"Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 110 Date Sent: February 28, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1326 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. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Picture('s) Added To Web Page Since The Last Issue Chris Grigsby's-----Millennium Basket %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 108 Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 01:00:41 EST From: PBWEAVE@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net David, thanks for providing this forum to share our love of basketry. Taos Institute of Arts invited me to present a workshop in April on Native American basketry. Their web page reads, "This workshop focuses on the plaited twill technique and designs common among the Southeast tribes. You will learn and practice your weaving technique using commercial reed before progressing to the use of white ash. You will process ash tree runs and dye the splints with dyes made from bloodroot, sumac berries, and black walnut hulls. " I will be in Phoenix, March 4 and 5. I have a booth at the Heard Museum Indian Fair. In past years I have made friends with other basket weavers in the Phoenix area. I hope to see all of you again. Peggy Sanders Brennan Cherokee Baskets My homepage %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: This and That Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 00:05:31 -0600 From: Tony Stubblefield To: David Collins Nancy - about signing baskets - For reed baskets I use a wood burning tool with the standard chisel shaped tip. With a little practice it is pretty easy to write your initials and the date. I often bring in to class and have people sign their baskets. I sign mine in different places, depending on my mood. On a ribbed basket I usually sign on the "ear" (where the hoops are lashed together) or on the handle right above the ear if the wrapping material is too narrow. On a market basket I will sign on the row of weaving right below the rim under the handle or sometimes on the bottom edge centered under the handle. For my Nantucket's I use a gold paint pen and sign the inside of the handle near the basket. I do this after the basket has been sprayed/sealed. I usually put the year on one side and my initials on the other. I didn't used to put the date on my baskets and I am really sorry now for there are old ones that I now can't remember when I made them. Sandi - about the MO Basket Weaver's convention - The convention this year is going to be in St. Louis on June 2-4, 2000. I don't know if it is too late to become a member of the MO guild this year and go or not, but the person to contact is Carol Matteson, camatteson@aol.com. The convention book should be in the mail next week with the registration due back in the middle of next month. If you can't make it to that I will pitch my classes I am hosting with Martha Wetherbee over Memorial Day weekend. You can see pictures of the baskets on my web site http://www.tetranet.net/users/deanandtony/baskets.htm. Hope you can come to MO to take a class in the near future. Joe - "antiquing" a basket - I believe I have seen the baskets you are referring too. To get that look I would use a buttermilk paint, which gives you a really chalky gritty look, especially if you don't strain the paint like the directions suggest. A really heavy coat or two should work. The baskets I saw look like they had been belt sanded as some of the splints were even sanded through. This removed paint from the raised areas to simulate natural wear. I would concentrate on the handle and bottom of the basket as that is where most of the wear will take place. A final coat of really dark oil based stain or dark Bri Wax wiped off leave stain in the recesses should finish off the effect. OK all this talk to "Thank You's" has made me psychotic! I am now totally paranoid that I never sent a note to my swap partner from a swap months ago. Sometimes I think about telling somebody something so much that I start thinking I already did it. I don't know how many times I am sure I have told my Mom something because by the time I have a chance to call her I have said it so many times in my head that it has become a memory. So if I never told Susan Reed-Fanfoni (I just love that name) how much I appreciated the basket she sent me I am truly sorry. It is only because I thought about it too much. Susan sent me a very nice basket with bird houses on it and it now sits on the work table in my basket room. It is perfect for keeping my little notebook and tool kit from getting lost. OK, as I write this I really think I remember writing these words before, of course I could just be remembering thinking about writing them! Now I am sure you all think I am truly crazy. Everyone take care, think happy thoughts and make pretty baskets, Tony Stubblefield St. Louis http://www.tetranet.net/users/deanandtony/baskets.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Signing baskets/studio tour Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 02:36:24 -0500 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" Nancy: I use the Micron pens from an art supply or quilt store to sign my baskets. The ink is fade and waterproof. It's the same pen quilters use on their fabric labels. They come in different size points and ink colors so try some out to choose the best for you. For folks who might be in or near Mitchell County North Carolina the first weekend in May we are signing up now for the arts council sponsored self-guided studio tour. You get a map and drive around to various art studios. I'll have my baskets at the Local Color Weaving Studio in "downtown" Bakersville--that's at the one traffic light, which is a few yards from our only stop light --and across from the courthouse. On the last tour, at Christmas, Local Color also featured--in addition to a caterer with delicious lunches-- makers of jewelry, soap, wool paintings, &paper and a spinner and chair seat weaver. These are people who work out of their homes or are too far from the other studios to attract many visitors. Local Color is owned by Fred Swift and Deborah Wheeler, who both weave, and Deborah makes baskets. Others studios have pottery, glass, porcelain, dolls, plants, wood carving, furniture. You name it and it's probably made here in Mitchell County or next door in Yancey County. Basketmaker Billie Ruth Sudduth usually has her studio open, too. For a tour guide and more info, contact TRAC (Toe Rive Arts Council) at 828-682-7215. Stop in and say hi if you are in the neighborhood. Mary Hooper mjhooper@mitchell.main.nc.us %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Stained or 'Antique' Appearance Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 09:11:38 -0500 From: "Phillip Allen" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Hello List: Joe Conroy asked about methods for achieving a true antique appearance in a newly made piece. There's an old trick antique forgers use: bury the piece in a manure pile and check it periodically until the proper patina is achieved. Obviously this won't work with easily composted materials, but splint and willow baskets should tolerate this treatment just fine. Oak might take as much as a year to patina nicely. There's truly nothing like this trick to get a really aged look. Best regards, Phillip Allen, Stratford, CT %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: thank you! Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 09:15:13 -0500 From: "Valerie S. Miller" To: "David Collins" Carolyn, Thank you for your compliments on my baskets. I try very hard to learn something in each basket that I weave and make it better than the one before. I sell only a few baskets to friends and neighbors because my full-time job keeps me from weaving as much as I would like to. The flat rib basket pattern is in Splintwoven Basketry by Robin Taylor Daugherty. It is an easy basket to make even if you've never made a rib basket before. I purchased the aspen slats from Menards because I couldn't find any oak slats through basket suppliers. Good luck and let us know how yours turns out. My friends and I are headed to the Basket Bash 2000 in early April in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This will be my first time at any kind of gathering of weavers and I am really looking forward to it. Anybody else from Weaver's Words going to be there???? I'm hoping to meet many new weaving friends that weekend and weave until my fingers ache! Valerie Miller in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 09:32:11 -0500 From: "Joe Conroy" Reply-To: "Joe Conroy" <@ids.net> To: "David Collins" Hi David, First of all, thanks for all you do in making this forum possible. Nancy Brandt - you asked about materials used in signing baskets. I use a Sanford SHARPIE permanent marker - ULTRA FINE POINT. I find that this particular style allows me to write my name in cursive without smudging. If I am weaving a basket that is for a gift or is an order, I also include the date. If I am weaving a basket to sell at a craft fair I do not include the date. If I put the date on a seasonal basket and it doesn't sell right away some customers perceive the basket to be outdated. Susan Reed Fanfoni - Thank you for including the website regarding displays; it is most helpful. Often space sizes differ in various craft shows and it is not always possible to set up the same way. I do believe that the appearance of one's display is crucial and can be a factor as to whether a show is successful or not. Keep those fingers weaving! Kate Conroy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: basket swap Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 09:39:39 -0600 From: "Tim Hall" To: Hi to David and Basketweavers, I am chronologically an adult, but was like a kid when I signed up for my first basket swap. Would mine be ok? Would she like it and all the other questions a new basketweaver asks. When would mine come? Everyday checking the mail like a kid and was not disappointed when "the box" arrived. When there is no thrill or passion in your hobby, it becomes a job and perhaps it's time for a break from it. Every day I try to figure out which chore can be put off so I can squeeze in even part of a basket. I too, am ready for the next swap. Yes, I have it woven already. My guild partner says it's "the one". At the risk of sounding dopey, dorkey etc., all three of our guild members have matching license plate holders! Thanks to David and Doris for spending all the hours of their time to keep me energized about weaving. Weavingly yours, Donna in way too sunny San Antonio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 109 Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 11:27:26 -0500 (EST) From: IBWEAVIN@webtv.net (Juanita Gulden) To: davidc@iei.net (David Collins) Hi Kim, basket bingo is our guilds big fundraiser. It is played like regular bingo and instead of cash the winner gets a woven basket. The baskets are donated by the guild members. We sell tickets and sell additional cards if people want extra. Members donate food to sell at intermission and a great time is had by all. The baskets all have at least a $25 dollar value. Some have goodies in them. We also have a raffle on higher value baskets. Usually two or three. You buy raffle tickets and then put them in the basket you would like to win. Great way to earn money for your guild. I know churches and organizations in Balto. Have basket bingo using the "L" baskets for fundraisers Juanita in damp rainy Balto. Great weaving weather %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 11:50:31 -0500 From: John Dorris To: "Weavers Words" Pam, I agree about the problem with customers treating your display harshly. My display is like a wide (across) set of stairs. It is very lightweight and easy to put together. BUT the center part has very little support (holds baskets with no problem). I have to watch kids like a hawk-some of the little ones want to either climb the "stairs" or sit on them. Also they rest one hand on the lower while reaching to the upper to pick something up. Scary. Also at one time I had the easy up type of tent with the corner poles sitting in cement blocks. Then they'd stand on the block and swing around the pole. I too used to carry my baskets in plastic bags but I realized that they became rather shopworn looking after a short time. I would spend forever trimming hairs only to find more hairs when I took them out of the bag. I think the friction of them rubbing together caused this. So now I use the plastic "boxes" Although it takes a little longer I try to stack the baskets according to side and shape with bubble wrap between them and sometimes around as well. Plus if you use clear boxes you can easily see what's in each. Since mine are mostly Nantucket's these is easy to do because the shapes are often similar. I have started using the empty boxes stacked by my chair as a table. They can be covered by a cloth or not depending on the circumstance. Also if you get rain then you have an easy method of protecting things from the wet ground. It's almost time for the NC convention and I can't wait. Think I really need a break and a chance to visit with old friends and miss those that aren't there (Jill). About signing and dating baskets. I too sign them (with initials) usually on the bottom and have used several different methods of dating them. Just the year, or 00-01.0002. etc. Of course this means you need to remember the order in which you made them. I keep a list as I finish the basket. Not only helps with the dating but gives me a running inventory. The old standard government pen works really well. It has black ink, is fairly permanent, and in the case of a wooden base actually makes an indention in the wood so it won't rub off. One thing about dating them- in a newsletter I got recently from D.E.L.S. he makes a statement about not dating them as no one wants an outdated piece. It is something I have thought about esp. since almost everyone has one piece that they seem to carry forever before it finally sells (or they pull it). So keep that in mind when you date them. Well enough for now Billie in sunny warm Va. Beach. Afterthought-the object of signing your message has no nefarious reason-it's just so you know who we're replying to as lots of addresses don't leave a clue to who wrote. Although I don't always remember who asked what it sometimes helps to know. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: resizing photos and devils' claws Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 09:01:45 -0800 From: "Pamela Zimmerman" To: "David Collins" Carolyn: To resize your picture, go to David's website at: http://www.websites.co.nz/freetoolsloader.htm And use the gif/jpg cruncher. It really works, and gives you several choices in size. Thanks again, David, for this great service, it has REALLY reduced the space I use on my website. Ruthanne Morningstar: Thanks so much for the preparation information on Devil's Claw. I had always thought it was peeled in some way, but from what you have said, it seems perhaps it is used in whole pieces. Coiled baskets are what I make, so this is quite helpful. I would love to find a source for buying the large Devils' Claw - the ones which are cultivated for basketmaking - but have not seen them anywhere. Pamela Zimmerman http://www.homestead.com/lizardskinsnpineneedles/index.html Come to the Pine Needle Group: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Trail/9114/index.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: suggestion for book store/website Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 12:39:44 EST From: D2crispin@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hello David- You might want to add: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Arts by Robert T. Coffland. There is an exhibit in Santa Fe with several Japanese basketmakers featured in this book. (Textile ARts Gallery, through March.) Donna Crispin %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Signing baskets Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 12:42:15 -0500 From: Chris & Melissa Kile To: davidc@iei.net On the subject of signing baskets: I always sign mine with a stylized "MHK", the year, the number of basket (I keep track of the kinds of baskets I make, who I gave/sold them to and why), and "South 40" (the name of myso-called 'company'). I use a fine-point permanent marker on the bottom. I like the idea of marking it on the inside of the handle above the rim. I think everyone should at least initial and date the baskets they make. My mom says, "It'll go better at the auction." (a family joke) Melissa Kile in Riner, VA, where it has been DELIGHTFUL in the 60's &70's--stay away, snow! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Response to Joe Conroy's question Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 14:14:45 -0600 From: "Anita Evans" To: Joe, you were asking about a method of making baskets look old and grimy. I don't know if this will work, but you could give it a try. My husband's hobby is model railroading, and he uses a substance on the structures he builds to make them look aged called Doc O'Brien's Weathering Powder. It is distributed by Micro Mark out of Berkeley Heights, NJ. I looked on the box and it had an 800 number...800-225-1066. The powders come in different colors. Like I said, I don't know if they would work on reed but they do a fine job on the structures he makes. Anita Evans Omaha, NE %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: necklace display Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 21:37:29 -0600 From: Chris Carstens To: davidc@iei.net Hi everyone, I have been recently developing quite a collection of basket necklaces and I am looking for a clever way to display them-preferably on the wall. Does anyone have any ideas? I know there are several of you out there who are into basket jewelry-waxed linen pouches and such-where do you keep/display them? I would love to hear from you! Thanks! Lisa Carstens Hartland, WI %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 109 Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 12:45:17 -0600 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net "Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 109 Joy Moody - It's always good to read your sensible posts & know you're still reading WW. Nancy - I usually sign with a medium pencil or a permanent ink fine tip pen. If I were doing production weaving, I might go for a branding iron. Betty Curry brands the baskets that are Curry-family woven on the inside of the bottom. She brands the outside of the handles of baskets she teaches that are woven by students. Sandi Carstensen - You could call Mike Narkawicz at 314-978-6381to see if there is time to join the MO guild and get a copy of the convention book. The first mailing, due out any day now, is usually limited to members who paid their $10 dues by the end of January. Mike may know when another mailing would be sent, or be able to tell you who else to contact. Tony, Do you have more complete information for people who would like to get the MO convention info? I'm not sure who else in the vicinity of this year's host group reads WW. (St. Louis, MO area) Bert Comstock, Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: nothing in particular Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 13:31:48 -0600 From: Dianne Gleixner To: "'David Collins'" Juanita - About filling your wagon basket, my suggestion is to pick a theme and get a few different items that go along with that theme. Such as Italian, you could then add a package of pasta and some sort of sauce, maybe a bottle of wine, and a couple cloth napkins. Or a movie theme, put in a box of microwave popcorn, a couple 20 oz bottles of soda, and a gift certificate to a place in your area that rents movies (like Blockbuster). I helped a friend do something similar to this for a silent auction for our local Ronald McDonald House, and it was really fun coming up with new themes and then thinking of things for inside. Maybe a "spa" basket, with soaps, bath beads or gel, a body scrubby, a couple of aromatherapy candles, etc. I think you get the picture. Good luck. Susan - thank you so much for the website with displays and such. I hope to decide what to do by tomorrow (!!) to be able to take advantage of their February specials. Lisha - thanks for the show search tips and display information. Although I'm new to doing shows on my own, I have done them in the past with my parents, who have since moved out of state and then back, but not in the area. This is my first venture to being responsible for everything, not just "tell me the date, and I'll bring my things and help out!" I hope to start out with a couple smaller shows, which may end up being the foam-magnets and crocheted potholder type shows, but at least I'll become familiar with all the bookkeeping and such, along with giving me a chance to take pictures of my space for the better, juried shows. My experience has taught me that you get what you pay for! If a show is only $40 for a space, I probably won't sell as much as a $200 show. I hope "getting my feet wet" with a couple smaller shows, will prepare me for bigger shows this fall - the prime shopping season! Also thank you to Bonnie and Leigh for the stepladder idea for shelving options! What a simple idea! And I love the idea of using lights around the legs at Christmas time. A couple of posts ago someone asked about the phone number for Suzanne Moore's NC Basket Works. It is 910-245-3049 or 800-338-4972 (For orders). I don't think they have a web site. I hadn't seen any other responses, so I thought I'd mention it. Jill - As always, your stories are a joy to read! Your adventures are always so different from anything most of us would experience. I hope you had a great time with your Mom. Pam W. - Thank you for sharing your experience with portable shelving vs. solid tables at your shows. Another advantage with tables is that when you do an outside show you don't have to worry about a gust of wind walking away with your display! They are also a bit steadier on unlevel ground! You've added another thing I need to think about! I guess I've forgotten how much abuse my baskets might get packing and unpacking, and moving around in plastic garbage bags. I may have to look into getting some containers that are sturdier. Wow, my list of "I better check into this.." keeps getting longer and longer. Nancy - For signing and dating my baskets I use a black ballpoint pen and I always sign on the base. I usually sign my first initial and full last name, with the month and year in which I complete the basket. I've tried a fine tip permanent marker but find that it tends to bleed. I purchased a wood-burning tool a couple years back, but I don't like the way it turns out on reed. I haven't tried it on wooden handles or bases yet, maybe someone else has had better experience with them. I've also heard about people "engraving" their name and date with a rotary tool, but haven't tried that myself. Obviously it won't work on reed, but may look nice on wood. And it's pretty permanent, you can't sand it off and re-do it so no mistakes! Kim - When you find out from Juanita what basket bingo is, you'll have to share it with our guild. Maybe we can play it at our next meeting - you'll organize it, right? Cindi in IL - NorEsta has a web site, http://www.noresta.com Their phone number is 616-673-3249, or 800-667-3782 (for orders only) You can also order on-line, or via e-mail. I'm sure they'd be happy to send you a new catalog. Well, that's it this time. Thank you to everyone for their tips, ideas, help, input. Wishing for spring, hoping my tulips and daffodils go back into hiding for a while because I just know we will get more snow before spring decides to stick around! Dianne Gleixner in SE Wisconsin, where it's somewhere in the 40s. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Disappointment in Kit Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 19:08:48 EST From: NitaCprn@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net As a very amateur weaver, only 7 basket under my spokes, I have been disappointed in kits that I've purchased. The quality of the materials have been very poor, something you don't realize until you open the kit. I've concluded that kits aren't the way to go, but I also don't want to wind up with a lot of poor quality materials, which I would only use maybe half of for the specific pattern I order it for. (I'm hoping this is making sense). Can any one direct me to suppliers who have consistently high quality materials. Especially well made handles and quality reed. I want to make baskets that will carry things...maybe even heavy things, like picnic baskets and step baskets...not cute knick, knack types of baskets. Thanking you in advance, the Lurking Amature in Michigan %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Large oval hoop Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 20:51:33 -0500 From: Cathy Cupp To: David Collins Hey Reeders, I have a customer who is looking for a large oval hoop. He is wanting to make a ribbed baby bassinet, so it needs to be in the 24" x 36" range. The baby is due in early May so he needs it as soon as possible to get it woven in time. Any help--wood workers names, etc.-- is appreciated. You can email me ideas at ccuppbaskets@rica.net. Thanks for all the tips I get off from all you folks of Weavers Words. Cathy Cupp "...weave a bit of joy into each day." %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Jill's Video Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 20:49:25 -0800 From: "Shirley Shipley" To: "David Collins" Hi David, Just wanted to say that I received my Antler Wall Pouch video from Jill Choate and I'm very pleased. I've watched it a few times and can't wait to "dig in". Some day I hope to meet this lady in person, preferably in beautiful Alaska, although I see that she visits the lower 48 and there could be a possibility of meeting her and taking a class a little closer to home. Until then, I'll just keep on dreaming and weaving! Shirley in Northern Indiana, patiently waiting for I.B.A convention. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.