"Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 01 Date Sent: May 05, 1999 Web Page: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Subscribers: 1029 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. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, As you can tell from the heading (Volume 3 Issue 1), on May 05th we reached our second anniversary. Weaver's Words began on May 05th, 1997 with 71. subscribers. We have now grown to a whopping 1025 subscribers. A few issues ago I mentioned commonly misspelled words. I found an interactive spelling test on the web. Stop by and try the test. You may be surprised at the results. I sure was shocked. Here's the address: http://www.sentex.net/~mmcadams/spelling.html Take Care, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 121 Date: Sat, 1 May 1999 22:41:41 -0700 From: "Denise Beck" To: "David Collins" When it isn't the season for collecting black walnut hulls for staining, where do people find them? I was hoping that maybe someone sells them??? Diana, you can find them mail order from The Caning Shop in Berkeley, California. They have a most excellent web site at http://www.caning.com/index.html I want one of absolutely everything Jim Widess carries! For a basket weaver who also grows gourds, it's a real died-and-gone-to-heaven kinda place! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: rim lashing problems... Date: Sat, 1 May 1999 23:04:00 -0700 From: "The Britton's" To: Lin... I don't write in very often, but I just had to when I read about your problems with the rim. You are not alone. I also had the same problem. I was taught the same way that you described and had been teaching my classes the same way as well. I finally got irritated enough with the way it looked like it was "pulling up" and started doing it a new way. I didn't read it out of any book or anything, but I would guess that other weavers probably do it the same way. First I go from the outside of the basket under the outside rim and false weaver. Then I go up between the inside rim and the false weaver, under the seagrass and finally down between the false weaver and the outside rim. I then pull the lasher to my right so it is not in my way when I come around to end my lashing. Hope this helps. --Allison in Arizona (windy, windy, windy) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Thank You's Date: Sun, 2 May 1999 08:59:30 -0500 From: "Jay Fullerton" To: "David Collins" I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Jenn F., Diane Gleixner, Tony Stubblefield, Leslie Johnson, Pam Zimmerman, Pam Woodbury, Billie Dorris and anyone else who gave such great suggestions about what to take to my first show and how to display it. And to David for the opportunity to have this forum. There are almost no other active weavers in this area and I like to think of this as my little "e-guild". I am weaving furiously. My dining room has been taken over by the production. My basket tree now holds bags of reed in the most used sizes, an over the door rack has lashing material hanging from it, the chairs are lined up down the hall (I weave standing up) and I think my family is starting to like eating at the coffee table. The linoleum tile on the floor does make it easy to clean up. I think my husband is finally realizing that our retirement home will HAVE to have a separate room for my weaving, where I can leave everything out and at hand. We live in government quarters now and the other military folks on the list know what a lack of space we have. There was a discussion a while back about painting on baskets. I searched the archives for "paint" and couldn't find it. What I specifically need is input on whether to stain before or after painting. I am using acrylics on ash. Thanks in advance. My son is fussing about going fishing. Off to the pond, with a Ziploc full of damp reed and a half finished basket. Kathy Fullerton in sunny, warm (80's) Fort Polk, Louisiana %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 121 Date: Sun, 02 May 1999 08:27:41 -0700 From: Naomi Paquette To: David Collins References: 1 Hi David, Happy May to everyone. We broke a record here yesterday the temp. Never got over 67 in Tampa. We have gone from Hot to Cold what a universe, never know anymore what the weather is going to be. I love it this way but the tourist would frown upon it. Deb Curtis, Is there a Willow list? I just started and some many have e-mailed me with tips etc. But I don't think there is a list. I would start one if everyone will send me their e-mails and we can swap information. Sussi - Thanks for the wonderful places to see Jo Anne Russo's work, what a talent. I would like to be like her when I grow up. :0) Bert - How about an A & B swap then two people could do the work? I would be willing. Pam Zimmerman - I got my subscription for Shuttle Spindle and Dyepot when I joined the Handweavers guild of America, Their web site is www.weavespindye.org or tel. # 770 495-7702. Hope this helps it is a wonderful magazine and a nice group to belong to. I was sure it wasn't correct to scan it. :^) Claudia from RI asked about a coordinators list, yes does someone have a list. How can we get on it and is there info out there that could help when one is ready to do it? Please e-mail. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: boiled honeysuckle Date: Sun, 02 May 1999 11:47:43 -0400 From: roman@tm.net To: davidc@iei.net To Bert: Several issues back you were going to try boiling some already dried honeysuckle. In your opinion did it make a difference or did you have to pitch it? Kristin from Midland MI %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW Date: Sun, 02 May 1999 09:24:37 -0800 From: "moonweaver" To: davidc@iei.net Hello All, Tony S. & Bert C. - Just wanted to say a big "Thank You" to you two for answering my question on 'original' works. It's been a 'nagging' question for me. Especially since I don't use patterns or get 'ideas' from looking at other baskets. In April I did a local fair here - a lady came up asking if I would be interested in any birch bark...of course! This stuff is beautiful...made some great big 'gathering' baskets...can't wait to send the pics into David and share with all of you. However this leads to another question...I've made a basket that is 18" long, 12 1/2 " wide, and 9 1/2" tall - it has a birch handle and is double lashed in birch also (there is no glue in this basket)...my question is this : Is $65.00 for this to expensive??? I haven't ever made anything this big before in birch so am 'out there' on what to price it at. If anyone can help please do. Well best go 'gimp' around the garden. My mare stepped on my foot yesterday...makes walking a bit difficult. Chrys....from rather cloudy northeastern Washington. MoonWeaver Basketry http://people.goplay.com/moonweaver %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Stain/Weaver's Words Date: Sun, 2 May 1999 14:04:29 -0400 From: "mkoch" To: Jeff J. Brainscheidel: We are pleased you like our product, but would like to see you get more mileage. Please visit with my husband Mark at the Michigan convention in November and I can guarantee you he'll save you money :) Hope you can make it. Everyone has a different touch/handling of a product. But a few good tips go along way. We are going to try and update our tip sheet (add to it). Denise: We would love to be able to send samples out, however, we do not have sample size cans. We have looked into 3 & 4 oz cans, but it would actually cost us more to run than our normal product size can. Unfortunately, its not cost effective to UPS one can. Any of our dealers would be glad to let you purchase just one can. It's easy to add it to your normal order of supplies. When time allows we do send out test stain, so we can get some feedback before we run several hundred cases. Unfortunately, we have not had this luxury lately. Also, spraying stain or dipping just a strip of reed doesn't really give you a TRUE picture of what you basket will look like. Weave yourself a small mat and try some. I think you will be pleased. If you are going for that very light look. I would hold my can at least 10 to 12 inches from your test mat. Play with it a little. The Driftwood will also pick up surrounding colors. If you place it on top of, or next to say, green or blue, it will take on a green or blue cast. Hope this helps. Enough about stain..........(for now :) We just returned from the Lake Country Basket Fest '99 in Wisconsin. It was VERY nice. Those girls do a GREAT job. Approx. 140 attended and a good time was had by all. The teachers did a great job and had fun too. We can't wait to go back next year. A Big Thank You from Mark & Dollie Koch Talk to all of you soon. Dollie Koch The Weavery, The Weaver's Stain Family %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Word's Date: Sun, 02 May 1999 17:20:10 -0500 From: cjc619 To: davidc@iei.net Thank you to the people at "The Weaver's Stain Family" for the staining tips. I tried staining a couple of baskets very lightly and they turned out beautifully, with very little smell. I guess I was saturating them before. I was able to stop by the Lake Country Basket Fest in Pewaukee, WI this weekend and I picked up one of your staining tips sheets. That should be very helpful! To Denise who had the question about the Driftwood Weaver's Stain: I saw a basket that was stained with the Driftwood Weaver's Stain at the Lake Country Basket Fest and it looked quite gray. It reminded me of a frame I bought that was made from a barn board. It was very pretty, but you had mentioned you did not want your basket to be gray in order to go with the other things in your kitchen. I'm sure one of the basket supply companies would be willing to send you a sample piece of reed stained with Driftwood. Lisa Carstens in Hartland, WI %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Need Tips for Dyeing Date: Sun, 02 May 1999 19:03:40 -0400 From: Jackie Zehring To: David Collins References: 1 Help, please! I'm a novice at dyeing -- maybe this has been covered in WWs but my question is: How do you dye experts keep Rit dye from running when rewetting the dried, dyed reed in order to weave with it? It runs all over my sink -- and my hands -- and my natural reed already in the basket, etc. Anyone have any experience with Procion dyes?? Thanks. Jackie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 121 Date: Sun, 2 May 1999 21:31:09 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Hi Everyone! First of all I would like to thank everyone's quick response to my walnut hull question. My post barely showed up when I received several e-mails offering me advise, stain and walnut hulls. What a generous group of people we have here! Joanne - I saw your post mentioning Waikiki and it brought up some wonderful memories. A year and a half ago we spent a 2 week vacation there and I had the best time! Some day maybe I can go back.... :) Dollie - You are full of wonderful advice - I'm going to try your scrap mat idea. Marcia - Great mouse pad idea. I usually hover over a trashcan, but I would much rather use my shaver at the table and the mouse pad sounds like it would work great! Thanks! Well, I'm off to sort through reed - still need to start my swap basket. Happy Weaving to all! Diana French from sunny South Jersey %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: vacation planning Date: Sun, 2 May 1999 21:31:23 EDT From: LindaClift@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hello fellow weavers. I am planning my vacation for the last of June, 1st of July. (June 26-July 9) We will be going from PA to Bar Harbor, ME via Boston and other coastal areas. Anyone who knows or shops, museum, classes etc. in this area please let me know. A vacation is NOT a vacation without a basket or two along the way. Thanks! Linda Clifton PS and thank you David for all you do for the weaving community. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 121 Date: Sun, 2 May 1999 21:55:44 -0400 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" Eureka! Bert Comstock. With my little Dremel drill I will put holes along two edges and weave a slice of maple into the side of a basket (round reed or honeysuckle) and paint "neatsy" little designs or names on them. Maybe "while you wait" (in acrylic paint) at my booth. Thanks for the idea. I did my "maiden run" as a participant at a street festival yesterday. Three important things I learned: take paper towels, choose shows wisely, and prepare for wind. Baskets don't stand up to it very well unless anchored. This one was mainly for entertainment and the sales were few. But I did learn that I had visualized a good setup and had just about everything I needed. Right now, though, I'd better get out my "Folk Art With Enid" video and practice. Also, can someone tell me a mail order source for the Dewberry (?) one stroke tape(s)??? Another also, when the bark dries it falls off the slice of wood. What kind of glue would be best to put it on there to stay? Any advice welcomed. Shuttle, Spindle, and Dyepot (a.k.a. SS&D) came be found at www.weavespindye.org Mary Hooper, from the Western Carolina mtns. Where I (finally) got the willow cuttings in the ground and the weather is perfect and the azaleas and dogwood are in full bloom. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Texas teacher at Stowe Date: Mon, 3 May 1999 07:12:09 EDT From: LBGammon@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To all - I am posting this to clear up any possible confusion regarding Jean Cadmus May being the teacher that Dolores Gatz was referring to in her posts. I know that for a fact that it was not Jean, because I am the individual that she was referring to. I attended Stowe in 94 or 95 (not sure what year it was). It was the first time I had ever attended a conference of that sort. I had a wonderful time meeting great people, learning new things. The lady that posted she was uncertain that she wanted to go the Stowe because of this issue should not let this deter her in the least. Grady and Merrie are wonderful hosts and the conference is a time of sharing and caring. You will go home with all kinds of new things you have learned. I have worked with Mizuhiki for a number of years, and have even written a couple of patterns. I did run out of the Mizuhiki at the conference and after returning home, I mailed out supplies to a couple of people. I do not know what happened with Delores and Judy or why I received no correspondence from them on this matter. I have lived at the same address for 21 years and had the same email address for almost 6 years. I read Delores' most recent posting late last night and immediately responded to her, somewhat in confusion regarding why she was upset with me. I offered to return the computer tape, which I still have not figured out how to incorporate into my work. I then spent hours reading the archives until I found her original post and finding out why she was really upset with me. I promptly sent her a follow-up letter offering to send her money or materials. I researched my checking account and didn't locate a deposit for either of them. Of course, if they gave me cash there would not be a deposit in their names. I also sent a note of apology to Jean whom I met a number of years ago for the confusion that some people may have had. I have been a weaver and teacher for 20 plus years. During those years, I have had the occasional student take materials home from a class intending to forward me a check which then never arrived. Like Delores, I have always felt "what goes around, comes around" and let it go. I have never knowingly stiffed anyone. I do confess to a terrible case of procrastination, but that is as far as it goes. I am awaiting a response from Delores as to what she would like me to do. I am just glad that I found Weaver's Words a couple of weeks ago otherwise I never would have had the opportunity to respond to this. Not one person emailed me to let me know this thread was going on. I, like Jean, have always cherished my basket buddies and am sick that people that don't know me would think this is the way I do business. I apologize to all on the board for any stress this thread has caused to you. Lynn B. Gammon - Houston, TX %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: history & diversity Date: Mon, 3 May 1999 10:48:18 -0400 From: "joym" To: Sorry, Pat, but I must speak up. Gail was not spouting a religious fountain. She was stating historical facts about Church & State & the foundation this country was built upon. She did not tell anyone not to pray, but merely expressed her opinion about prayer's effectiveness. And, even if she did decide to spout her own religious views, she should be afforded equal time to the posting which insisted there's only ONE way. This forum was developed for the discussion of basketry. In the beginning (& in the 2 lists previous to this one), there was much more meaty conversation & sharing about specific techniques, materials, tips etc. There were also many more, shall we say "well known", basket makers who participated. As this list has diverted more heavily to chit chat & away from basketry, the proportion of full time, professional basket makers has dwindled (at least in so far as our hearing from them). They've had a lot to offer, too bad we're discouraging participation. Joy, Sign of the Crow, http://www.signofthecrow.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: URGENT MSG Date: Mon, 3 May 1999 09:59:32 -0700 From: "Ames, Kay H" To: "'Weaver's Words'" Hi all, I am recuperating from pneumonia so I have been at home for two weeks, just got back to work today. Computer has been down at home, so I had no way to contact anyone, nor to read WW. I have not sent out my swap basket, and the name and address of my recipient is locked up in e-mail messages, probably lost since my husband is working on replacing the hard drive. So please take pity on me, Basket Swap Organizer, and send the name and address of my recipient to me again, at my work e-mail address (Kay.Ames@PSS.Boeing.com) and please notify my swap partner that their basket will be on its way just as soon as I get the information. I am so far behind on WW I will probably never catch up, but sending happy weaving thoughts to all of you. Kay Harradine (Ames) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bluegrass Area Basketmakers Seminar Date: Mon, 03 May 1999 22:30:27 -0500 From: Bonita Gentry To: David Collins References: 1 For Jeff B. -- The Bluegrass Area Basketmakers Seminar will kick off on Thursday, June 17th at 10 a.m. and run through Saturday June 19th. The retreat will met at the Kentucky Leadership Center at Jabez, Kentucky on Lake Cumberland. Cass Schorsch from Ludington, Michigan will be teaching and is this year's guest speaker. Other teachers offering classes will be Patti Hawkins, Mary Hettmansperger, Jodi Shebester, Martha Wetherbee, Marilyn Wald, Kathy Tessler, Margaret Harness, Janet Howard, Bob and May Etchason and Anne Coleman (hope I didn't leave anyone out). For more information and a catalog please contact Carolyn Poe at (606) 255-0296 or Barbara Wykoff at (502) 863-6914 or e-mail at BsktbyBarb@Aol.com. I want to thank everyone who has offered suggestions for stains lately. After attending the NCBA convention last month I've been in a weaving frenzy and wanting to try different stains and techniques besides my old tired and true homemade black walnut stain. Bonita %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 121 Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 01:41:45 -0500 From: tblack@iquest.net To: David Collins Just some quick responses now that I'm finally caught up on WW...seems to be a problem for many of us, this lagging issues behind. Aunt Patti - I too am very active and often get that "oh yeah, I forgot you were a jock" kind of comment from many of my basket weaving buddies. I don't know a sport I didn't like, and few I've not tried. Many I'm not necessarily good at, but I always like to play hard! My current fixations tend to fall to softball and volleyball (good constants for the last several years), and most recently kick boxing. I love it! I do yoga regularly to stay flexible and get some peace of mind, and the boxing works out the remaining aggression I guess. My husband thinks I am having waaaay too much fun with it!) Pam W. - I read your post and subsequent posts on the dog training. I now understand the crate training method as explained earlier. I know when we did obedience training for our border collie we found a school and trainer that focused on praise and some treats versus correction training. A well-trained dog is so much more of a joy to the entire family! You need to find the training program that fits your philosophy. As far as crates go, when our was a pup, I was certainly glad he stayed in his crate as I was working full time and the accidents were a bit better contained then. Now, it is definitely his refuge. His crate is beside our bed and that is where he prefers to sleep. When my husband is out of town, I can't get him to stay on the bed with me. Once lights are out, that's where he heads. During the day he often sneaks away for a nap there, too. I don't blame him because after a few hours of having 2 small children crawl all over me, I'm ready to hide and nap too! Good luck with it all! Here's an additional letter that was sent my way that I wanted to share. I think it says a lot about the inner strength of women... Women have strengths that amaze men. They carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens...but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. Women wait by the phone for a "safe at home call" from a friend after a snowy drive home. Woman friends keep secrets you told them years ago and never bring it up again... Women have special qualities about them. They volunteer for good causes. They are pink ladies in hospitals, they bring food to shut ins. They are child care workers, executives, attorneys, stay at home moms, biker babes and your neighbors. They wear suits, they wear jeans, they wear uniforms. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice. They are in the front row at PTA meetings. They vote for the person that will do the best job for family issues. They walk and talk the extra mile to get their children in the right schools and get their family the right health care. They write to the editor, their congressmen and to "the powers that be" for things that make for a better life. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution... They can wipe a tear, cover a cut and pat you on the back at the same time. They eat a little so their family can have more. They rush to school to pick up a sick child. They write notes of love and encouragement. They do without new shoes so that their children can have them. They go to scout meetings and are chaperones on class trips. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They don't make excuses for defending their family or friends. They give a friend some money in times of trouble. They love unconditionally... They are loyal, honest, and forgiving. They are smart, knowing that knowledge IS power. But they still know how to use their softer side to make a point... Their world consists of goodness, love and caring. Women want to be the best for their family, their friends and themselves. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They get teary eyed when others do great things. They save their anger for the unjust and the insincere. They tell people that need to be told to straighten up their act. They lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and a voice to make suggestions ... They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have so much sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is not any strength left. They can control situations that seem uncontrollable. They can round up energy when they are tired. They can stay up a little longer to talk to someone that needs a friend. They will rush to be by your side when you are lonely. They will give up their favorite TV show to help with homework or read a bedtime story... A woman's touch can cure any ailment. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. She can make a romantic evening unforgettable. She can bring out the best in men, children and friends. They don't mind standing in the shadows. They are not there to push, but to gently encourage. They are cheerleaders, teachers, loves and important in many peoples daily lives. They can whisper a kind word, scream a loud cheer and laugh away a fear. They can mend your broken spirit and give you back your self-esteem. They can knit a family back together after a break or a loss... Women come in all sizes, colors and shapes. They live in homes, apartments, cabins and trailers. They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. They have hearts that forgive and forget an injustice. They have hearts that remember a kindness. They have hearts that beat with loyalty and love. The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin. They can cry and laugh at the same time. They can be sad and hopeful at the same time... Women do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope. They teach us to dream and make goals. They give compassion and ideals. They climb into a persons life and make everything better again. They give moral support to their family and friends. And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to people you come in contact with. Women are leaders, but don't want followers. They want people to grow into the best person they can be. They want to touch you in a way that will make you share your goodness with others. One touch can turn a bad day into a better one. One extra minute of her time will make a child feel special. One more kiss will make her man feel loved. Women have a lot to say and a lot to give... Have a great day! Carolyn in warm and sunny central IN %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 120 Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 10:30:53 -0500 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 120 Nora - Your post was an excellent reminder to us all about how to keep things in perspective. Thank you. (And, by the way, the sad hearts extend far beyond the borders of Colorado.) Bert Comstock Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 2 I. 121 Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 10:33:44 -0500 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net "Weavers Words" Vol. 2 Iss. 121 Sue Bajczyk - Thanks for the note. Pam F. & I have decided she will do the next swap (#5) and I'll follow her with the one after that (#6). Dollie - Your test mat suggestion is a great idea! One thing I try to remember to do when testing stains, inks and dyes, is to write the product name and color on the item being tested with dark (soft) graphite pencil. The label shows through any translucent color and then I don't forget how I got that color. This is especially useful when doing sun-fading tests. If all the applied color goes away after a couple months of being taped to the south window of my studio, leaving only the label in that area, I know that's not a color to use on anything I expect to last a long time. I try to make these testers in a size that can later be stored for reference in a standard 3-ring binder. Marty Z. - Do the people you are going to be judging for have guidance from earlier events? If they do, that might be a good place to start. If they don't have a judging form, do they have any kind of criteria for entries? When I judge Arts & Sciences competitions in the SCA, the format we use looks at historical accuracy and documentation thereof (which will probably not apply to a modern faire), creativity (is design source from class, pattern, book, adapted, embellished or original?), scope of the project (how ambitious it is), complexity (use of different materials and techniques), and quality of the work. We also sometimes allow points for the judges reaction to the piece (the 'Oh! Wow! factor). Bert Comstock Happy Beltane in Independence, MO! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Donna Dewberry painting supplies Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 16:38:43 EDT From: NBrudelie@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net To anyone interested in Donna Dewberry's one stroke painting books or her selected palette of paints, they are available in a painting catalog called "The Artist's Club". You can call customer service for a catalog. The number is 1(800) 257-1077. Hours are Mon-Fri 5am to 5pm PT. I've ordered from this catalog many times and find them very fast. Nancy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: aloha Date: Tue, 04 May 1999 12:49:04 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from cloudy, humid nasty Hawaii...there isn*t a breeze to be found (except while sitting in front of my fan) Wow, can we not start a Holy War on WW? Religion is such an "argument starter" and we can debate it for years... Joanne says I should tell what happened at paint class last week. So I will. I had finished my piece the week before so I came to support Joanne and I brought 2 pounds of reed and sat a table by myself and wove 2 baskets. The instructor didn*t seem to mind (I mean I had paid for a month long class and I wasn*t bothering anyone) but she started ragging big time on my baskets. She made comments like "Anybody can do that--it*s just going in and out--in and out" "I can*t understand why people buy those things (baskets) at fairs. What is the big deal?" "Why would people take classes to learn that. It is so simple anyone could do it" Since my husband told me to never get into an argument with an idiot, I just sat there and kept right on weaving. In the meantime, Joanne was painting her piece (we were doing a clock with a lighthouse and a village) and when it came time to highlight her buildings, the instructor didn*t bring the right paint to do that. So she told Joanne to use a sort of avocado to shade her teal house. Joanne argued against that color..., so the instructor took the piece and did it herself. She also took it upon herself to re-do Joanne*s sunset (which looked nice) and made it look like an orange tornado. So Joanne got up and said "Okay, YOU finish it then!" and came over to my table. I nearly fell off my chair. That isn*t like Joanne. But Joanne did finish it and it looks fine. We have one more session with her and then we are finished!! My largest craft fair of the spring was Saturday and it wasn*t too bad, even though the public wasn*t allowed on base to shop. There were approx. 100 booths and there were 5 basket makers. Most were good, but a few need to learn they need to weave what will sell and not what they feel like weaving...and then one brand new weaver came into my booth to tell me that although she had learned to weave last month, she, too, was going to start selling. I remembered what Eileen LaPorte said a while back about learning to know and appreciate your craft before selling...but I had to laugh at this woman as she said she couldn*t wait for things to come from the mainland so she bought supplies here. (We can get stuff from the mainland in 3 days so it isn*t like it is a long wait..) Another weaver and I laughed and said when she can*t sell a napkin basket for $40, she*ll start ordering instead of buying it for $8-10 a pound here... Oh, and a woman came into my booth and said "WHERE do you buy these baskets?" and when I explained that I made them, she couldn*t believe it and asked me to come to the island of Molokai to teach a class. I wouldn*t make much money--in fact, I might not make anything and I have to fly in a Buddy Holly plane where the co-pilot is also the steward, but it would be a great experience and a nifty tax write-off. I did find a picture of the boat basket--it is really a knick-knack shelf by Barb Gilbert. It is neat looking and NC Basketworks has it, along with a new cabin boy base and handle--the handle is shaped like either a swan or a duck. This, too, is by Barb Gilbert. Tony, do you have relatives here? At a recent Girl Scouts Awards luncheon, a woman named Esther Stubblefield was honored...and it was also her birthday. She is an elderly woman and she wasn*t there that day but I wondered if this might be an auntie or someone distantly related. Off to pack for paint class... Lois %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: aloha part two Date: Tue, 04 May 1999 15:22:35 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net I forgot this-- When I asked why the swap was cut off before the date and someone said it was a lot of work and so on and why didn*t those who complained take on the job--it seems to me that those who want to conduct one these swaps have to stand in line...there seem to be a lot of anxious folk who want to do it. I would and I will when I*m needed. Also, I attempted to make a backpack from a combo of 2 patterns that I have, but it came out so big that a Sumo wouldn*t tote it! So I bought a wood bottom (not a base, but a bottom) and 2 wood runners from our guild woodman and kind of fashioned my own without a pattern (surprise, huh?). I used the wooden bottom (I don*t know what else to call it, but after the basket is woven, the wood piece fits in the bottom and the 2runners fit on the outside of the bottom and the wood bottom and the runners are screwed together...the runners have slots for the straps to run through so the straps are not resting on the ground) as a guide for size and it came out just fine. However, I have straps made from a fabric (sort of that shaker tape stuff) that came with a kit for a backpack. However, these straps will not stay tight, no matter what I try. Would it be worth the money to order leather ones? Does anyone know if the leather ones come with a belt type buckle instead of a "pull through" type buckle...there seems to be my problem. I really like this backpack and want to use it, but need to find some way to keep it from sliding down my back.. Thanks, Lois %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Projects for children Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 22:14:07 EDT From: Karitamus@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I have just been asked to instruct one or two basket weaving classes at a 4-H craft workshop in June. I would like to have 2 levels available - one for beginners (kids in grade 3 through 5?) and one for older kids that may have experience or want the challenge. When I was asked, the first thought in my head was 'Have to ask my fellow weavers on WW'!! I've seen the info on mug rugs and that might be a good one for beginners, but I worry that it's too simple. Any suggestions from my fellow weavers will be greatly appreciated. You all have such wonderful ideas. And thank you, David, for all of this! Karita, in a very warm Bloomington, Indiana (but it will storm tomorrow!!). %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Date: Wed, 5 May 1999 10:48:51 -0400 (EDT) From: Judith Richmond Spates To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone, My thoughts are with all of you who were hit with the tornadoes in the Midwest. Growing up in Indiana, I experienced many bad storms (some tornado's), but nothing like these recent tornadoes. On a lighter note, I'd like to share some information on my two new patterns: JUDY'S CLASSIC OVAL BASKET -- This is really a stunning basket! If you like larger baskets, you'll want to add this one to your collection. The size of this basket compares to my Classic Round Basket! JUDY'S TALL DIVIDED BASKET -- Handle divide is 22" high!! I designed this basket for the bathroom to hold a 6-pack of toilet paper, although it can be used in many different ways. The handle divide makes it easy to carry. Woven sides are approx. 16". Keep these patterns in mind as you prepare for craft fairs. The bases are available exclusively by "The Judy Richmond Collection." Call or e-mail me for more information. Judy Richmond Spates Beverly, MA JSpates@hope.gordonc.edu %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Misti Washington Date: Wed, 05 May 1999 15:32:04 -0700 From: Kathi Klopfenstein To: davidc@iei.net I am another lurker peeking forth into the fray. I have seen Misti Washington's name mentioned in the last few Weaver's Words. I belong to the Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild. Our home is Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, California. There are members of our guild who are working on Misti's patterns and preparing them for others to use. Our web site is home.earthlink.net/~andersox. While you are looking at the web site, check out our upcoming Gourd and Basket Weekend. It will be October 16 and 17 this year and we have some very special weavers and gourd artists lined up to teach classes. Brochures will be available next month. The first year I attended the weekend was Misti's last. I met her, but never had the opportunity to take a class from her. Hope to see some of you in October. Kathi Klopfenstein from the sunny desert where it is supposed to reach the 90's tomorrow. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.