"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 8 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: June 02, 1998 Subscribers: 608 "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 Take Care, David http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ davidc@iei.net {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: this n that Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 09:10:12 -0700 From: "Amanda\"Mandy\"Popelka" To: "Weavers Words" Hi everyone! It is hot here in Illinois and I think we are going to have a record hot summer. David-Well, I will be watching the game tonight and am hoping my Bulls go all the way again. Gotta love Mike! Dee-I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Illinois and had such great lucky with the shop. Maybe next time you are here we can meet up for lunch. Leslie-Congrats on your home party! I love selling this way and it is so relaxing and nice to get to know your customer too. I did find one problem with having basket home parties. I did it all by orders. Boy, I am busy and am having a problem keeping up with the orders. I guess this is good except school will be out this week and was going to enjoy the summer with the kids but looks like I will be weaving sitting at the beach. We are also moving at the end of July and have no idea how I will get packed. Hope you are all enjoying the weekend! Friends in weaving, Mandy icq # 3317059 Mandy's Hopechest mandy@essex1.com http://www.essex1.com/people/mandy Oregon, Illinois {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 7 Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 12:18:46 -0400 From: "Susan Tripp" To: "David Collins" Hello Weavers - All 600+ of you! I am so glad some of you saw the suspension bridge special on PBS. I too found it fascinating and am glad other weavers got to see it! To Kay Harradine: Thanks so much for the information on the natural resources and gathering ways in your area. I found it fascinating and had no idea of any of that information. I'm so glad to see that the confiscated materials are put to good use and can be carried on in some manner rather than wasted! Lois: I have business cards in a basket business card holder that I made up for my shows. People usually take all my cards and I do need to replenish after each show. The one thing that bothers me most is when the kids come around "collecting" business cards, and take one card for each kid in their group. Those I know will never find their way into a customers' hands. I could make a stink and tell them they can't have one, but that news will definitely make it's way back to one of the mothers, and a potential customer. Since I make my cards up myself on card stock, it is not all that expensive and not worth the bother to limit who may take a card and how many they may have. Months after a particular show, I have received calls from people who put my card in their wallet or on the frig, and only now called. One person turned out to be my best customer! Also, I made a basket business card holder with a dip in the front to show off the cards. I've seen other holders without the dip and didn't like the way they concealed the card. Many people comment on the card holder and want one for their spouse/friend or even other crafters want one for their booths. Moral of the story: I will continue to provide cards at my shows and smile at the next group of six kids who come by to see who can get the most cards. Leslie: The basket parties sound like so much fun. I would love to try them and will definitely keep them in mind! Jolney: I am tickled pink about your dress code recommendation. It just makes sense, and thinking back on what I wear, I can't wait to give it a try! Well, I'm finally convinced that I am doing no one any favors (mostly myself) by pricing my baskets too low. I used to feel a failure unless every basket sold, so my prices were marked up just enough to cover for my shows and supplies. With all the past messages from everyone on WW, I'm convinced I'm too low, and darnitall, my baskets are pretty nice and worth more! I was doing what one weaver warned against: telling my little corner of the world that baskets are easy, cheap, and anyone can do them! Dave: Thanks for WW! Susan from warm and beautiful upstate NY {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 7 Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 14:06:54 EDT From: DeeGrin@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Enoyed all the information in Vol. 7 and Congratulations on 600 members. It is really a great service you provide all these weavers, David. Is there something I can do or am doing wrong on my e-mail so when it prints out, it prints in a paragraph, instead of one sentence at a time?? I always print out each issue so I can relax and read it all. I think I have finally figured out how after trying many ways to highlight all the helpful hints everyone sends in that I want to save !! I have tried printing out the issue and then highlighting in blue, folding ears on the page etc. end up getting the pages all mixed up etc. and never getting the information organized so I can find it later. Today I finally figured out how to copy and then paste the information in a folder on basket tips, party tips, dying tips etc. by keeping the current issue open and copying article then pasting it in the other folder. It worked. Duh!! Probably no big deal to most of you, but for those of me who still struggle with how to use my computer efficiently, it might help someone else.!! Congratulations Leslie on your basket party. I really want to do one. Since I only sold one basket at the craft fair I now have 32 baskets made so a good time to do one. I'm going to send a copy to my daughter so next visit she can have one for me. Thanks Molly, on your information on dying reed. Dee In Florida {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Wedding Baskets Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 17:51:40 -0400 From: Winnie Organization: @Home Network Member To: David Collins I was just reading the last issue of WW and it reminded me of an idea that I've used for special baskets. I purchased an assortment of different size wooden hearts at a craft store. I drill a small hole at the top of the heart, and with a permanent marker, write a personal message on the heart. I've done initials, a monogram, wedding date, or just Happy Birthday or anything you want. If someone is really talented with a paint brush you could even paint something appropriate on the heart. I thread a piece of ribbon or #2 round reed through the drilled hole and attach the heart to the basket, usually around the base of the handle or around the rim. It's always a big hit. Some of the hearts are too small to do anything more than just an initial. I string a bunch of these together with a small knot between each heart, a really pretty decoration! Have fun. Winnie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 7 Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 12:12:41 -1000 From: "Perry S. Brown" <4browns@gte.net> To: David Collins References: 1 Hi! I have enjoyed reading the past issues of Weavers Words and would like to share my input on the subject of selling baskets in a shop. I have been weaving for 2 years now and also live in Hawaii. For about a year and a half I have been selling my baskets at a few shops here on the island and had never had a problem. Since Hawaii is such a small place you are limited to where you can sell your baskets and still be the sole weaver in that shop. In the two shops I was in I worked closely with the owner about what sells for that area and what customers are looking for. For the majority of the time I was the sole weaver and that was in my contract. I think by always providing the shop with there needs and keeping up with special orders for their customers made it both a win win situation for myself and the shops. I have since pulled out of both because we are moving back to the mainland in a few weeks. I had a great time weaving and teaching here in Hawaii and wish the best of luck to Darleen and Lois as they continue weaving here in Hawaii!!! Thank you for all your helpful hints on dying seagrass, I have yet to try half of them........ Happy Weaving, Natalie Brown. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 15:14:22 -0000 From: "MARK MAHONEY" To: "David Collins" Hi, I just wanted to reply to the comment that was made from Lois regarding my comments and my opinions on having other weavers in shops. I agree that if I was in a shop and another weaver started selling her baskets there I would feel the competition. But if there is no agreement with the shop owner then you have no right to be upset. That is basically what I am saying. This country was built on free enterprise and competition is good for the soul. It is what has made our country great and it is what makes us better as weavers. If the shop situation is not going well, there are other avenues to sell baskets. I am personally not going to go the shop route and possibly not the craft fair route. I plan on organizing a catalogue and sending it to every friend that is involved in a working environment and starting to expand that way, as well, as possibly doing some home shows once I get back to the mainland which will be here in a few months. I think that if you decide to start selling your baskets then you need to develop a solid game plan and organize yourself in that manner. That is MY plan. I love doing baskets, they have been my sanity since my husband went out to sea and the Navy moved us away from my family to the middle of the pacific. I have a friend who out of the goodness of her heart taught me how to weave, and she reads WW. I would like to take the time to thank her (she knows who she is). THANK YOU!!! She truly has given me a sense of myself and I now know that I can survive my husband's upcoming West Pac without going to the cuckoo's nest. Thanks!! And thank you WW, as I always have something to look forward to when I open my E-Mail. Darleen in Hawaii {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Lyn's Fishing Creel, Consignment Shops Date: Mon, 01 Jun 1998 08:42:49 -0500 From: Lora L Khoury To: David Collins I have to agree with Kristin on Lyn Siler's fishing creel. I made this basket without much problem, either. I ended up using a wooden lid instead of weaving mine because I got frustrated with how my lid was coming out, but that was because I wasn't doing a nice job, not because I didn't understand what I was supposed to be doing. A friend of mine wove this as I think her second basket. She was there with a whole group of us to help her, but she finished it AND did the lid, and she did the weaving herself; we were just there for moral support. It's a beautiful basket. As Kristin said, if it's not making sense, "go figure". If you're an experienced weaver, you can probably figure it out, or you might have a way that works better for you than the way that is SUGGESTED in the pattern. Remember, you don't always have to follow the same route to get to the same destination. Darleena, I agree with you about consignment shops. Wouldn't it be great if we could be the only weaver in the place? But then, what if we got there one day late and didn't have the opportunity? Competition keeps us on our toes. Billie, yeah, I can see 28 baskets in a day, if they were all small, similar, and I didn't have to lash them. I can see it, but I certainly wouldn't want to do it. :> Ugh! Makes my backache just thinking about it! Lora {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 09:51:20, -0500 From: BDKE97B@prodigy.com (MRS BILLIE A DORRIS) To: davidc@iei.net Have made some notes so I can remember the comments I wanted to make. Joy Moody-for some reason just your name is in my notes but no clue as too why. Maybe I'll remember someday. Lois, had forgotten about shops not allowing phone or e-mail addresses on the items in their shop. When you say that you don't take the same baskets to each show do you mean that you co- ordinate(for want of a better word) the baskets to the type of clientele at each show or you just vary the baskets randomly? Don't think what I have said really makes sense but hope you understand what I am asking. Do you not take all of your available baskets to every show? I do have my cards available to people at the shows. I keep then in a small basket but am beginning to think I need another display item as they frequently ask me for a card when they are right under their nose. As for people taking them who never call that is just the price of doing business. And you never know when they decided they need a basket for a gift and call.(sometimes months later) Bert, I am lucky to have a baleen basket. Of course my son did not buy me one while he was stationed in Fairbanks. He did get me another type of which I'm very proud. My daughter in law told me that had they already been married at that point she would have made him buy the baleen. Of course he also admits that if he hadn't waited until just before he moved (during tourist season) that he could have gotten one much cheaper. The one I have I got at a "antique" show. My next door neighbor at that time was a dealer and she always did a show called the big flea in Richmond Va. My husband and I would often drive down to see the latest buys. That time when I got there Mary said that she had found me something-wasn't quite sure what it was but knew I would be interested. When I saw it my heart almost stopped beating. It was of course a baleen. The lid had some damage (think perhaps a cat had gotten hold of it) and there was a note inside about when it had been given as a gift and by whom. Now comes the best part-She had already bargained him down from $115 to $100. I would have gladly give him the higher price. Anyway I checked the weaver out(he is in the book) and he was one of the earlier weavers. There is a picture of one that is in a museum (Arizona I think) that is exactly like mine. Of course Mary is still complaining that she let me have it. But too bad-once I got my hands on it certainly wasn't going anywhere else. I do have it on a shelf the cat can't reach Judy O. like your comment about how to dress for shows. Was just thinking about the same thing. The upcoming show at the boardwalk is a definite example. Yes it is on the ocean front and shorts and sandals are appropriate for both customers and dealers but some of the outfits the artists wear make you cringe/ cut off shorts, halter tops and flip flops. This is such a tightly controlled show that am expecting any day for a dress code to be implemented. My daughter and husband have finally convinced me to concentrate on Nantuckets with the occasional art piece thrown in. There are now quite a number of weavers in the area and so no need to make the basic baskets. I will leave that to others. I accept that I will not sell as many baskets but the satisfaction (both financial and artistically) will certainly be greater. It is interesting that now that I have made the decision I feel like a weight has been lifted and enjoy weaving much more. Didn't know how much it took out of me to be continuously wondering what I should make next. Excuse the spelling today-my fingers don't seem to want to co- ordianate with my brain. Yes I could run the spell check but don't Billie {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Word Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 14:01:11 EDT From: BJCRAFTS@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net David, Congratulations on the first year of Weaver's Word! Love getting all the issues. Thank you for all you do for us... Hello Cindy in MI. Good to see you on WW finally. Cindy did not mention that she also writes patterns. I was lucky enough to Test one of them for her. The Cherokee Heart Twill Basket, it was well written and easy to follow. Thank you Lois for sharing the Pineapple Pattern. I've made them without the base and teach it as a beginner basket class. Do you ever weave with coconut palms/fronds? When I was there last winter I bought a couple and hand carried them home. What does nui loa mean? Leslie, How did your home party go? Let us know I would like to know about cutting grape vines and honey suckle vines, when's the best time and how long do you dry them before using? Happy weaving and good health to all. BeckyJoy/Enfield, CT. {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Thank You Date: Mon, 01 Jun 1998 18:08:02 -0600 From: ANDREA & TOM OKEEFE Organization: SAVANNAH HOUSE To: davidc@iei.net, coltsfan@usa.net Dear Basket Friends, Thank you to all of you who sent such kind thoughts. My Tom passed away on Sunday, May 24th after a four month battle. I know he is now in a better place as he was a very good and kind man. Andrea {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words: Staining Baskets for outdoor use Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 21:54:03 -0400 From: "mkoch" To: To the Weaver that wanted a tip on sealing her baskets for outdoor use: I spray my baskets with Weaver's Stain. I use Walnut and Black Walnut for the baskets I use outside. I spray my basket a little heavier than I normally would. Let it dry overnight (24 hours). And they are ready for outdoor use. To use them outdoors, I will do the following: 1. Line them with burlap. Place gravel in the bottom (or bark chips) of the burlap liner and fill it with potting soil and plant away. 2.. Set a plastic pot inside the basket and plant in it. 3. Build up the bottom of the basket with a block or brick, and place a planter on top of the bricks (if it is a tall bushel basket and the planter is shallow). You can water your plants either way and it will not hurt your baskets. I have some baskets I have been using outside for approx. 3 years and I am still using them. To spruce up your basket, you may want to hose the basket down, let it dry and mist it with stain again. I use clear for this step. This way I am not darkening the shade of the basket, unless you want to. By staining and sealing your basket this way, your outside baskets should last approx. 3 to 4 years. Depending on the weather, maybe longer. I do not keep them outside during the winter months. And Weaver's Stain does not make them tornado proof. (a little humor). If you have any Deft oil, this is also an excellent product to use. However, you will have to brush it on your basket. Any stain that has a "tung oil base with a urethane resin" is great for your basket. You don't want to use polyurethane's, or lacquers on your basket. These finishes will shorten the life of your basket, as well as, make them crispy critters. Hope this helps. If you are looking for a Weaver's Stain dealer in your area, you may refer to our webpage: www.weaversstain.com If you have any questions, please email us at mkoch@iei.net Happy Weaving, Dollie Koch Weaver's Stain {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 09:35:54 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hello everyone! Wow, David! 600 subscribers!! Are you amazed at how large our group has become? I wonder what our numbers will be a year from now??? What a great job you are doing with this list. Keep up the great work! Sorry about your Pacers :( I was rooting for them too as I'm a Bird fan from his Celtic's days. Molly Gardner: Thanks for your ideas on space-dyed reed. Sounds like you have a great system and one I may try sometime. I love the idea of using those small containers. And I never heard about soaking the reed in hot water before dying... something else I need to try. Joy Moody: About Adobe Photo Deluxe - yes, the program converts the picture... there is no tracing involved. I find it works best if you convert your color photo to b/w first (it's just a click of a button) and then another click of a button turns the photo into a sketch. As I said earlier, the drawing looks better if you use a basket picture with no colored reed in it as that doesn't seem to transfer to sketch as nicely. There may be other photo programs out there that do the same thing - best to look around and try them out if possible before purchasing (they can be expensive). Leslie Johnson: Sounds like you had an excellent evening at your basket party. I've heard so many great idea's on these home parties. I'm glad everyone is having such great success at it. Something I may try someday.... Need to get a lot more weaving under my belt first :) Happy weaving everyone!! From Diana French in sunny and warm Southern New Jersey {*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*}{*}-{*} If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.