"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 38 Date Sent: August 08, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1449 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (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 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ATTENTION NEW SUBSCRIBERS 1.) 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 search box. 2.) If you have recently subscribed, more than likely you will read messages about a basket swap in progress. Basket swaps are organized by other weavers approximately every 2-3 months. So if a swap is in progress when you subscribe, be patient and a new swap will begin before you know it. Every subscriber is eligible for each swap as long as you fulfill you obligation from the previous swap. 3.) If you are looking for basket shops across the country, there is an extensive list on Weaver's Words web page. The shops are listed alphabetically. If you know of a shop that isn't listed, send me the shop's information for addition. Include all of the following if applicable: Shop's Name; Web Page Address; E-Mail Address; Street Address; City, State, Zip Code; Phone Number. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ATTENTION ONLINE AUCTION USERS Make Auction Payments Thru PayPal Plus Get $5 - FAST, FREE & SECURE: https://secure.paypal.com/refer/pal=ka9zre%40yahoo.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Picture('s) Added To Web Page Since The Last Issue Juanita Kenner's-----1st Place & Reserve Champion At The Hartford County Fair. Juanita Kenner's-----Weaving Under The Deer Creek Basketry Guild Tent. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, I have had many requests for a "Basketry Travel Companion". So I've decided to compile a directory for each state and overseas. So if you know of any basket related shop, please send me as much information as possible. Please include: Shop's Name Owner's Name Street Address City, State Zip Code Country Phone Number Fax Number Web Page Address E-Mail Address Hours Brief Description Of Shops Specialty This venture will probably take a couple of months to complete. I don't want to leave anyone out. VERY IMPORTANT: I'M STARTING FROM ZERO. EVEN IF YOU KNOW THAT I AM AWARE OF YOUR BUSINESS, I STILL WANT YOUR INFORMATION SENT TO ME. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE YOUR ACCURATE AND UP TO DATE INFORMATION. EVEN IF YOUR SHOP IS LISTED ON WEAVER'S WORDS WEB PAGE. Also, if you don't personally own a shop please pass along this message to every shop that you are aware of. They can send their information to me via snail mail at: David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Or Via e-mail at: davidc@iei.net One last thing, if you send me a message regarding a shop, please let me know that the message is for inclusion in the "Basketry Travel Companion" and not for the next issue of Weaver's Words. Thanks & Take Care, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Vacation Date: Thu, 03 Aug 2000 23:17:05 EDT From: "K A" To: davidc@iei.net To Sharon: Are you sure you're leaving for vacation July 7th??? Your post is dated Aug 3rd!!! I got a kick out that!! Hope you have a safe and fun trip!! Kathie A. from Macomb, MI. Today Aug 3rd, Thursday, it did not RAIN!! Wow! But it was only 60 degrees - too cold for August. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Pattern swap Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2000 22:11:46 -0400 From: "Jayna Glemby" To: "David Collins" Wow! 32 people have signed up for the first ever, duplicate pattern swap. The swap enrollment period is now officially closed. Those of you enrolled should receive an email from me this week with the rules and the name of the person who is to receive your duplicate pattern. If you don't hear from me by Friday evening let me know. It should be interesting. After all, we do not all have the same taste and we may end up with a pattern we might never have considered buying. That's what's so good about this! If we get something different we will have the opportunity of weaving a basket we never would have tried. I notice that there is definitely a trend in the styles of patterns I purchase, and that may be true of many of you. I wonder what I will get???? Jayna In central Massachusetts %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 37 Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2000 22:44:40 EDT From: JSVRBA@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net David, Just a quick note to see if anyone out there has a pattern for a fanny pack. My Mother has been told that she is not to carry a purse on her shoulder due to arthritis and I thought a fanny pack would be "just the ticket." I have seen them, but now I cannot find a pattern. Thanks for allowing us to "chat" on your web...you are the best!! Susan in HOT Texas... %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Glycerin in water Date: Sun, 06 Aug 2000 20:34:28 -0700 From: Jane Milner To: davidc@iei.net To Cynthia in Harrisonburg, VA: Robin Taylor Daugherty taught a couple of classes to our guild in Reno, NV and suggested (since we live in such a dry area) that we add glycerin to our spray bottles and if we wanted to, the soaking bucket. She added cedar wood essential oil to the glycerin (about 10%). You shake the bottle well as the glycerin and the essential oil separate. Then add a dollop to your spray bottle/soaking bucket. The glycerin pulls moisture out of the air and helps keep your basket from drying out. The cedar wood essential oil makes it smell heavenly! Cedar wood EO can be ordered online from the Soap Saloon in Sacramento, CA (www.soapsaloon.com). Last time I looked 4 ounces was $11.00 or so. Glycerin can be purchased from a drug store such as Longs. Hope this helps. Jane Milner, in sunny, hot Grass Valley, CA where it sure would be nice if it rained (without the thunder and lightening!). %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Website with Basketmaker of the Month Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 00:04:52 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: Lewiscarolv@gateway.net, davidc@iei.net Carol, The website you are referring to with a "Basketmaker of the Month" is Peter Kimball's www.weavenet.com His Mom is Lisha Kimball who contributes frequently to this news digest. Enjoy! ~~The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters/Zumbro Falls, MN~~ http://www.wickerwoman.com http://wickerwoman.listbot.com/ http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=16796&Auth=false %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: To Lynne, Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2000 23:20:03 -0500 From: "Marlys Sowers" To: I'm glad you enjoyed the Nantucket class in Fairbault and that you have continued to make them. My husband, Jeff, makes my bases and he cuts the slot in the round bases with a parting tool on the lathe that he bought at a fine woodworking store and the oval bases he cuts with a fine hand saw. There may be an easier and faster way to cut them using the router but Jeff didn't think it was as persist. Hope this helps. Happy weaving, Marlys %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 37 Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 08:53:28 EDT From: StarlaK@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Jane: Thanks for your info on New Orleans. This will be our 3rd Thanksgiving there. The 1st year, my twins were a handful, but we made it to the zoo. Last year we made it to the French Quarter. I've heard there is a safari park near there. This year we are going to leave the kids with grandparents and delve into some New Orleans cooking. Mary Hooper: Dye, rinse and then Use Retayne a small amount (1 Tbsp or less) in a bucket of warm water. Just swish your dyed and rinsed reed in it for a few seconds. Then lay your reed out to dry before using. It will keep your reed from running. I had run out of Retayne and tried vinegar, but it didn't work nearly as well. Check the search engine on Weaver's Words to here some more Retayne praise. It is found in quilt stores and also a few basket suppliers carry it. I'm interested in weaving in naturals. Does anyone know where I can get some kits. I don't want to invest too much money on natural supplies if I'm not sure if I will enjoy it. I'm interested in using the philodendron sheath, have seen it used as a rim---very neat. Darla---it's drizzling, so I can WEAVE, otherwise you'd see me and my four munchkins at the pool! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Glycerin Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 09:45:20 -0400 From: "Robbie & Skip Sykes" Reply-To: "Robbie & Skip Sykes" <@coastalnet.com> To: "David Collins" To Cynthia in Harrisonburg, VA: It's been a long time since I was up your way (1980 or so) but it's just beautiful in the Shenandoah Valley. You asked about using glycerin. In my bucket of warm water that I soak my reed in, I put about a capful in and stir it up good. You must be careful, however. If you're only filling your bucket 1/2 full, then use less glycerin. And, if it's a cloudy, wet or rainy day, use less. It will have a tendency to keep your basket from drying as fast. Sometimes this causes it to mildew before it's completely dry unless you put it somewhere that is warmer and less humid. Glycerin is great to use, especially if you're working with round reed. If you do put too much in your water, when the basket is finished, sit up so the air can flow all around it (bottom too) and put a fan in front of it on a low speed to hasten the drying time. Hope this helps. To Mary Hooper: I'm happy that you made one just for yourself! That's pretty good therapy for someone who has been weaving them so long for someone else! The colors sound BEAUTIFUL! Would just love to see a picture of it. How about sending one to David and let him post it on WW for us all to admire. To Cass McDonald: Yes! Starving artists are out there mass-producing paintings, all basically alike with tiny variations from canvas to canvas. "L"'s are mass produced, all basically alike with minor variations from basket to basket (color variations due to them all being sprayed in one room at the same time by robots) and the same folks buying the "mass" produced paintings are buying the "mass" produced baskets with the same mentality. I'd better get off my soapbox before I get into more trouble. Thanks David and hope your weather is better than it is here in Eastern NC. Talk about mildew! Wish those folks in Montana and the other states having water and fire problems had a little of ours! Robbie in Wilson, NC where today they've promised sun and no rain but there is no sign of it yet! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Guilds and basketmaking Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 09:15:54 -0500 From: "Clinton County Emg. Manage. Agc." To: "David Collins" Hi all, I am emerging from lurkdom after reading a post from Lois in Honolulu. What an upper you had! I visited a "Basket Gift Shop" recently and told the proprietor that I make baskets and if anyone ever came in with a special request I would be interested in making it. Well, not to my surprise, she said she imports all of her baskets! I looked over some of them while I was there and made a few comments and left. Quantity not quality! Well, on a lighter note, we have a very active guild in the Quad Cities Basketry Guild. Saturday was our monthly meeting and we wove with cane on a small bottle a design resembling the "cheese baskets". It was very interesting and a lot of fun! I recently went on a search for antique potato mashers, and the word must be out, because I only found one after visiting three antique shops! David, thank you for all your work, I enjoy WW very much! Back to lurkdom, Sandi from hot, humid Iowa! steamer@cis.net ccema@clinton.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Baskets & Smoke Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 07:19:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Margie Reck To: davidc@iei.net Glennie: Glad to hear you are having such a great time on your vacation. Sorry you couldn't stop by Cameron! A thought on the price of baskets: Many of you wrote about the more expensive baskets. I would like to say that I hate to see very INEXPENSIVE baskets being sold. I am not talking about the imported baskets, although I have noticed their prices have gone up some. I mean the person who puts a lot of time and effort into weaving a basket, does a nice job and then places a price tag on it that can't even give them a minimum wage! Not only is it not a fair price for them, it makes the rest of us look like we are overpricing our baskets. I try to price my baskets this way: *cost of purchased materials (guestimate) *ten dollars per basket for dying reed, harvesting materials and overhead *$15/hour weaving labor I would like to hear how other weavers price their baskets! On a non-basketry note: I read where many of you are complaining of all the rain and cool weather. Sure wish we could make a trade! The whole western US is in a drought and the fires are HORRIBLE. It has been going on for some time, but the national news has just recently decided it is bad enough to report. I just heard on the Montana news that there are 18 MAJOR fires in Montana. Several small towns have had to evacuate and National Forests and highways are closed. This morning the smoke is so bad here, visibility is only about a mile. It is hard to breathe and gives you a sore throat. If any of you are interested, check out the fire reports on www.fs.fed.us - you will be amazed! Margie in Cameron, MT %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Antlers Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 10:26:11 EDT From: AuntPattie@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Dear David & Weavers, With all the talk about antlers recently, I thought I'd better find out about their sale in Georgia since Judy Briscoe is coming to teach an antler basket in September. According to our state's department of Natural Resources, it is legal to sell any legally obtained antler or deer hide in Ga. So, for those of you traveling through, buy away. I can't believe that I'm finally getting to go to John Campbell Folk School next weekend. I'll be taking a class in splitting an oak tree to make a basket. What fun! I'll let you all know how it goes. Pattie Bagley In Georgia - where all the day are hot & muggy but with no rain except for the days that are muggy & hot with no rain. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 36 Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 10:03:22 -0500 From: Rowena Philbeck To: David Collins Hello Everyone.... MONA, Mona you were asking about the sheaths...try this email Dotty_Hull@prodigy.net. She is a lady that I met on EBay that was selling these sheaths. I believe they were a doz. for 5.00.(Don't quote me on that). I bought some from her and they were excellent. Nice big ends. Hey, clean some shrimp for me too.... I LOVE SHRIMP!!! I just took some pics of my basket gourds that I used round reed, sugar palm fibre on. I will be sending those soon for you all to see. Rowena %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: New Orleans Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 10:08:14 -0500 From: "Jay Fullerton" To: CC: "David Collins" Darla, My family just spent our vacation in New Orleans during July. NOT the time to go, but block leave is block leave. And we live in Louisiana, so it was close. You didn't say how old your children are, but there is a first class aquarium right next to the Riverwalk. Petting a shark was one of the highlights of my trip. The zoo is supposed to be great also, but we opted for air conditioned fun. Lunch at Planet Hollywood kept my son (13) busy looking at all the movie props. Seeing the Ft Lee address, I assume you are military. The D-Day museum was awesome. Younger kids might get a little restless, but my son enjoyed it. The ferry to Algiers that Jane mentioned is indeed free and just a fun way to eat up a little time riding back and forth across the river. Parking can be a nightmare. There are public lots in the middle of the "action", but be prepared to walk some. Basket-wise, I didn't see anything in NO other than outrageously priced Zulu baskets in an art shop. There is a shop in Slidell, LA, north of NO called Lagniappe Weavers http://www.basketsupplies.com/. The owner travels and teaches, so write and make sure she will be there if you plan on stopping by. If I can give you any more specific information, just ask. Kathy Fullerton Fort Polk, LA %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 11:41:41 -0400 From: "John W. Dorris" To: "Weavers Words" Carol, The process of downsizing a basket is not quite as simple as it may sound-at least if you are a math impaired person like me. One of our guild members teaches 8th grade math and she gave a demonstration at one of our meetings. Luckily she brought examples because even when I saw it I found it hard to believe. What I remember most is that if you use materials that are half the size of the original you will end up with a basket that is one quarter the size of the original. Using the size of a booth at a craft fair as an example- half of a 10 x 10 is 5 x 10 not 5 x 5. One of the examples she uses with her students is pizza, guess they have no trouble understanding that an 8" pizza doesn't give half as many slices as a 16". After this wonderful description I'm sure that those who weren't confused before now are. Lois, our guild demonstrates twice a year at shows in this area. We use the opportunity to recruit new members by having a sign up sheet (get addresses not just phone numbers) for those who are interested in taking a class. We offer a basic market basket at a nominal price (under $20). At the last show we had over 50 people sign up and I think around 20 of them were at our next open to the public class. Several of them did join the guild. The fee not only pays for supplies but adds to our treasury so we can offer other things as well. In addition to the demonstration we have a display showing the various types of baskets woven not just by ourselves but others as well. We do no selling of baskets at these shows (although some would allow it) because some of our members do have booths and we feel it isn't fair to compete against them when they have paid an entry fee to participate. When I was cleaning my studio the other day (the guild was coming for a picnic) I found some of the articles my daughter had gotten from the archives of the occupational therapy assoc. They dealt with the use of basketry as therapy in psych. hospitals. 1922 Helen T. Smith "The conference opened with a discussion upon whether it is better to start mental cases upon reed baskets with wooden bases or raffia with a colored pattern. The group was much divided in opinion, but the fact was brought out that when one aide was handling twenty of more patients she could not have many of them making reed baskets, as the process was too quickly done. The patients finished what was planned before the aide could make her rounds. The material being quiet expensive there was much waste. All agreed that basketry holds the attention well, that the patient has some result very soon, is eager to hold out to the end of one basket, and never objected to starting another. Some objected to raffia work on the ground this it is apt to make a man effeminate if he used a needle, and some said they would not allow male patients to make raffia baskets, but it was very good for female patients." Another article on the Analysis of Crafts discusses the various benefits that come from basketry- The technique is: quieting, stimulating, monotonous, varied, simple, complex, moderately rapid, slow, adaptable. Seems to me that these cover the gamut- It goes on to describe how or why this possible. Under slow it says "all raffia baskets". One further thing I found interesting, "Baskets...may be stiffened by staining with oil paints mixed with much turpentine to prevent shininess" Guess this enough for me now. I did enjoy my visit with Cynthia. I do like sharing with those who understand and appreciate what it is we do. Billie in Va. Beach where the rain has quit but the heat index is over 100. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 37 Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 15:12:28 -0400 (EDT) From: Arlene Zaloznik To: David Collins Billie Dorris - Jill Choate has a wonderful video Antler Wall Pocket for sale on her website (http://www.corecom.net/~choatepp/) that describes many of the techniques in antler basketry. Jane Milner: waxed linen also works well with pine needle weaving and comes in a variety of colors. I get my waxed linen from gratiot lake basketry (http://www.upweb.com/gratiot). Carol Votaw: this is how I downsize baskets - figure out the diameter of the base then the height of the sides - add 2 inches per side to tuck - 5" base with 5" sides + 4" would be a spoke size of 19". Hope this helps. Mary Hooper: for dark reed, I rinse well - place in vinegar bath for a few minutes - rinse again. Let dry. If the reed still "bleeds" when I use it, I run it through an old towel. Arlene from El Paso, TX %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Milk Paint Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 14:39:45 -0700 (PDT) From: Joanne Howard To: David Collins Aloha from Orlando????? I finally made it here on vacation. I had the chance to go to several craft stores. None of which had basket supplies. I did ask about milk paint and all replied that they no longer carry it because it was considered highly toxic. Anyone hear of that? Maybe that is why several stores carry simulated. Anyone have any ideas on the subject? That's all for now...aloha oe? Joanne Howard %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Expensive Baskets Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 21:36:27 EDT From: Lewiscarolv@gateway.net To: davidc@iei.net Hi David, Since we have been discussing expensive baskets I thought I might mention one on page 91 of American Homestyle & Gardening magazine Sept 2000 issue. It's an ash swing-handle by Maine's Stephen Zeh price $3600.00. The ad suggests it can be used to stow washcloths or rubber duckies. Isn't that just too cute. Take a look if you get a chance. I'm asking Santa for this one. Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! DREAM ON. Carol Votaw In South Carolina where the temp reached 95 today! WHOA! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 00:00:06 -0400 From: Thom Ailes To: davidc@iei.net Just a quick question - I was told that if I add a little bit of black to most any Rit dye that it will give it a deeper shade. For example, add it to navy and get a true dark blue navy, to green you will get a nice deep hunter green, etc. So far, as I have experimented with adding the black, my colors are turning out too much like black --- I can't seem to get the right amount! Does anyone have any measurement suggestions for this? Also, has anyone ever tried to use the Rit color remover to remove the color from reed and start again? I just love to dye reed but I think I need some help! Julli O'Green who is now blue over this reed dyeing adventure - in Ohio! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2000 04:50:17 -0500 From: mlower@mail1.aeroinc.net To: David Collins Hi everyone, Just returned from a family vacation to Florida and have caught up on all of my reading of missed issues. My daughter's wedding went well in July and will post some pictures later of all the Nantucket baskets we used. Probably the funniest moment was when the flower girl got to the end of the aisle, she still had some flower petals in the bottom of her4" round Nantucket. Trying to get the last one out, she tipped the basket upside down and started whacking it on the bottom until the last one would come out. Lyn: You can purchase a slot cutter for Nantucket bases at Boston Saw and Knife Corporation at 781-444-2051. Tell them you need a .050 for a Nantucket base. Just be very careful when cutting the slot because it is dangerous. I have had an email request for the beautiful Nantucket backpack that was featured in The Country Home magazine. Does anyone out there make them and would be interested in the job? Or do you know of any mold that is available for it? School starts in two weeks and I have so much weaving that needs to be done yet. Aahhhhh! Mindy Lower Northwest Illinois http://www.aeroinc.net/~users/nantucket %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2000 08:32:44 -0400 From: Diane Myers To: davidc@iei.net Well, guess it's time to stop being a lurker.... For those of you that store a lot of materials in one spot take notice, I actually bowed a second floor from storing materials in a spare bedroom! I never gave it a thought of how much reed can weigh. Second, does anyone know what size basket should be made to fit a lampshade? I had several handmade lampshades given to me and I'd like to make lamps with them. Thank you if you respond in advance. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: NC Shops? Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 11:01:50 -0500 From: "Susan & Mike Newnam" To: This is my first time to send an email. As a lurker I've enjoyed reading and learning all about basketry and the wonderful people involved in the art. I've only made a couple of baskets and have so much to learn it's mind boggling at times. I'm heading for the Outer Banks, NC next week and was wondering if there are any shops in the area. I'm also going to Valley Forge, PA in September. Any suggestions on what to see and do are welcomed. Susan in Niceville, FL where the sun is shining and the heat is heading to 100 again %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Wombat basket Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 13:30:54 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" To: "David" Hi all! Cass McDonald - can't wait to see the 'Grecian tiered wombat basket' picture! See what an innocent post can start. Are the three tiers as fat as a wombat's belly? Yes, I can see "a similarity between the starving artist sale paintings and "L" baskets" except that the Lonaberger baskets are so much more expensive that the paintings. If those starving artists had a marketing dept as good as Longaberger's they wouldn't be starving anymore :) Angie in hot & muggy PA (it's not the heat, it's the humidity) The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Update on MN Folk Art Grant Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 16:40:07 EDT From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Just wanted to give everyone an update on the progress my Minnesota Folk Art Grant apprentice is making on the seat weaving. Ben and I are having a great time, and he is such a quick study! So far, we have met six times with a daily duration of five hours, our total time allotment for the grant is 80 hours. Hopefully, it will be enough time for him to get the basics and then he can study at home at his leisure. The first day Ben wove a traditional seven-step method of chair caning on a footstool and finished that day. Second time, he started on a horseshoe shaped hole-to-hole cane chair and finished half of it. Next time we met, he finished the rest of the cane chair. For the time being, we are only meeting on Mondays, because either one of us has other conflicts during the rest of the week. In September we may start meeting three days a week, but for now, Mondays are working out just fine. A small Colonial style paper fibre rush footstool was the next project and then one half of a ladderback chair been brought from home. The following meeting he finished it up and will start on a spline cane piano bench next Monday. Over the weekend we are both going to demonstrate rush seat weaving at the Olmsted County Historical Society's Threshing Bee. Ben will be doing a paper fibre rush chair and I will be doing a natural cattail leaf rush chair. I am using my own gathered cattails, since Bonnie Gale hasn't been able to get the imported English bulrush in yet. The chair I will be demonstrating on is my own, so I may rip out all the cattail weaving and replace it when I get a supply of English bulrush. For any of you that are thinking about trying the natural rush (not pretwisted), order the imported English bulrush, the natural cattail leaves just can't compare to the soft, round shafts of the tall, English bulrush. Bulrush is available here in the States too, but from what I've seen, it's not tall enough and doesn't seem to be as soft and honey color and the English version. I did propose a natural bulrush/cattail leaf footstool class for Stowe in 2001, so we'll see what happens. As far as I know, there isn't anyone out there teaching natural rush weaving, is there? Anyone reading this newsletter know of any classes being offered anywhere? Take a look at my PhotoPoint "Seat Weaving" album to see Ben and I at work. Hope this turns into a clickable link, if not, go to my PhotoPoint album Index in my signature line below. http://albums.p hotopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=16796&a=70537 The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters/Zumbro Falls, MN http://www.wickerwoman.com http://wickerwoman.listbot.com/ http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=16796&Auth=false %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Rush seat weaving Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 16:41:01 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" To: "David" Hi all, Got a phone call today from a man in San Francisco looking for someone to weave rush seats for their factory. I do not know any more than what I'm posting and I know nothing about the company. I don't have enough time to weave my baskets and weave rush seats for our customers now. Can't imagine taking on this job! Here is the information if anyone is interested in this: Tom Reale in San Francisco has a chair factory and they are looking for someone to weave rush seats on their chairs. They are a small factory, but they would have about 30 seats a month. His telephone # is 415-621-3266. I have no idea what kind of pay they are willing to give or any other details. Please contact Tom for more information. Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.