"Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 68 Date Sent: November 14, 1999 Web Page: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Subscribers: 1248 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://www.iei.net/~davidc/book.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Attention New Subscribers You can search Weaver's Words web page and back issues by going to Weaver's Words web page (http://www.iei.net/~davidc/) 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. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, For those of you who are movie buffs like myself or like investing "cash" in stocks, I have a fun site. It's called the "Hollywood Stock Exchange". You start with $2,000,000 Hollywood Dollars and you invest your Dollars in hundreds of actors and movies. Then everyday your stocks go up or down just like the real stock market. I've been playing about a year and I currently have $10,500,000. My best buy was 50,000 shares of "The Blair Witch Project" when it was only $0.35/share. Over the months it went up to $135.00/share before I sold it. Best of all it's FREE & you can cash in your Dollars for prizes. You can create private groups and compete against each other. My member name is jache. If you want to play use the link below and earn me an extra $100,000 to boot. http://dynamic.music.hsx.com/dynamic.nd/msx/pgUserRegister?tbReferrer=jache Take Care, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 22:31:14 EST From: DebGring@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hello David and World Wide Weavers Judy B. your shows sound like a horrible experience. I hope this one is better for you! Think of it this way, you have Christmas gifts made for a long time now.......Seriously, I kind of understand how you feel even though I have never been in a show, some years ago I made ceramics, and didn't have much $ that year for gifts, and made a lot of gifts. Then overheard my aunt tell another relative about the dust catchers.......then there is the family member I made a basket for, who replaced the basket I made that was on a stand with 2 "L" baskets! Glad to hear about the AMB experience, and hope/plan to be writing in next year about my experience there. Our Village Weavers Guild met this last weekend, and several of us are planning on being there next year for sure. Next month we are making a Victorian Sleigh, we all are looking forward to it, we had a really nice day this month. It was open weave and of course lunching at the Barn Restaurant was great too. Not much else to add, hope all are well and happy and everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Debbie G. In NW Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: AMB convention 2000 Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 23:38:10 From: Eileen To: davidc@iei.net Association of Michigan Basketmakers convention 2000, Celebrating Our Traditions will take place October 18-22at the Amway in Grand Rapids. Coordinators - Kathy Tessler & Heather Tessler In order to be listed in the directory and receive the first mailing of the convention booklet you must be a member by January 31. If you join after that date and want to receive a convention booklet please include an extra $3. to cover the first class postage. The convention booklets are usually sent out the first week in May via bulk mail. Membership chairperson AMB Membership P.O. Box 1105, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858-1105 ambnanc@power-net.net Dues - $20. For individual Dues - $25. Cottage member Dues - $35. Business member 2001 - Oct. 17-21 - Amway Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI 2002 - Oct. 23-27 - Amway Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI 2003 - Oct. 29-Nov 2 - Grand Traverse, Acme, MI Eileen LaPorte, Romeo, MI President AMB %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 23:38:24 -0500 From: "Donna L" To: "David Collins" Judy - I really don't want to be a "doomsdayer", but putting up a sign will not be enough to release your responsibility if someone really wants to sue you. Remember, "after they use it" could possibly be too late for someone with severe allergies. You really MUST list your ingredients. Not only KY laws apply if you send any of your items out of state. Insurance is a real pain in the neck, but a responsibility for anyone conducting a business. Re: Basket Logos - a number of years ago, a book was published with copyright free basket pictures, borders, etc. by a guild or company on the west coast. I'm at a loss at the moment for the name, but it interested, please e-mail me directly & I'll look it up. It's in the office, and I'm at home right now. Sheila - "Fancy Handles for Decorative Woven Baskets" by Nancy Gruber ($4.95) is probably what you are looking for. It is out of print but we still have a few copies left in stock. You can find it in our on-line catalog at http://www.countryseat.com/shophome.htm Hi Pam - nice to hear from you again. Aren't Sunday classes a real b----. I usually end up with one when I teach, also. Gotta do away with those 4hr. classes! People really don't want to work much on Sunday AM. Linda - Star of David is in "A Celebration of Baskets" by Grace Kabel ($4.95) at above link. Donna bordlong@fast.net http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 21:40:43 -0700 From: "Rae Hunter" To: "David Collins" Helen in Princton, Glad you are enjoying basketry, It is a great craft and there is always more to learn, a lifetime love. There is a book about dyes, probably more than one but give this one a look. CRAFT OF THE DYER Colour from Plants and Lichens Karen Leigh Casselman Dover Publications, Inc. New York Published in Canada by General Publishing Company, Ltd., 30 Lesmil Road, Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario ISBN)-486-27606-6 (pbk) Check Amazon books on David's' site Cheers Rae http://telusplanet.net/public/rachael %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Basket Shirts Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 01:17:09 -0500 (EST) From: mdcamcd@ix.netcom.com To: davidc@iei.net Hello to all! For Pam Woodbury, who was asking about the basket shirt: I think several companies make the transfer paper; what I have is Avery T-shirt Transfer Paper. I got mine at Sam's Club, a discount warehouse, but I imagine Office Depot, or computer stores would also carry it. If I remember right, it works out to well under $1.00/8.5 x 11(?)sheet. I use 1 sheet for a large centered image, about 4-5 for smaller ones scattered around. I think the smaller images copy better. Don't forget you can add text too. The package has an instruction sheet with very good directions. I sometimes make transfers for friends, and I print out the care directions for them. If you're multi-talented, you can also embellish the shirts with fabric paint or stitching (outlining images, making handles 3-D, etc). It's a lot of fun and makes a very nice one-of-a-kind shirt for shows or guild meetings! Cass McDonald in chilly Maryland where I think our Indian summer is finally over! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 07:28:06 EST From: Sandybsk@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Sheila S: The AMB 2000 is Oct. 19-22 in Grand Rapids, MI. You should join in January and you will receive all the information. Sandy MS Creations %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: braided handles Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 08:16:47 -0500 From: "Valerie S. Miller" To: "David Collins" Hi everybody, Sheila, Try "Fancy Handles for Decorative Woven Baskets" by Nancy Gruber for braided/wrapped handles. I purchased this years ago at a Michael's store and don't know if it's still available. Also look at my pictures on WW, the first swap basket has a woven handle from this book and the square rib basket also has a woven handle. Hope this helps! Valerie Miller in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 08:42:39 EST From: Linhebert@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net RE: Star of David Basket If you mean a round basket that has the Star of David pattern in it (as opposed to a basket that is actually Star-shaped), this is the traditional Shaker Cheese basket. It was originally designed by the Shakers for separating curd from whey in the making of cheese, thus the openwork Star of David pattern. We have both an illustrated pattern and kit available at our website. Visit www.basketweaving.com. TO: Judy Benner, regarding unsuccessful craft shows I'm really glad that you wrote about this, and I hope that others who have managed the secret of successful basket selling at craft shows will respond. You can NOT let the failure of those shows be a reflection upon your weaving- you just didn't get the right shows and the right audience. I've never sold at shows, so I'm not in a position to make positive suggestions. However, one suggestion is: Develop a unique style in your basketweaving and then you can approach craft galleries with your work. I don't know what state you're in, but for example, here in Arkansas, we have the Arkansas State Craft Galleries in five locations. They support local artists by not taking big fees, and the buying audience is most appreciate of the labor involved. Likewise for gallery sales. I did sell my grapevine/Virginia creeper baskets on Cape Cod years ago in a gallery and the appreciation was there. Certainly keep weaving for yourself and family, and don't let the ignorance of anonymous faces get you down! We've all been there at one time or another. I know that you're going to get a lot of positive encouragement from the other weavers. Linda Hebert www.basketweaving.com V. I. Reed & Cane Rogers, Arkansas %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: greetings from Md. Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 11:16:04 -0500 From: nancy brandt To: "davidc@iei.net" Hello all you weavers, To Sheila, Look for Fancy Handles for Decorative Woven Baskets by Nancy Gruber. #8076 by Plaid. I've had this for years and think I bought it for $3.50 in a Michael's or some craft supply store. Here's the address for Plaid but it might be old also. Plaid Enterprises Inc. 1649 International Blvd. PO Box 7600 Norcross Ga. 30091. To Pamela: where was the Basket Bash held? To Judy Benner: I'm so sorry you had a bad experience selling your baskets; I've only sold at a few shows, but was happy to sell some and always had great fun. Perhaps its the wrong type of show or too many basket makers. You didn't sound like there would be a "next time", but there are so many factors involved in a good show; you should think through all the angles. This is another beautiful day in Md.; I know winter will come, but we have had the most amazing fall weather. Nancy in Glen Arm, Md. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Nantucket class Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 18:37:34 -0000 From: "Jeff & Diana French" To: "David Collins" Hi Everyone! Hope you are all well. I haven't written for awhile, but just had to after last weekend. I was fortunate enough to be able to take a Nantucket Creel Purse class with John McGuire! It was my first Nantucket and at first I thought I was taking on more than I could handle. But John proved to be a very patient teacher and what a wonderful man. He's quite a storyteller and he's so positive after such a terrible accident last spring. (For those of you who don't know - John had an accident with a snow blower and lost 3fingers on his right hand - and yes, he's right handed) He is able to weave though - my basket is proof of that as he had to help me a bit. :) The class was great fun - it took us ALL weekend and what a weekend we had! I met so many wonderful weavers - we are a nice bunch, aren't we??? We were in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster County, PA - a beautiful setting for our class. Debra Hammond was our host for the class and she has a wonderful shop in East Earl. Everyone went home with a beautiful basket - a few of us, myself included, still had a bit of finish work to complete at home, but John gave us great finishing instructions. All in all, a great time. I would highly recommend a class with John if anyone has the opportunity. After a full weekend of weaving I'm ready to weave, weave, weave and weave some more! :) Time to get at those Christmas gifts. Happy weaving all. Diana French from crisp & cool Southern New Jersey %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Lisa Nortz fishing creel Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 16:26:48 -0500 From: "Valerie S. Miller" To: "David Collins" Hello, Does anyone know how to contact Lisa Nortz and/or where to purchase a strap for her fishing creel? I would like to make this basket for my husband for Christmas but need to locate a strap. Thanks!! Valerie Miller in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: help Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 17:47:57 EST From: "Patricia Steinmetz" To: davidc@iei.net Fellow Weavers, Help, I need your help! I am searching for an oval side notch bushel handle. Actually I need 4 of them. The problem is the size. They need to be 1 to 1 1/4 inch tall from the notch up, with a spread of no more than 1 1/2 inches wide. If anyone knows where I can find these, please email me direct. I have contacted several suppliers but no one has anything that small. I am sure everyone is busy with craft shows or busy weaving those Christmas presents. If I can find these handles, I will just about have my Christmas weaving done. Happy weaving to all, Pat S On the south side of Indy where we had a beautiful Saturday with the temp in the 70's %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 21:10:42 EST From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Helen, In your answer for finding good quality smoked reed, have you checked with Gratiot Lake Basketry and H. H. Perkins? These are two companies that carry excellent quality smoked reed. If you do get a batch that is not up to par, send it back for a refund or exchange. The product used to set the dye in fabric and reed is Retayne, which can be found at quilting shops and possibly regular fabric stores. The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters/MN www.wickerwoman.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Sat, 13 Nov 1999 21:17:03 EST From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Linda Nelson, Grace Kabel put out a really nice Star of David pattern in one of her early books, can't remember the name right now, but as Carole Kaeding at Gratiot Lake Basketry, I bet she has it in stock. The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters/MN www.wickerwoman.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: Judy's unhappiness Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 07:50:46 -0500 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" Hi all: I just returned from UK and Florida and as soon as the last houseguest leaves I'll be back to basketweaving. Does anyone else have the problem of not being able to work with extra people around because the basket won't turn out well anyway??? Judy: I was so sad to read your letter regarding the lack of sales at shows. I empathize with you. My first show, last year, was a new street fair in a nearby small town. They wanted craftspeople to demonstrate and I did. I answered a l t of questions, sold one basket,(the next show made up for the first) and met the man at the next booth who was doing quite well. He steered me to a magazine called SUNSHINE ARTIST (www.sunshineartist.com). This excellent magazine has show reviews, ratings, adverts, and schedules. It's a real education. Now I know more about how to select the shows I want to do and I know more about the facilities offered, the problems with set up and take down, the size of the crowd to expect, what the buyers are looking for, what the weather has been and how it affects sales and so on and so forth. The reviews are given state by state and there is a calendar section showing shows by date. I've been seeing posts above your name since I started reading WW so I assume you've been making baskets awhile. How long have you been doing shows? Maybe this is a topic for more discussion as I suspect some of us can't weave if we can't move the baskets out of the house and if we can't earn the money for more supplies. I really would like contact and subscription info for basket magazines. Would those of you who know them give more info than you do or the appropriate web site for further info. Thanks all. And Judy, please don't give up yet. Gather more input from our WW family and rethink your show strategy. Also, maybe you could work on not letting your feelings be hurt so easily. One of the best things I've ever learned is that I can't change other people or their attitudes, I can change only myself and my attitude. Keeping putting one foot in front of another and do your best work and you will find a way to succeed. Keep on keeping on, best regards, Mary Hooper in the western North Carolina mountains. mjhooper@mitchell.main.nc.us %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Get-A-Way 2000 Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 10:20:47 -0600 From: Carol Zeller To: davidc@iei.net Just wanted everyone to know that we are having our 8th Annual Get-A-Way2000 event in Okemos, Michigan on February 18, 19 and 20th, 2000. Teachers are Sue Canafax, Jodi Shebester, Mary Hettmansperger, Marilyn Wald, Debbie Richard, Eileen LaPorte, Thomas Holtkamp, Cass Schorsch, Kathleen Myers, Barb Grzeszak and Nancy Carlson. If anyone would be interested in receiving one of our registration pamphlets, please send $1.00 (to cover cost of printing and mailing) to Carol Zeller; 339 W. Burnham Street; Battle Creek, MI 49015. The registration fee of $55.00 includes: lunch on Friday and Saturday; refreshments during workshops; chances to win several door prizes; pizza party Friday evening; and many more little surprises. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Judy Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 11:29:12 EST From: KSLERB@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Judy, I was so sad reading your experience at the craft shows...I am amazed at some of the comments I hear at shows. If I don't care for something I just pass it by. I'm sure your baskets are beautiful, after all several people commented to you that they were! Don't you dare throw those baskets in the bonfire!!!! I for one would love to receive a bunch of Carolina Snowflakes in the next basket swap! :) BTW, I was at a show last summer and it was the weaver's last show. She has absolutely beautiful baskets but said she did very poorly at the shows... Sue Erb %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 11:32:56 EST From: PBWEAVE@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Judy, I am sorry your business hasn't gone well for you. I didn't make a profit for 5 years and probably wouldn't at large shows unless they are Native American. I didn't sell country type baskets well but do ok on Native American baskets. At small shows that I do for fun and for other organizational fundraising shows where the booth is cheap, I weave small baskets out of reed. I don't use my natural dyes and keep them inexpensive. In Oklahoma people like feathers and beads. I don't use my expensive items on these "tourist" baskets. I make them colorful because people buy them to go with something in their home. My wall baskets sell good because I keep them $25 and under. I like to trade my baskets that don't sell for jewelry or something I like from other vendors. If you have any questions, let me know. Peggy in Edmond, OK %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 67 Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 11:44:50 EST From: PBWEAVE@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi, this is for Helen in Princeton regarding natural dyes. My favorite book for the money is a soft back book "Colors from Nature" by Bobbi McRae and from Storey Publishing Book. She has a concise chart of the plants but not much detail. For accuracy and detail I like Rita Buchanan's books. She has "Weaver's Garden" and "A Dyer's Garden" that is a small book. For specific recipes, use Rita Adrosko's book, "Natural Dyes and Home Dyeing" Most of my baskets have natural dyes. If you have questions, email me. I'll try to find the plant in my books. Natural dyes are my passion and I find few students interested in them. Most of the books are about dyeing wool and silk, not cellulose fibers. Thanks, David for connecting us to friends in other parts of the world. Peggy Brennan, Edmond, OK %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.