This seems to lock in the colors so they don't come off when you are weaving. I have been using 3-color space dying for a long time, and the colors that you can come up with are unlimited. Just let your imagination go wild! I just did a basket with Dark Plum, Denim Blue and Moss Green...it is really pretty. the colors all blend into each other so it makes a great pattern. I have tried all types of finishes and sealers and keep going back to my Old English or Pledge Lemon Oil for furniture. It seals the colors, intensifies the color and it smells good too! It gives the same look that MinWax does, but does not smell like the stain. I pour the oil into a cup and paint it on with a 1" brush. Let it sit on a paper towel overnight. Then it is ready! My Michigan convention book came the other day. So great to see all the fabulous baskets and the super line up of instructors. They need to run that convention for about a month so we can take ALL the classes. Well, I have gone on too long probably. This is such a neat group of people and I love sharing ideas and thoughts with everyone. Molly Gardner in very cold, still snow on the ground, northern Nevada. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: bear grass info. Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 15:07:00 -0400 From: "eskbaskets" To: A couple of issues ago, someone said they have access to a huge supply of bear grass. I forgot to respond to that at the time, but would like info on prices, quantities, etc. I teach a lot of classes, and would like to incorporate some naturals into some of my designs. You can e-mail me at: eskbaskets@wilkshire.net. Thanks. Also, David, could you please send me info about how to obtain a code for back issues? Thanks for the great work! -Betty Kourkounakis {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Dyeing Reed Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 13:09:39 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha! We had a terrific guild meeting Monday night. One member was weaving Lyn Siler*s Quilter*s Tote and she had stamped Hawaiian Quilt patterns on the stenciling strip and embossed them in red. The basket was awesome! Then another weaver had (and correct me if I call it the wrong thing) a Lash Saver (we in the boonies don*t get to see this neat stuff often!)--and everyone was most impressed with it. I*m ordering 2 for my lashing husband. Darleena--it was great to hear from you again--hope you have a good move (no damage to your coffee table!) and a safe trip. Billie--I change my tags just for variety. I don*t take the same baskets to every fair so why use the same old tags. I don*t order them printed professionally because the 2 shops at which I sell will not allow my phone number or e-mail address on tags and I like that info on my craft fair tags--so it just seems easier to make my own. I usually do the same fairs season after season so I*m recognized by my striped tent and the baskets I weave (and my most gracious sweet talking southern husband). I do have a question. When I first started, I did have cards printed up at Office Max and I found that everyone who stopped by at the fair took one, but no one called, so I felt it was a waste of money. So, to you weavers who sell at fairs--do you hand them to people who ask, do you have a small basket for them--or do you just give your phone # to those who seem really interested in ordering or taking a class? Darleen in Hawaii--this IS a business and has been for 5 years. I feel I can call it a business as I pay taxes (and ask how many other weavers here in Hawaii do the same--) and I make a profit. I do my best to remind myself that this wonderful thing which began as a hobby is now a business. To make money doing something you love is indeed a rare event. However, since you are a weaver in Hawaii, you must realize there are few places to sell your baskets. You can do fairs (but which ones? Tourists don*t buy Americana--they want Hawaiiana, so forget any fairs downtown--school and church fairs will take table money from anyone, including the Avon lady and the Longaberger dealer which kind of makes it "not a craft fair", but more of a "look at the services I provide" fair--imports are a big deal here at fairs including baskets, clothes, jewelry and the local people go to fairs for these items) or you can find a consignment shop. There are few on this island and you have to be very, very careful (have you heard about the one who cut the bottoms out of baskets when the weaver decided to pull out of the shop? or the shop where several baskets were stolen? or the shop that fills your baskets with other consignors goods--and shoppers can*t tell if your basket is for sale or if it*s just a storage bin?). One of the shops--and it*s the one with the 4 weavers--doesn*t offer contracts. We are there on a month to month basis. I have to sell a minimum number in order to stay. So far that*s not been a problem and when it becomes one, oh, well....but am I "upset" over the other weavers coming in? I*m just disappointed the shop didn*t tell me they were bringing in more weavers or at least tell me they wanted wine baskets or baskets with Hawaiian stamps...don*t you agree that would have been a good business practice? Ethical, anyway. Darleen, if you have been weaving since Oct, why haven*t you joined the active guild on the island? We could tell you which fairs are good and which ones to avoid--consignment shops to steer clear of--we weave, we share, we offer tips and suggestions, we have contests, we have basket swaps (next month we*re having a dyed reed exchange--and the reed you get, you*ll weave a basket and present it to that person the following month), potlucks, painting classes. We meet the last Monday of the month at Caitlin/Radford/Halsey Terrace rec center (in the middle of Navy housing) and we*d love to see you there. If you have a question, call me at 423-2451. Lois Honolulu {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 6 Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 00:47:20 -0400 From: olneyjw@juno.com (Judith W Olney) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 I have to admit I am way behind in reading WW, but it's been a busy spring. Anyhow, with all the talk of shows, art fairs, etc. I wanted to pass along something Jackie Abrams passed on from a class she had with David Bacharach right before Stowe: whenever you do a show, fair, whatever, dress like the people you want to attract. This basically means if you want to sell higher priced baskets, ditch the jeans and T shirt and get a nice little jumper or a pretty summer dress. The more you look like Ms. Gotrocks, the better your chances of selling to her. I got to take Marilyn Moore's class that we re-named "Fire and Wire" at Stowe wherein we annealed copper, bronze, aluminum and stainless steel screening with different mesh sizes then played with the results to see what the various materials and sizes would do. The stainless steel looks like organza and just screams jewelry to me. Folded it in some neat shapes and then got stuck as to what to do next. We also did looping and crochet with wire and learned to knit with a crochet hook. There was also recycled glass that looked like beach glass to encase in our work...and we could add beads. Anyhow, I have a bunch of good starts, but don't have time to play any more right now. Sure did have a good time, though. Learned to love some of the metal, too. After Stowe a bunch of us went to Jackie's and got to play with her paper. What a wonderful weaving material that is! Of course the two people at Jackie's who do the most diagonal plaiting (other than Jackie) made boo boos in their baskets. Names will NOT be mentioned...the personal shame is quite sufficient, I'm sure. I highly recommend Jackie's classes in MI. That paper is wonderful to work with...not at all flimsy they way you might expect! It's nice and thin, too, and causes absolutely NO material problems. Too cool! XXOO JOlney 34 Bradford St. Rowley, MA 01969 978-948-2838 (note new area code) {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 09:25:51 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hello everyone! Hey Darleena: Good to see you here again! I wasn't sure when you would be leaving Okinawa, but glad you're still part of WW. Sounds like you have been very busy with your classes... I can't imagine that many classes in a month - you must be exhausted. You'll be able to relax soon - after the packers have come and gone, that is :) I certainly know what that's like. Have a great trip to the Azores and be sure and check in and let us know how the move went and how your baskets survived it. Bert Comstock: Thanks for the advice on how to dye reed. I guess I was under the impression it was a quicker process than it is. 10 minutes gave me the shade I was looking for, but now I know that a half-hour would give me a nice deep/rich color. Great ideas on how to space-dye too - Thanks! Karen Mitchell: I checked out the Country Living magazine... it was a nice coffee table, but the price seems quite high to me too. My husband says if I could get a couple of grand for a coffee table, he would build the frame for me :-) Billie Dorris: Sounds like a great time in San Antonio... aren't reunions fun? I am currently living in Mt. Holly, NJ - right down the road from Rancocus Woods. And Mary Carty is my instructor now. I go see her about once a week these days. Such a small world isn't it? We seem to have several things in common.... Well, I'm off to go work on yet another basket. Seems I have the bug bad this week :) Take care everyone! Diana French from Southern Jersey {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: fishing creel Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 08:15:13 -0500 From: monast@iquest.net To: davidc@iei.net I would like to respond to the fishing creel discussion and Lyn Siler's pattern. I have used this pattern three times with success. The first time it WAS difficult. Like any NEW technique or method it is hardest just reading and understanding from the printed word. But by going slow and using some common sense I could "see" what the intent should be. The second time was still hard, but better. The third time it was STILL hard, but much better. So anyone thinking about doing the creel, I vote Just Do It. We, in our Guild have all been using The Basket Book patterns each month. As a "senior weaver" I try and do the basket ahead of time to work out potential bugs, or regional differences. For example I like to start a cat-head with the smooth side up. Lyn's pattern doesn't. Is it wrong. NO. The solid bottom Shaker basket I would also weave smooth side up. It's easier for "me" but not wrong or right. It's just easier for me. So if you're stuck on something - go figure. That's how the original weavers did it hundreds (thousands) of years ago. Kristin in muggy Yorktown Indiana- Last day of school! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: staining baskets Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 09:05:24 -0700 From: Lisa Nortz Organization: Weaving Ways To: davidc@iei.net Recently I got a suggestion for how to stain a large number of baskets at one time. Bob Griswold, my friend's husband suggested trying the sprayer that an exterminator uses. Now I've used an air compressor and spray gun before but that makes too much noise and the spray gun doesn't fit spray well into the small baskets. Painting on with a brush works well but takes all day and makes my hands tired. So I tried his idea and it works very well. I bought a 1 1/2-gallon sprayer for less than $30. And it makes no noise, it's easy to clean and covers really well. Just fill it part way with your stain and pump it up to get the pressure then aim the nozzle and spray. Large packs can be stained in less than 1 minute and the little baskets take a few seconds. Now it is messy, the overspray and drips should be caught and reused, my husband is going to cut a large barrel in half so something will catch the excess. I do it outside, I live in the woods. The first time I stained like this I did 47 small pack baskets in less than 2 hours, used less than 2 gallons of stain from start up to clean up. You will need to blot the excess off the baskets a couple of times as they dry. The thinner the stain the less running, the thicker ones need more blotting. I hope this helps you with your staining, those of you that are like me and stain 50 at a time. This method wouldn't be worth it for just a few baskets. Lisa Nortz {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Woven coffee table. Date: Fri, 29 May 1998 23:22:23 -0500 From: catslapbaskets@webtv.net (russell/karen mitchell) To: davidc@iei.net Hello Weaver! Darleena, sorry to have gotten your name wrong in reference to the woven coffee table......There are some days when I am not too sure who I am!! Hope everyone having fun and weaving up a storm. From Karen in Minneapolis, where it has be like July for most of May....but I am not complaining!!!! {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 6 Date: Sat, 30 May 1998 00:50:58 EDT From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. Compiled By: David Collins Darleena - I thought you were the WW coffee table weaver! Hi! It's good to hear from you again! On having two shows in June just before you move - at least you can sell off a lot of baskets and work your supplies down so there won't be quite so much to take with you. :=) And, Maybe you can make some extra cash to spend en route? Darleen in Hawaii - I am also not in business selling my baskets. I don't see myself being particularly concerned about the competition if I ever do begin to sell them. I would probably be making original designs, one-of-a-kind, and priced in the high- cost range. Even if someone else came up with a repetitive copy mass produced that looked similar, they wouldn't really be competing with the 'designer originals'. I believe there's a place for both types in the market. Billie - Your new treasure basket by Trudy Brazelton sounds like a great find! And it's bound to become more valuable as the years go by (although I understand that probably isn't the main reason you bought it). I bought two wonderful little native-made baskets on our trip to Alaska about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, I had spent most of my money before I ever saw a baleen basket. At that time I could have bought a small baleen basket for what I had spent on the other two (one is cedar root, the other coiled grass, both with lids). I did buy the baleen basketry book I found at the U of Alaska/Fbx bookstore. (Maybe next trip I'll get another chance at a basket. Come to think of it, my daughter may be able to track down one of the weavers for me. Hmmm...) Jayna - Sounds as if you had a good trip, in spite of the weather jinx and dearth of baskets. I know what you mean about the richness of cultural diversity. One if the things I love about DC is going to a restaurant and listening to all the different languages at the surrounding tables. Cindy - Glad to see you (and other quiet readers) unlurked! You mentioned torching the hairs off your baskets. Somebody had asked a while ago about where they could buy an appropriate torch. Well, just today I got a new catalog from *American Science & Surplus*, one of my favorite catalogs in the world! They have an alcohol lamp (odd shaped glass bottle 2.5" x 2.5" x 2.5" total height 4.5" with wick through lid) for $5.95; a refillable butane 'pencil torch' (body 1/2"D X 5 3/4"L with head 1/4"D X 2 1/4"L) for $7.95; and a refillable butane 'pistol grip' torch (3"D x 9 3/4" tall with 6.5" 'barrel' & a base on the grip that makes it free-standing in an upright position) for $12.50. (My friend Laura uses an alcohol lamp to heat her tools when sculpting with casting wax.) The catalog is full of tools, gadgets, spare parts, odds and ends and other way cool stuff, and is highly entertaining reading to boot! As Joe Bob Briggs would say, 'Check it out!' The company is located at 3605 Howard Street, Skokie, IL 60076; order phone: 847-982-0870; order FAX: 800-934- 0722; website: www.sciplus.com. (I have no affiliation with this company beyond being a very satisfied customer & Bob usually does our orders, so they have probably never heard of me by name.) Well, I've got to get to bed soon - we have to get up early in the morning to pick up a friend at the airport & drive to Lawrence for an all-day bardic symposium. She's an attorney & will teach a session on copyright law. If I learn anything that applies to basketry (patterns, etc), I'll report back to WW about it. Weave on! Bert Comstock Independence, MO {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Sat, 30 May 1998 08:21:19 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hi Everyone, Seems like things have been real busy here lately, but I've been reading all the issues. Kay: I saw that program too. The way the entire town gathered & shared tasks in making the suspension bridge was fascinating to watch. That's one society where weaving is important! Joe: What a class act on your choice of wedding gift! If I we ever renew our vows, you are invited! Lois: Thanks for the pineapple basket pattern. Sounds fun. Diana: about Adobe Photo Delux - does the program do all the work in turning a photo into a drawing? Or is it a tracing feature? Carolyn W: The Heifer Project International sounds like a wonderful thing to get involved with, and I loved the ides of passing on the first born female so more & more people will benefit. Debra: regarding your comment on how shows often contract. Contracts are 2 way streets & are negotiable. It's up to us to negotiate a fair deal for ourselves. Bert: thanks for the dye notes. I hope your are keeping samples & a record! Perhaps you are working toward the Certificate of Excellence? To anyone else who has completed the process, I'd be interested if you took the full 2 years & hoe much time you devoted to each part. Helloooooooo Harold Evans! Have I missed something, or have you just joined WW? Remember you from BL. Congratulations on your new shop. Any plans for a website? Kay: I saw the wicker coffee table in Country Living! Does anyone ever think about the tremendous RANGE of pricing that's out there? It seems like there's high priced & low priced & not much in between. That makes me reflect on how basketmakers /weavers/artists view their work in order to come up with a selling price. I think how we view our work is an important key to what evolves. Last but not least, I sure do wish I could make the Mackinac retreat & toodle over to see where Somewhere in Time was filmed too! To anyone who goes, please report back on your experiences. Joy Moody Sign of the Crow www.signofthecrow.com P.S. The most recent browser software for Netscape is now causing problems with access to our site. If you have difficulty, please let me know & I'll send you an e-mail with a way to get in "in back door". {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weavers words Date: Sat, 30 May 1998 18:18:07 -0400 From: "Russell & Leslie Johnson" To: Hello everyone..Well I did my first basket party last night and it turned our wonderful. The hostess (my sister) invited many people as an "open house" style party, so we had no idea how many would attend. Well as it was, 10 people came and they all purchased baskets and I made over $650! Not bad money for two hours of sitting and visiting with folks. In addition to what I sold there, I also took orders for 8 more baskets for which I did not take "pre-pay" on. I had made doorknob baskets (all decorated differently) for door prizes(how appropriate!), we had them write their names on a piece of paper and drew a name every 15 minutes or so. There was punch, coffee & tea, baked goods and a big bowl of fresh fruit. All in all, I was very pleased and would certainly do it again. I normally have around 75 baskets in my booth at craft shows, and took at least that many to this basket party so there was a broad selection from which to choose. Most everyone there had purchased baskets from me before but since I live 60 miles from where the party was & mostly do shows in my area, no one has had an opportunity to see so many of my baskets all in one place. In this instance, since they knew about me & my baskets, it wasn't necessary to make a presentation, but I did answer any questions they may have had. For fun, instead of asking me "what would I put in this basket"? I asked them what they were going to put in the basket! They sure came up with some cute ideas for the baskets they purchased!! So for all of you who had posted questions about home parties (me included) I would say "go for it". A fun time was had by all! Happy Weaving from Leslie in (sunny & warm) Michigan {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.