"Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 105 Date Sent: February 17, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1324 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (317) 899-5747 Fax: (520) 222-0391 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 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% The Basket Bookstore Stop by "Weavers Words Basketry Bookstore" for a great selection of basketry literature & save up to 40%. Over 40 titles to choose from. The address is: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/book.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Earn $0.50/Hour By Surfing The Net From AllAdvantage.com: http://www.alladvantage.com/home.asp?refid=BOK567 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Attention New Subscribers You can search Weaver's Words web page and back issues by going to Weaver's Words web page (http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/) and entering your search criteria into the PinPoint search box. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Attention AOL Subscribers For some reason some AOL subscribers haven't been receiving Weaver's Words through email. If you are one of these subscribers, or know one of someone who has not been receiving Weaver's Words, you can get all of the issues on the Weaver's Words web page. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Item's Added To Web Page Since The Last Issue Picture: Cass McDonald's-----Basket She Wove For Basket Swap %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 104 Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 20:48:22 -0700 From: "Rae Hunter" To: "David Collins" Bernie, I have never made a potato masher basket but I think I might enjoy it. If you taught someone near me and they ran a course I would take it. Because you teach a course does not mean you claim it as your own. It only means you are willing to share ideas. Perhaps the person does not know the baskets' history or where the pattern (if there is one) originated. My curiosity is up and I would like to know it's origin if you can pass it on. What are the materials and techniques used? Did our ancestors develop it for a specific reason? Oh you have me wondering. If you have been making this basket for many years, you might have been that someone teaching in Mi, if the organizers had known. It is just probable that they knew this particular person and knew she made a potato masher basket and asked her to do it. That is sometimes how it happens. Or someone else referred her. That is the way things happen sometimes. Come on out and let your talents be known. Pam. Well said! I am good as scanning but I wouldn't tell anyone to change on this line. This has become a friendly support group for baskets and beyond. The Basketry Naturals list is just for talking baskets, and I enjoy that limitation where it is and wouldn't want it to change either. I have the best of both worlds, "Thanks to all". Melissa - Those little coffee mats could also be decorated with findings, shells, dried flowers, grass, cones feathers etc and with a bit of ribbon or string attached they make neat wall hangings. I use materials like rushes, or cattail leaves. Wicker or reed would also work. Depending on the age, I coil the mat or twine over spokes which is easier for younger ones. Good Luck and have fun. Re Swap basket reply.....not yet but I do know it is coming. Cheers Rae %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap-Love Gifts Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 23:53:01 -0500 From: "Sheri Van Duyn" To: "David Collins" Hi! Happy Valentine's Day! Imagine my surprise as my husband and I were about ready to leave for our romantic dinner early Saturday when the postman came and delivered my Swap Basket. My partner for my first WW Exchange was Sandy Quackenbush from Georgia. Sandy wove a delightful rectangular basket, which has stilted wooden feet, and she calls a fireside basket. There is a braid going over the dyed reed that looks like X's for hug and kisses which go back to you Sandy for weaving this special basket for me! I will also share that during our Valentine's dinner, my husband, Ralph, "popped the question"-again! Twenty-five years earlier on Valentine's Day, he first proposed to me! I was completely overwhelmed--I said "Yes!" while tearing up (yes, I am an emotional cry baby!); plus, I had no idea that I would be receiving a new ring! What a great Saturday! A basket surprise from my Swap Partner and a sweet surprise from the love of my life! I am so lucky to have a great husband who is always supporting everything that I do in the world of Basketry!! We celebrated early as my Valentine is in Chicago for a week of computer training! This is probably a good idea as I am still recuperating from the weekend! So I send you-XXXOOO's!!! Winter Weaving Wishes! Sheri L. Van Duyn Just Patterns www.justpatterns.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Dead Paper Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 23:52:51 -0600 From: Tony Stubblefield To: David Collins References: 1 Paula- about "dead paper" - If you can find a source please share it. As I have heard it is no longer available in the US. I used to get it from Martha Wetherbee and then Nate's Nantucket, but the last time I was in NH they said they could no longer get it. Since I order so much from Nate they did send me a few small pieces they ran across while cleaning and I am cherishing them like gold. I did locate some names of sandpaper distributors, off the Internet, the other day and I will have to look them up and let you know what I find out. If you do find a source and have to buy it in large quantities I bet we could get the Gateway Guild to go in on it or I could even split it with you as I like to use it for classes. Well, I am all up and running again on my computer. I even have a new email address (that seems to be the trend from the last WW). The old one still works, but I now have one just for myself, it is: JASkets@tetranet.net. I sign my baskets with my initials JAS (John Anthony Stubblefield) and when one of my friends said "Oh, look its a jasket!" it just stuck. I just haven't used that name on my web page before, but I use it on all of my tags. I just sent off the MO Basketweavers convention book to the printer today. It should be back by the middle of next week and then into the mail as soon as the envelopes can be stuffed. Doing the book took way more time than I expected and I do this kind of work for a living. I am intimately acquainted with all of the baskets now after looking at the pictures for the last couple of weeks. I think the book is going to look really nice and there are going to be some great classes. I just got an email from Martha Wetherbee and the sample baskets and flyer for the Memorial Weekend Workshop should be arriving soon. I should have the baskets up on my web site soon and the flyers in the mail sometime later. It will be fun to get to display two Martha Wetherbee baskets in my house for the next few months, too bad I will have to give them back :-( Well, I hope everybody had a great Valentine's Day! Happy Weaving, Tony Stubblefield St. Louis http://www.tetranet.net/users/deanandtony/baskets.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Advice Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 06:21:04 -0500 From: "Serena Crossfield" To: David -- I will be attempting to create my first web page. I wondered if you would be willing to give me some advice about what tools to use create this. I have been told that FrontPage is good but has a problems being hosted by some ISP's and is hard to learn. I have gone to the bookstore and a book called "Teach Yourself to Create Web Pages in 24 hours" by SAMS and will start reading it tonight. I have really enjoyed the Weaver's Words that you created and feel that you would have great advise (if you are willing to spend some time creating a reply) Thanks for efforts. Serena Crossfield 2111 Ridge Road Penn Yan, NY 14527 E-mail humpco@eznet.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 07:36:21 -0600 From: Beverly Grames To: davidc@iei.net Although I've long since sent a personal thank you note to Valerie Miller for the gorgeous basket, I realize I should have sent something to WW to share with everyone what a wonderful basket I received. Valerie wove a basket called "Amy's Basket" from a pattern in one of Lyn Siler's books. It has alternating stained flat oval reed and sea grass and flows from a square base to a smaller round top. The craftsmanship is wonderful, and I couldn't be more pleased. One thing that caught my eye (and since I am a beginner, this is probably nothing new to everyone else) was the finger jointed handle. The only ones I have been able to find locally are steamed and bent, usually with the bent edges split. Valerie's handle adds such a professional touch to her basket, and I realize she put a lot of thought and effort into it. I've been studying the basket carefully and have pick up some tips of things I could and should do. Thank you Valerie for such a beautiful basket. It is very much loved and appreciated. Bev in Alabama - where it's warm one day, cold the next and tornados the next. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: white-washing baskets Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 08:40:47 -0500 From: "Tom Rigterink" To: Hi All I have a quick question that I know some of you can help me with. I am currently making Easter baskets for an upcoming show and I would like to have some of them white. The only other white basket I did I painted with acrylic paint and it was a PAIN! I'm assuming that there are a number of ways to do this and would appreciate any and all your suggestions. Thanks for your help. Thank you David for all that you do for us! Diane %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Night Light Basket Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 09:09:54 -0600 From: "St. Peters" To: To Carol in Montana: The night light basket pattern is available as a free pattern from Susan Moore's North Carolina Basketworks. The night light adapter is available from them also. It just screws on the handle, you can use it for any small basket. The basket I sent to Brenda had a ceramic heart woven in the basket. It really is cute. I made them for all my girls for Valentines Day. They loved them! Deb Wagenecht %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 104 Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 07:49:59 -0800 From: helen schwartz To: David Collins References: 1 Question for folks in the high country. I will be heading for New Mexico in April for a workshop in Taos. We will also spend time near Santa Fe, Las Vegas (NM) and a week in Albuquerque. Are there don't-miss basket sites that I should know about? Helen in Princeton %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Northeast Basketmakers Guild exhibition Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 13:51:12 -0500 From: "PAllen9254" To: "David Collins" Hello David: For your Events calendar: Northeast Basketmakers Guild Exhibition "Baskets 2000: A Reflection of Diversity" March 30 - April 26, 2000. The 4th Biannual Membership Exhibition will be held at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT. All members of the Northeast Basketmakers Guild (NBG) are invited to submit up to two entries for this non-juried event. The Opening Reception and Annual Meeting will be held Sunday, April 2, 2000, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Kari Lonning will be the Featured Artist and Judge of Awards for the exhibit. This will mark the first time that the NBG will be recognizing outstanding achievement in the basketry field with awards. Questions regarding the exhibit should be addressed to: Mary Jo Rushlow, Exhibit Chair, 921 Thompsonville Road, Suffield, CT 06078, 860-668-1006, saltboxers@aol.com. The current President of the NBG is JoAnn Catsos, catsos@bcn.net. Membership Secretary is Joanne Wood Peters, jwpeters@att.net. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 102 Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 14:14:44 EST From: KSLERB@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net << So gals (and guys) a whole new wonderful life is starting for me and I so wanted to share my happiness with those who are happy in weaving like me. >> Sounds wonderful!! I can't wait to hear how the pecan stain works out. And would I kill for a place to store my reed and weave! Sue in Webster Groves, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap Basket Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 13:30:02 -0600 From: shontz To: David Collins I want to let everyone know about the "Beautiful Bonnet Basket" that came to live at my house yesterday. A lady with a lovely name made it for me from a pattern by Donna Rohkohl called "A Beautiful Bonnet Basket" and it came on my favorite holiday. It is a large oval basket with a nicely fitted lid and will hold a lot of STUFF of which my house is full of. Angelique Raptakis from Silver Springs MD made it for me and I am very pleased. This swap basket idea is so cool - I can hardly wait for the next one. Angelique, Thank you once again for such a nice basket. Vicky Shontz from sunny (today) Iowa %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: weavers words Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 17:01:02 -0500 From: "C. Gambrel" To: I received a beautiful basket a few days ago from Winnie in CT. It is a beautifully made basket with a neat trim on the sides! It has smoked reed that is lashed on to the sides near the top. I hope I have described it accurately. It is a beautifully made basket - thanks Winnie!! Charlotte %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: basket swap Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 20:01:31 -0800 From: Kathi To: davidc@iei.net I feel terrible. I thought I had sent an email to publicly thank Marilyn for the swap basket she sent me. It is a beautiful African twill in natural, red, and purple. It is about 12 inches in diameter and makes a perfect fruit basket in my kitchen. Marilyn, thank you for the time, effort, and friendship you wove into the basket, and for all of the extra "goodies" you sent with it! Kathi %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket swap Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 20:35:53 PST From: "Susan Barkley" To: davidc@iei.net Hello everyone. Like a lot of others, I've been reading for a while before posting. My name is Susan Barkley and although I've known how to weave for almost 10 years, I haven't been actively weaving all that time. I live on the Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. When I see how so many have snow and bad weather, I look around and see blue skies almost every day, ocean breezes and temperatures in the 80's year round. I know a lot of people love the winter and snow, but I'm not one of them. Give me the tropics any day. My husband and I have been here just over 4 years. We are civilian employees. We were stationed here for almost 3 years from 1988 to 1991 when my husband was still in the Navy. We both enjoy the weather and scuba diving, which we can do just about any day of the year. My nieces and nephews always ask me if I can swim on Christmas, and the answer is "yes". By the way, when we leave here we'll go back to our home in the Florida Keys - I know it's rough but someone has to do it, and since I volunteered, I must be saving someone else from this fate. Enough of that! What I really wanted to post is info about the great swap basket I just received. My basket came from none other than our coordinator, Dolores Gatz. She made a beautiful variation of Chris Lamb's Puzzle Pieces about 8" high and 8" in diameter at the top. She used a natural and very subdued red or burgundy. It was embellished with hearts and other Valentine symbols. It was so appropriate since I got it Valentine's Day. She enclosed lots of other goodies including "hearts and flowers" pasta, and even better than that, some blueberry jam her Mom made! Can't wait to try that. Needless to say, I'm signing up for the next swap! Best wishes to all and thanks for the entertaining reading on WW. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap #7 Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 12:16:23 -0500 From: Glenn Geosits To: "davidc@iei.net" I received a beautiful woven bowl basket from Carole Post. She used all different shades of blue (my favorite color) on the sides. Thanks again, Carole! I must apologize for the lateness of this response to the swap. Our computer had the "happy 99" virus and we had a difficult time getting rid of it. I did not want to send any e-mails for fear of infecting other computers. At the end of February I will be visiting my parents in Estero, Florida (just 8 miles south of Fort Myers) and I would love to know of any basket places of interest near them. If anyone knows of any please email me before 2-28-00. (geosits@ptd.net) Debi, in chilly PA near the Pocono Mts. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Basket Swap Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 15:27:01 EST From: MSWF@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net I did receive a wonderful grandmother's sewing basket from Kirsti Stephenson of Idaho; I thanked her but did not realize we needed to notify Delores who worked so hard on in and did such a good job. The basket has a round shape and a lid that fits perfectly--that impressed me. In it were tools (tape measure and clothes pins) and a bottle of glycerin. I plan to take it for show and tell at the Guild meeting tomorrow; it may encourage others to participate next time. I enjoy every issue of the newsletter (thanks also to David). Not all topics are related to my interests and abilities so I skim through. I would hate to have people stop writing because a topic is limited in its use. If it is related to baskets, I would like to see it and decide for myself whether I can use it. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Billie Ruth Sudduths new book Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 18:25:28 EST From: Lewiscarolv@gateway.net To: davidc@iei.net Dear Weaving Friends, I want to say how impressed I am with Billie Ruth Sudduths new book Baskets A Book For Makers and Collectors. I highly recommend it to everyone. I borrowed it from my public library to check it out before making the investment. I've purchased books in the past sight unseen and have been very disappointed. The photography is wonderful! What makes it even more special is the fact that I know some of the basket makers and have taken classes from them. GOOD JOB Billie Ruth! Carol Votaw (Hopelessly hooked on baskets) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap Basket Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:43:51 -0600 From: Gary Dunham To: David Collins I have before me the most beautiful, wonderful basket in the world! Marci Linker made me Flo Hoppe's design "Whitecaps Basket". It is round, has round reed and variegated flat going through it and it is so, so beautiful! She was also sweet enough to include some maple syrup, blackberry jam, valentine's candy and a Yankee candle! I haven't been feeling too good lately and opening up that package and see this basket really made my day! Thank you, Marci, so very much! Oh, and Marci, I found on basketpatterns.com where you can print off a sheet with the corrections to Flo Hoppe's book. Cindy in Northern Illinois Where we thought winter was over, but are expecting 6 or more inches tomorrow! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Complaint Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 21:10:49 -0600 From: shontz To: David Collins I told everyone about the wonderful swap basket that I received from Angelique Raptakis, but I forgot one thing that I am upset about - Angelique, you DID NOT SIGN IT! I think that is very important. So, with your permission, I will put your name and the date on the bottom of my "Beautiful Bonnet Basket" for when I get senile and cannot remember who made it. OK? Thank you once again, and thank you Delores for al your hard work. Vicky Shontz (In Iowa, where we are supposed to get 6 - 8" of snow tomorrow!) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Got My Swap.... Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 23:10:55 EST From: Shergtown@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi all, I got the nicest basket today...all the way from Puerto Rico. It is a popcorn keeper (hard to explain what it looks like)... soooo cute... and perfect... I am very proud of it. I will get a pic scanned as soon as I find the power cord to the scanner and send it out. Thanks so much Pam. It was like Christmas opening it up. I am just now sending my basket out to the land of IA. Wonder whhhooooo. You know who you are. It should be there by Mon. or Tuesday. Happing Weaving to all. Can't wait for the next swap. Sherry McClure %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Copying Baskets and Patterns Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2000 01:00:36 EST From: SharonKlusmann@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net David & all you basket weavers: Thought Bernies comments were interesting about copying baskets. Before I put my $.02 in, I would like to buy a pattern for a potato masher basket. I am assuming Bernie has made up this pattern and I would like to purchase one from her. The first time I ever heard of such a thing was here on WW. We have a house full of antiques and I would like to incorporate it into our decor. Bernie - E-mail me!! We have a REALLY BIG outdoor show called Yankee Peddler each September here in Ohio. It is a show I have been going to for the 14 years that I have been weaving. Over the years I have purchased a few baskets from a booth I have always enjoyed shopping at. NEVER would I copy a basket that I purchased and make a pattern out of if and call it my own, but I do copy baskets that I have purchased and sell them at my store locations or at a show. To me, there is no difference in purchasing the basket or the pattern. I consider it a compliment when people tell me they have sold a ton of a certain pattern that they purchased from me. Most of the time that I purchase a basket, it isn't to completely copy. There is usually one small thing I like about it and use that technique and incorporate it into a design of my own. I purchased a pattern for a peanut basket with a wooden base and wooden divider handle at the MI convention last fall and have made them as gifts for Christmas for the men in my life that love to shell peanuts while watching TV. I have never like the double basket version, but I thought that this design was really unique. My husband is now cutting the divider and base, slotting the base, and I have made several for my show next week. I even taught one at a class a couple week's ago, but if anyone wants to purchase a kit from me with a pattern, I would have them contact the designer, Suzanne Moore of N.C. Basket Works in NC. I would be willing to make the kit up, but not copy the pattern. I sell my patterns at numerous basket weaving stores, but the one I visited that gave me an order, I noticed that she had one notebook of patterns that was all copies, not original or scanned (I do that too and love the convenience and think the pictures are great!) pictures. When I mailed her the order, I wrote a letter stating that I am assuming no copies would be made of my patterns and that when she got low I would hope she would reorder from me. I realize this is a problem, but for those of you who do not design your own baskets into patterns, you may not realize how much work it is if the pattern is detailed, which I like to assume those purchasing them like a lot of detail. There really isn't too much you can do about it. I have copyrighted many patterns, but that really doesn't stop people from copying them if they want to. Sharon Klusmann/Ohio http://www.SharonKlusmann.com New page of patterns coming on my web site in about a month %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers words Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2000 08:04:41 EST From: "Patricia Steinmetz" To: davidc@iei.net Hi all, I have been reading over some back issues of WW and would like to ask a few questions and make a few comments. First of all, can someone tell me who HGA is and give me some information about their Certification of Excellence in Basketry. Secondly, I have tried to access Becky Joy's photo album in order to see her pictures of her Marriage Basket. I must have copied the address down wrong. Can someone please post it again? I received a brochure from Gasconade Nature Retreat about their weekend basketweaving seminars. I attended a weekend out there last fall, and I have to tell you that it was very nice. There were only about four students, including Barb, the proprietor, but we had a great time. The facilities are excellent. The bedrooms are on the top floor and the kitchen and weaving area are on the ground floor. There are real beds- not cots. And Barb supplies the bedding. The only thing you have to bring is your own towels and personal items. The best part was having Barb's husband prepare our meals for us. Oh, and I almost forgot, while you are eating, the deer come right up to the windows to check out what is going on inside. If you are looking for a fun, relaxing weekend, I highly recommend Barb's Gasconade Nature Retreat. And be sure to have Barb tell you about the history of their 300-acre heaven. Barb - congratulations on your "A Weekend With....." basketweaving seminars series. I know that this has been a dream come true for you and I just wanted to wish you well. Tony - I keep checking my mailbox for the Missouri Convention book. Is it in the mail yet? I just can't wait to get a look at it. Carol Miller - I took a look at you Coiled Pine Needle Basket picture that you sent in. Awesome! I am taking my first pine needle coiling class at IBA this March. Can you recommend a good pine needle book for beginners? Funny story - I mentioned to my mother (80 yrs old) that I was going to be taking this class. So when she went to Mississippi to spend Christmas with my brother, she went out and gathered up a whole bag of pine needles for me. The only problem is that they are only about 4-6 inches long. Some of them are still green. I think she may have pulled them off the tree. Connie Yousey - I took a look at you 6" Mini Back Pack Basket. I'm impressed. I tried making some for Christmas presents but had to give up on the idea because I couldn't find any small buckles or narrow webbing for the straps. Where did you find the buckles and straps? Hurry up Spring. Pat S. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Ice Scissors Date: 17 Feb 2000 17:24:07 -0000 From: "J. Choate Basketry List" To: List Member J. Choate Basketry List - http://www.corecom.net/~choatepp Lately my husband has been mushing the dogs with me. He is a converted mule enthusiast who lends his gusto to the dogs for a short time and quickly reverts back to his first true love soon after the season is done. This year unfortunately, it tends to be as quickly as he gets into a prone position on the couch and opens his copy of "Mules and More" magazine. Maybe it's due to the last couple of trips out with the dogs. The trail is in great condition for the dogs but tricky for the musher. Basically this means you have to drive the sled and not just be there on the back end. Speed combined with driving error means snow biting. Unfortunately because of the warm weather we've been having the snow has grown icy, razor blade like fingers and is biting back. Sort of like surfing on sand paper this type of snow bites with small scratches and abrasions. On Lee's first dump the snow bank crept up his arm and bit hard. Going around a fast curve he lost his balance and the team. Last, but not least, coming down a hill he flipped the sled upside down, lost the team and sand papered his face. Luckily he does it all with a great attitude and a large smile. I guess I haven't converted him to the lust for mushing though. When we get home from the trail, he still stretches out on the couch, grabs another copy of "Mules and More" and dreams on of long eared critters. I wonder why this is? If you would like to experience all the wonder of springtime in Alaska you can next March. I should have the itinerary for the "Alaskan Bush Basketry Retreat" worked up and in a printed form soon so if you are interested let me know and I'll get it out to you. I'm looking forward to meeting some of you in Raleigh at the NCBA convention and most during the tour this summer. If you can't wait and need some help putting together the antler wall pocket basket the instructional video is available. Give me a hoot and I'll get one out to you. Until the snow goes... Jill Choate Talkeetna, Alaska %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.