"Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 80 Date Sent: February 09, 1999 Subscribers: 937 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-899-5747 davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Do You Like Weavers Words? Click Below To "Recommend-It" To A Friend! http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=210339 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Web Cards" - Create Full-Color Postcards For Your Web Page. http://www.printing.com/affiliate.asp?site=davidc For every free sample of "Web Cards" that you request from the above link, I will receive a $1 commission. It cost you NOTHING. Once you receive your free sample, you can purchase personalized "Web Cards" for your web page and/or business if you like. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Bare Walls" Basket Pictures/Prints If you are looking for basket pictures/prints, check out "Bare Walls" through Weaver's Words site. I will get a 15% commission from Bare Walls for every picture/print ordered. The address to check out the pictures is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/prints.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, I would like to thank everyone who has purchased books through Weavers Words Basket Bookstore (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/book.html). I received my second quarterly commission check from Amazon.Com a couple of days ago. It's not making rich by any means. But it's a nice surprise to get a check in the mail every three months. I have added a poll to Weaver's Words web page. Be sure to stop by and take the poll. It's located toward the bottom of Weaver's Words home page. . Here's the address: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ I have revamped the basket picture page. There are lots of great basket pictures. Be sure to check it out and check back often. There's new pictures added frequently. If you have a picture('s) that you would like added, just send it to me via e-mail or the U.S. mail. I can scan photos for you. Here's the address: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/pictures.html Take Care, David davidc@iei.net P.S. 325 days until the next millennium. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Embroidered socks Date: Sun, 07 Feb 1999 09:35:55 -0600 From: Evonne Smith To: David Collins References: 1 Hello WW sock wearers! Thanks for the orders and if you have not checked out the socks, you need to click into classified. All you ladies need a pair to wear to convention. They will keep your feet warm and happy so you can weave and weave and weave. Thanks David for all your time, Evonne in sunny North Carolina, where one day we have beach weather and the next day it's cold, cold. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 79 Date: Sun, 07 Feb 99 08:48:52 PST From: pywoodbury@worldnet.att.net To: "David Collins" References: 1, 2 Hi weavers Karen - I checked out your site. I loved the name Kudzuweaver and I loved your baskets. They are fantastic. I am not particularly fond o kudzu baskets, but did take one class and enjoyed the experience but it wasn't something I would want to work with everyday, but certainly appreciate the hard work you put into them. You really have mastered the kudza with the great baskets you have made out of it. Have you ever considered submitting you baskets to the various basket happening around the country as other weavers love learning new things and there are not many people who teach kudza. I think probably your relatives do not appreciate how much harder it is to make the baskets you are making as opposed to the reed baskets. I am sure they expect a basket to look more like the traditional reed baskets. Pam %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Convention in Vermont Date: Sun, 07 Feb 1999 13:28:15 -0500 From: Winnie Organization: @Home Network Member To: David Collins Hi Everyone, A few issues ago someone asked about the basket convention that is held in Vermont. I've been waiting to hear about it too. I think it is usually in mid-May, and unfortunately conflicts with college graduation weekend. For this reason I've never been able to go. (I'm at the age when the next generation is graduating from college.) I don't know the date this year, but my daughter is graduating so I probably won't make it. If anyone knows the date, please let us all know. Thanks, Winnie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: re: kudzu Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 10:43:23 -0800 From: "chas" To: "weavers words" Karen: I just took a look at your site and your baskets... They are great.. I've never seen kudzu (being from Washington state), I didn't realize it is rather sturdy. A little like willow, with more bumps and bends... Keep up the good work !! I too do "rustics" on occasion, and not everyone likes them.. But a lot of us do -- so follow your star and have fun ! I do regular "reed" baskets as well, so if you're wanting to sell (and thusly appeal to a larger market), that might be an avenue to explore... Ruth Lascurain %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW V 21.80 Date: Sun, 07 Feb 1999 11:07:22 -0800 From: Bob Kleppick To: David Collins First I'd like to say how much I enjoy this site. There are great baskets pictured and loads of information that can help everyone at some point. I just put my website on the net. Please check it out and feel free to critique any aspect of it. I'm new at this type of marketing and need all the help I can get. Anyone who wants to set up a website, either personal or business, might want to check out folksites.com. It is a great on-line community dedicated to making the internet easy and accessible to non-techies. You build your own site the way you want it using the easy step by step procedures outlined in a non-technical language that anyone can understand. Karen Horner - thanks for the mention about my posey-pot. I used cane, about 1/4", for the stakes. The weavers are cane of various widths. I turned the base and rim, red oak, on the lathe. My partner pulled the wisteria during a trip to New Jersey last April. The largest piece is about 1" in diameter. I can see part of it being the rim of a very large potato basket. Your Kudzu baskets look great. I like the rustic look. I've never worked with kudzu. Come to think about it, I don't think I have ever see it. Is it as sturdy as grapevine? Again, everyone, please check out my website, www.folksites.com/BCbaskets, let me know what you think. Thanks Bob Kleppick BC Arts & Crafts %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW 2.80, Carpel Tunnel Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 13:38:40 -0800 (PST) From: Marsha Ackerman To: davidc@iei.net Hi All, To respond to Judy Benner: Judy your symptoms as described in the last Weaver's Words are classic carpel tunnel, and probably do not include a circulation aspect. I suffered with the same in both hands and arms. I treated myself with B-6 and splints and thought the conservative route was best, especially when the worst of the pain passed and I started sleeping again. Unfortunately that only means that the carpel tunnel syndrome has advanced. In this case, less pain is bad! I eventually "wised up" and had a second EMG done that showed worsening of the condition with some permanent nerve damage. I had both hands surgically corrected and I have been weaving happily ever since. See a neurologist soon, if you have not already. You will be much happier in the end! Do be sure you chose an orthopedic or neurosurgeon experienced in carpel tunnel repair. Good luck! To Pam Feix and all other IBA attendees-to-be: I am counting the days until the convention. Also trying to decide what to make for my basket buddy. That's always a difficult decision! Well, this is only the second year for me, but it is again a difficult decision. I like the idea of identifying ourselves as WW people. A ribbon sounds easiest, what do the rest of you think? Pam, I will definitely be looking for your room. I weave on Thursday and Friday and plan on big time shopping on Saturday. Be sure not to sell everything before Saturday! Marsha in MI'snowy, cool U.P. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 80 Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 13:40:40 -0800 From: hannah To: "'David Collins'" Hi all, Sandy Atkinson, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of the baby. I never lost a child, so have no idea what it must be to go through. I am sure that God is looking over you and yours. My mom always told me that the Good Lord does not put onto one's shoulders that he/she cannot handle. I am wishing you all many blessings. I will keep you in my prayers. Tony Stubblefield: Your baskets are BEAUTIFUL!! Your web site is nice too. Thanks so much for sharing. Karen: I have often wondered what you were talking about when you mention the Kudzu. Now I know, and thank you for sharing as well. Judy Richmond-Spates: Yes, I do know what you mean by being snowed in and wishing I was in Boston. It is truly beautiful there. I cannot wait to get to visit again. Well, TA TA for now. Pam Feix in southwest OH, where it is a dreary, rainy day. http://www.feixbaskets-crafts.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sun, 07 Feb 1999 17:16:21 -0500 From: "Kathleen M. Calvert" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Everyone, We had relatives visiting this week due to a death in the family. My aunt , who lives in California began to ask me about weaving, and was quite interested in the fact that I am into basketry. This was very exciting to me as no one in my family is ever very interested in what I do with weaving (except my husband and kids--they can't escape!). She asked me how I ever got into basketry as a business, and I turned to my Mom and said, "I don't know--do you remember exactly how I got into it all Mom?" She said "I guess it was therapy for you". I really wanted to scream at my Mom, but.....Since she just got out of the hospital and has been so sick, I didn't have the heart to. I just told my aunt that I think it just feels good to be a part of an art/craft culture that is so deeply rooted in the past, and that I want to be a part of helping to pass it on. I'm sure you all know how I felt--both a little hurt and defensive at the same time--oh well............. Anyway, my question for you all is: Does anyone have any sources of info on wheat weaving? My aunt is very interested in wheat weaving so I told her I knew just where to get some information. Please email me if you know of any info I can get to send to her----at least I found one member of my family who is "connected". I just wish she lived closer. Thanks in advance for any info anyone might have. Take care. Kathi Calvert KMC Baskets & Folkart Tinton Falls, NJ kmcbaskets@worldnet.att.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: baskets of quilt blocks Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 21:50:20 -0100 From: "Jones Family" To: "David Collins" Hey David and weaving buddies, Hey Lois K- so you are going to venture off of the island and all the way to the big city. I'm scared! Cities can be so overwhelming after island life but also very exciting. I'm glad to hear that you are having such a good time painting- now to get you quilting too. Have you met anyone from Okinawa at the fairs/shows? I believe 3 acquaintances went your way since May. Diane from Kansas- your last posting sounded so familiar. Speaking of baskets and quilt blocks in the same breath. I'm not sure which I would rather do but weaving is more for business these days and quilting is so exciting because it's still new to me. I'm swapping charms for Y2K and that has kept me too busy, almost done with that. We had a quilter get together this afternoon for info and some hand work. It's nice to get out and chat with other ladies. I work full time and never seem to meet ladies to start a friendship, except at work which is not always possible being that I'm the oldest woman in the building. Kat M- Are you still out there? Well, I do have some basket orders (I hate orders) to get done and a show to weave for- but I'd rather be quilting!! Darleena in the Azores %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Carpal Tunnel & natural meds Date: Sun, 07 Feb 1999 18:46:12 +0000 From: wanda crist To: davidc@iei.net To one & all: For a very long time, I too suffered nightly with the tingling, etc. I also have very severe knee pain and my ortho dr. said to take Glucosamine/Chondroitin daily. This is an Over the Counter med (I get at Wal-Mart) which helps to restore joints. Since I started taking it, not only are my knees bearable, but my Carpal Tunnel is much, much improved. Maybe this would help some of you. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: (no subject) Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 01:44:00 EST From: Arlo1225@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi Dave, Hi All! Just trying to catch up on a few issues here - wow, so much is happening out there! Sandy and Nicole. So sorry about your loss. Please try and be comforted knowing so many have you in their prayers. Mary Carty - Sorry to hear about your loss also. Your aunt is lucky to have you there for her. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Judy B. - re: poor circulation - I also have painful finger joints and poor circulation in my hands - due to lyme disease. Have just recently started seeing a doctor who practices "progressive" medicine - he believes in treating the whole body and uses both traditional medical practices, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements. He has recommended acupuncture to help with my poor circulation and joint pain. I have not yet had it done, but wanted to pass the info on. Also, I am on a combination of mega-doses of antibiotics and nutritional supplements and am starting to feel better than I have in almost a year. Good luck... Susan H. in Morgantown - my husband and I went to graduate school there. Is the PRT still running......and breaking down?!! Go Mountaineers! Tony - your site is very nice and your basket trips sound wonderful! Angie and Anna - re: wombats and echidnas - one of my husband's college professors (undergrad. at Cornell) was one of the world's leading authorities on wombats and had a pet echidna - he has told me very interesting and funny stories about the critters. Gretchen - nice to know there are others out there with 5 cats! One of mine insists on sitting in my lap while I'm working on the computer, or my knitting! However if it's very cold they're all up on our bed snuggled up on the comforter! Judi - you're just the motivation I needed! What's it feel like being the first documented one with a basket in the mail? Please share the feelings as I'll never have that honor! :-) My biggest problem is trying to decide what kind of basket to make! Guess I'd better get going! Dave - thank you for making WW possible - it's my "lifeline" at times - thanks for all your hard work - Happy Weaving! Lesley %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: good news and bad Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 08:42:15 -0500 From: "Gail Caron" To: "David Collins" Hi David and Weavers Worders: It seems as if many of us are experiencing losses lately. I was getting ready to go to the Deer Creek Guild meeting yesterday morning when we received news that my father-in-law had died around 7:30. Like Mary Carty's uncle he was in advanced stages of Parkinson's disease and had been in pretty bad shape for a while. Still, it is upsetting when the inevitable comes. On a happier note, though, I hope everyone welcomes Tony Stubblefield to the WW family very warmly. He has pictures of his baskets on his website and they are spectacular. I had sent some questions to him concerning weaving a basket similar to one on his site and he was gracious enough to send me detailed instructions, tips and even diagrams. Another wonderful person that I have met through WW. Well, this is just a short note - today is a day for planning memorial services and notifying relatives and friends. It is comforting to know that the WW family is so caring and thoughtful. Take care all. Gail Caron in wet, cold, southern NJ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Stowe Basketry Festival Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 11:00:36 EST From: RndHearth@aol.com To: david@iei.net Hi- The 1999 Stowe Basketry Festival brochure is now available. If you're not already on our mailing list, E-mail us your mailing address and we'll get one right out to you. If you're not familiar with our program, we offer 7 days of weaving in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. The dates are May 17-23, 1999. Faculty members include Flo Hoppe, Dianne Stanton, Mary Butcher, Keiko Takeda, Dick Gilliand, Judy Olney, Marilyn Moore, Sosse Baker, JoAnn Kelly Catsos, Bobbi Hall, Doris Messick, Mary Hettmansperger, Jackie Abrams, Gladys Ellis, Anne Lima, Bob Coker, Jo Campbell-Amsler, Cass Schorsch and Rosie Kiley. The Stowe Basketry Fesstival has the reputation of being a very intimate and friendly conference. Class sizes are strictly limited and student and faculty mingle throughout the days and evenings. Classes are held in the base lodge at Stowe Mountain Resort. Inexpensive lodging is available at the Round Hearth Ski Dorm (all faculty members stay there) or at a number of other lodging establishments in Stowe. Highlights include a Friday evening banquet, Student/Faculty Exhibit, daily door prize drawings as well as Student and Faculty Marketplaces. Hope to see you in May! Merry and Grady Vigneau, Directors Stowe Basketry Festival 39 Edson Hill Road Stowe, VT 05672 1-802-253-7223 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: messages Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 13:25:14 -0500 From: "Angie Longenecker" To: "David" Hi All, David posted the possum pictures for me, so see if you think they're cute. I just couldn't decide which one to send. Each picture shows something different about them. Sandy Atkinson and family - we all are sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you. Kudzu Karen - I went to your site to see your kudzu baskets. Some people are going to like them and some won't. I have to admit - my personal preferences lean to very finished pieces with symmetrical shapes. But, I'm not everyone - some people love a rustic look. Ask yourself this - are your baskets strong? Are they woven with good craftsmanship? Are you slapping them together quickly or do you weave them carefully to the best of your ability? Do you enjoy what you do? Are you proud of your finished baskets? Do you take care that ends and joints won't break easily as the basket is used? If you can answer yes to questions like those - keep weaving! It takes time to build a business, any business. You need to make people aware of your baskets. Find local shops that will sell your work on commission or buy outright. Make sure the shop fits the style of your baskets. You don't want to put your baskets in a shop filled with Longaberger baskets or fine art (at least not until you develop a name for yourself and find a gallery to take your work), look for shops that sell country or rustic themed items. Have an informational card attached to each basket - tell people what kudzu is and what you have to do to harvest and prepare it, etc. Educate people and weave! Good luck! Judy Benner - Yes, my horse has balked near the grave - but then again, sometimes he doesn't. It seemed at one time, he would do it every time we went past. Maybe he's too old to care anymore. I didn't know Doris didn't believe! Actually, I don't know if I do or not. I've never seen anything, but I have heard stories from someone who grew up at the top of Hawk Mt. and lived right next to Schaumbacher's cabin. Who knows? So far I escaped carpal tunnel synd. (my fiancée has me doing stretches for my wrists - he's shocked at the limited flexibility I have - so hopefully I'll keep it away) but a big help is not sleeping on your hands! I wake up with very stiff hands and it's much worse when I sleep on them or sleep with them bent. Try laying them on the mattress or on yourself and keep them stretched out and flat. Woke up to a beautiful snow this morning (beautiful because to was just enough to make everything look pretty but not enough to affect the roads and it will be melted by tomorrow!) in PA Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Bash '99' Date: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 21:52:20 -0500 From: martyhln@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi David and World Basketmakers...I am so exited I have the book in my hand about the Basket Bash '99' at the Fowler Center in Mayville, MI. There are lots of choices to make, many classes to take they all look absolutely marvelous. The thing that interested me the most is 3 days of weaving NO COOKING you don't even have to think about what's for dinner, it will all be prepared for you. Now if that sounds wonderful to anyone, you can get the information by contacting Ruthanne Morningstar, she is a member of Weavers Words. The date is April 9, 10, & 11, 1999. I know it will be fun, great teachers too. I am also attending IBA convention. It is always a great weave there. I have 3 great choice baskets there. and will enjoy them. I hope to meet some of the Weavers Words members there. As for me I will have a RED RIBBON to identify myself as Weavers Words Member. Norma...I will see you there, and am looking forward to seeing you again. David you are so wonderful for all you do for us. Until next time love and peace to all. Stay well. Warmest Regards...Marty Holihan...Flint, MI...dholihan@gfn.org (or)...martyhln@juno.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: basket swap Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 15:34:19 -0500 From: Dolores Gatz Organization: Eastern Suffolk BOCES To: "'David Collins'" I wanted to know if its too late to get involved in the current basket swap. If I can still get into it whom do I contact. Dolores %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: lurking no longer Date: Mon, 8 Feb 1999 17:53:50 -0500 From: "Valerie S. Miller" To: "David Collins" Hello weavers, I have been reading weaver's words for almost a year now and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I figure I'm way overdue for contributing so here goes. Thanks David for everything you do for us addicted weavers. Without you, none of this would be possible. If we can ever return the favor, just holler. Sandy Atkinson - my deepest sympathies on the loss of your grandchild. I'm praying that this will pull your family even closer together. With each other's help, you can get through this. Pacific coast weavers - keep your eyes open because I mailed out my swap basket today! I really hope the recipient enjoys it and I look forward to a special friendship with her or him. This is the first swap I have participated in and I can't wait for the next one. I'm looking to expand my basket reference books and need some help. I have Lyn Siler's "The Basket Book" and "Handmade Baskets", Robin Taylor Daugherty's "Splintwoven Basketry" and Elizabeth Jensen's "Baskets from Nature's Bounty". Can you weavers recommend any other books? I've been weaving with reed for about 5 years and I love a challenge. Thanks for your advice. Valerie in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 79 & 80 Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 19:12:38 EST From: Sheila A Smith To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 Dear David & fellow weavers, Thanks for all you do David, you are truly appreciated, it's always a treat to receive the latest issue of Weavers Words. I (thankfully) haven't received the spam from the factory others were complaining about so guess it proves you're not selling our names. For those asking about the pattern- I recently made Kay Harradines' Victorian Flower Basket, at the Winter Weave weekend she set up. What a fun basket, it conjures up images of leisurely strolling through the garden. Now if I only had the time for that. To see it, check out the basket picture page. The pattern is available from: Kay Harradine Briar Heap Baskets 23675 Fremali Lane, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 mames@fidalgo.net $5.00 + .99 postage Anna in Tassie- I have worked with kelp. Just remember it does have a mind of it's own upon drying! Normally I soak it just so it's pliable and clean as best I can. Then either cut it open into flat pieces or use whole. If it's not too waterlogged you can wipe it with a towel to remove the sand and other debris. I've had good success with it in doing random weave type baskets and have done some twining and plaiting with it. I have also used it to make small pouch necklaces, stitching with waxed linen and then embellishing with beads. Most people can't figure out what the material is, usually guessing bark, bone, fungus or leather. It's always interesting to ask to see what the response will be. I am so excited to be able to participate in the basket swap. The first two happened at busy times for me. Now I just need to decide what to make! Time is running out. Sheila Smith from the wetter than normal (can you imagine?) Pacific NW %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: kudzu Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 16:22:12 +1100 From: Anna Lizotte To: "Collins, David" Well, I have just spent a pleasant couple of hours sitting outside sorting my watsonia leaves harvest and trying to dry them out. We collected a massive amount on Thursday and I stacked them near the driveway and then, of course, it rained on Friday and Saturday and even with a tarp over, they got a bit wet so I now have a driveway lined with a watsonia "carpet"! Just hope the wind doesn't pick up before I gather them up again! Karen--I just visited your site and I think your baskets are great! They remind me of the ones I make out of Hop Vines, very rustic and "organic" as we say down here. I think, though, that the first two photos don't do them justice as they are very hard to see against the background. Maybe some black cloth behind them or just plain grass?? Just a suggestion. Well, just wanted to let Karen know what I thought....maybe I'll write more later but right now I'd better finish sorting and gathering up my leaves. I have a class starting next week and my kids make pocket money by selling $2 bundles of leaves to those who can't or don't want to do their own gathering. Anna in Tassie where it is summer again after a cold day yesterday. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Painting Baskets Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 21:11:07 -0600 From: Char Braun To: davidc@iei.net I don't have my back issue of Weavers Words with me to address this to the correct person but someone wrote in asking about painting on their baskets. I'd like to add my perspective because its a little different than some of the other responses. I'm primarily a painter, I also teach painting. Basketry is what I now do for a hobby. The question of stains and paints and if and how one can combine them isn't very clear cut. If you are using an oil based stain it really is not recommended that you paint with acrylics over that stain. However it can sometimes be "gotten away with"...for at least a time. Some stains are much more oily than others and I wouldn't ever put an acrylic paint over them (Deft is one). Some stains are less oily (miniwax is one that a lot of decorative painters use). I would never stain a piece and then expect to paint. The oil needs to "cure"...otherwise you risk your paint lifting. The rule is: You can always put oil over water (acrylic paints are water based) but not put water over oil. One question I would ask myself before going ahead and putting an acrylic paint over oil is...Is this basket an heirloom type basket or just a fun to do and have for awhile basket? If its a piece that you would consider to be of heirloom quality (or at least you hope it to be when you're done!) think through this decision. What could happen if you did put acrylics over oil? Best case scenario...nothing.....ever. More likely occurrence....if you've waited until the basket strip no longer feels like it has an oily touch, you then paint, what will likely happen over time you could get a mottled look to the paint (sort of like grease stains on paper) or a complete lifting of paint. This may happen relatively soon or over time. If the basket style allows you to be able to somewhat easily replace the strip, it might be worth it to you to do it and then replace as need be. Another issue to consider is that if you're a "burner" to get rid of the fuzzies a previously stained and then painted and varnished strip makes this a riskier occupation. I personally prefer to paint my strip once its in place and the basket is all done. It's easier on the paint and I control where the design goes. If I do the painting first, my weaving to a degree determines where the design goes. If you varnish the painting and then weave, as you spritz with water, or get water on the varnish you will get "splotch" marks. Now you can revarnish the strip if that occurs. Three ways to avoid this whole water/oil issue...paint your design with oil paints (though you will have to wait for the oil paints to cure before you can weave the strip) or "stain" your baskets with a "wood tone" dye. Basket Tree makes a great Oak stain. Paint and then stain. If you varnish the painted area before you stain that area will not "take" the stain...though you should wipe off the stain in these areas. If you stain over the unvarnished painting the painting will look antiqued. All of this is probably more than anyone probably wanted to know! If you have any further questions you can email me. Char -- Char Braun TOP Artist Madison, WI charsart@chorus.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: I'm still here! Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 13:46:50 -0500 From: Larry & Amy To: weaverswords David & Weavers- Wanted to thank you so much for WW. I have been "vicariously" weaving through WW since Christmas. Late fall/early winter I tried doing 3 craft shows. I was really pleased how well things sold. Had lots of fun, too. One thing I got a charge out of was at each show I wove 1-2 baskets. I always sold those---to other vendors who had watched me make them! The holidays were hectic, but we looked forward to a week's visit to my husband's sister in Missouri. Unfortunately, 5 hrs into the trip we hit very bad weather & ice and rolled our mini van 2 1/2 times, finally resting on my (passengers) side. THANK GOD and the angels that he had with us, no one was seriously hurt. Our 4 yr. old (Austin) and my Hubby ended up suspended from the ceiling, but neither Austin or Cody (6 yrs old) even had a scratch! Amazingly, with all the big window a van has, the only window that broke while rolling was the drivers side. Larry lost his glasses out the window (never found, either), had 3 very small cuts on his hand and severely jammed 2 fingers. While rolling, my thumb was caught between the top of the door and the frame, so my elbow was dislocated in the tumble. It went back in, but haven't woven much at all since, just a few small #2rr bells. I know this is really long, but wanted to let you all know I've missed you and how much I appreciate the WW family. Also--I'm looking forward to Winter Weave 99 in Mentor OH in a couple weeks. Hopefully that will get me back in the "weave". Baskets forever.....Housework whenever! Amy from NW Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: I haven't fallen off the world Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 15:23:45 -0600 From: ANDREA & TOM OKEEFE Organization: SAVANNAH HOUSE To: davidc@iei.net, coltsfan@usa.net Dear David and Everyone! Well it's nice to be back. I haven't written since my husband died last May, but I have decided to rejoin the human race. I went to my first basket class in a year and really truly enjoyed it. I find it is very motivating and comforting to weave in the company of others. I'm working on a Nantucket tapestry purse I started over a year ago which has been sitting in my teacher's house all this time. Bless her for her patience. I've just starting to read weavers words again (no way I can catch up on back issues) and it's nice to see so many old familiar names and well as new ones. My, how this list has grown. I was one of the originals as well as belonging to Shirley Reed's list before it went defunct. David, you are doing a fantastic job in organizing all of this. What a pleasure. Thank you. Andrea Palm Island, FL %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 06:24:20 -0800 From: "Kati" To: Dear Everyone, I have a question-I have always collected seashells-especially scallop shells and any pieces of shells that have any purple. How could I integrate them into a basket? I have used round reed and fishing line with those which already have holes. I have a huge basket of scallop shells in my basket room that seem to keep calling to me to do something with them. I want the basket to be usable, not just a pretty piece. I have really enjoyed Weaver's Words. Most of the time, I just read. I would also like to know how to get a pattern published or whatever you call it. This topic has been going around my basket group for a year or so and I want to find out. David, you do a great job with this! Thanks! Kati Pittman North Carolina %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.