"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 41 Date Sent: August 14, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1446 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 Maggie Silva's-----Cane Basket. Rowena Philbeck's-----Gourd With A Sheath And Teneriff Weaving Using Wax Linen. Rowena Philbeck's-----Gourd Using Round Reed. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, Here's an update on the Basketry Travel Companion. I've listed a form and a list on the Weaver's Word web page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/companion.html Here's a little more information: So far the 65 basketry destinations listed covering 28 states and Canada. But that leaves 22 states and numerous countries that aren't covered. SO IF YOUR FAVORITE BASKET SHOP/MUSEUM/GALLERY/EXHIBIT/ETC. ISN'T LISTED, GO TO THE ABOVE LINK AND SEND ME REQUESTED INFORMATION. Thanks & Take Care, David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Coiling with the Thumbweavers Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 22:39:48 -0500 From: "Carol Antrim" To: I want to thank the Thumbweavers Guild for inviting me to Michigan to teach woodburning and coiling on gourds. Thanks to Pam Woodbury, too, for hosting the meeting and sharing your home with me...what a treat to see all your wonderful baskets! We had a delightful day, the weather was uncooperative but the day was truly delightful! Fellow basketmakers and good food...is there a genetic link that makes basketmakers good cooks? Nah, I don't cook and I do make baskets! Anyway, the food WAS good and the basketmaking WAS remarkable. I am always awed by the talents of the students in my classes and this was no exception. I kept thinking. "Oh neat! Why didn't I think of that?" These gals are experienced weavers and although coiling was new to some of them, all their gourd baskets turned out wonderfully. Thanks a bunch, Thumbweavers, for a great day! Headed for Ohio towards the end of the week to teach at Royalwood. Kathy says we are having a "Shell Tote Potluck on Friday evening." MMMMMMore good food and basketweaving. Another great weekend! Carol Antrim http://cantrim.homepage.com/ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 40 Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 00:15:00 -0500 From: kderrick@swbell.net To: David Collins References: 1 Regarding the material for coiled fabric baskets: I have a 1999 catalog from The Caning Shop. They had a material called Fiberplex on page 37 in the catalog that says it is "an excellent foundation material for soft coiled baskets using yarns or fabric strips. The material is a paper core surrounded by a cotton net to give the core a uniform round cross section." The Caning Shop has a web page: http://www.caning.com and a toll free number to see if they still carry it, 1-800-544-3373. I have made these coiled baskets and was able to find the same type of material at local fabric stores such as Hancock's, JoAnn's, etc. It is usually in with the upholstery and drapery materials and accessories and can be bought by the yard. Kathy in Parkville, MO, where it's hot and humid %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 40 Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 10:02:21 GMT From: "CLAUDIA HOPKINS" To: davidc@iei.net Hi Carolyn, I saw that you are looking for a pattern for the masher. Baskets of Joy out of Maine has a pattern Antique Masher Basket. You might like to look at their web site to see if that is what you want. To get to the site it is www.basketsofjoy@basketsofjoy.com When you get to the site click on What's new and you will see it there. It is Pat Y202. I hope this helps. Claudia Hopkins from Chepachet Rhode Island %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Acknowledgements of swap baskets Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 07:44:38 -0500 From: "Ron Harrison" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Have to add my two cents worth! While we do not participate in swaps, once upon a time we did RECEIVE a swap basket- it had been incorrectly sent to us. Was absolutely gorgeous and had lots of "extras" in it. We immediately contacted the person that had mistakenly sent it plus the coordinator - we did not want to keep what was not ours. When we "located" it's rightful owner- we forwarded it to them. While the basket/goodies was not ours- I wrote the "maker" and thanked her for the mistake- enjoyed viewing the basket while we located the true owner. Can not imagine NOT taking the time to thank someone who spent time and worked with such care and love to make it! My momma always taught me that manners were free! Thanks for listening- Bobbie Willow Dreams Farm http://home.earthlink.net/~rharrison62/ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket swaps Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 08:06:04 -0500 From: "Tim Hall" To: Dear Basketeers, Thank you Jean Weinrich for your post on manners and swaps. I too did not receive notice that my basket reached my swap partner. However, neither did our swap coordinator. I put my return address both on the outside of the package AND the inside. Not much more I can do in that respect. Hope wherever it is, they enjoy that basket. Weavingly yours, Donna Hall where it's too hot in Texas to even talk about %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and pieces Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 09:30:07 -0400 From: gatsby@larck.net To: davidc@iei.net Joanne, I know I appreciated the basket you sent me for the swap. I can't imagine not responding to you. Maybe banning someone would work. I do know that sometimes the baskets are arriving when people are on vacation. It happened to a friend of mine. But, she let the coordinator know she was going away for a few weeks. Maybe that stipulation needs to be added to the rules - if you'll be away, note that in your sign up or tell the coordinator. Cas, nice job describing the lashing. I do mine that way so I understood what you were saying. Carolyn, you were looking for the masher pattern. Baskets of Joy has one. Go to their web site, click on Catalog, then on patterns. It's down near the bottom of the pattern list under antique masher basket. I was just at the shop on Thurs. and the site yesterday and it was still there. www.basketsofjoy.com. It's pattern # y202. Hope you find it. Dot in rainy Maine. We'll take the rain rather than the fires or really hot weather. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Wonderful weavers' words Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 10:42:27 -0500 From: "Elizabeth J.Bechtel" To: David Collins This week I was able to take a 2-night class with Bert Comstock, and it was wonderful! I have recently moved to the Milwaukee area because of my husband's job transfer. So I am without my regular friends and weaving pals. Another WW member noticed that I live very close to her and invited me to come to the class with Bert. (Thank you, Lisa Carstens!!) I did go to the class. Not only was the basket a good one, and it was fabulous to meet Bert of WW fame, but I met other weavers who basically live right down the road from me. (And this time I didn't get lost driving on that road!) So thank you to Lisa for inviting me, Bert for teaching, Kim for having the class in her home and to David & Weavers' Words who make all of this communication and getting together possible! And now to get back to getting ready for shows... Beth in SE Wisconsin where it beautiful outside, yet never so beautiful that I feel compelled to do any weeding. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Coiled baskets Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 16:44:16 -0400 From: "Pamela Zimmerman" To: "David Collins" Those of you who want to discuss coiled baskets (I.e. pine needle baskets) in depth, you might check out The Pine Needle Group. There are several forums, which can be of assistance, including a mailing list, if you have topics you want to air. The group chat is on Thursday, at about.com basketry, and there is a link to the chat room on the group forums page. http://pineneedle.homepage.com Hope to "see" you there! Pamela Zimmerman %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Patterns Swap Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 16:57:45 -0400 From: "Lewis & Carolyn Megginson" To: "David Collins" Hi All, I received a beautiful pattern from Laurie Burns. Have made one and plan to make more for upcoming craft shows. Was a nice tall toilet paper basket with a lid. This would certainly serve the purpose intended and would be an asset in any empty corner of a room. I want to thank Jayna Glemby for coordinating this swap. I have been busy with shows and have to design baskets for a new shop opening. They have to be different from designs that I sell at shows. Was glad to read Cas Wucher's instructions for starting and stopping reed. Have a copy of this in one of my notebooks. Sharing information will make us all better basketmakers. I enjoy hearing from everyone on WW. Will close and start on a basket. Carolyn of Suffolk %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Antler regulations Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 19:15:02 -0400 From: "Pamela Zimmerman" To: "David Collins" Hello all, If you have a question about whether you can sell antlers in your state, you might find this a helpful link: it addresses the use of naturally shed antlers. I urge you to call your local game commission to double check the information listed on this page. Most states' game commission contacts are listed here, as well as some statements from commission spokesmen. http://www.shedantlers.org/Legal%20Links/Fish_Game.htm Here is yet another link, with information about hunting in all the states, again with agency contact information. http://www.thebowman.com/tb_huntreguls.html Remember, if you are shipping to, or doing a show in, another state, you must check their laws as well. Teachers, don't forget to check where you are going to teach a class. You may be held responsible for your entire class inventory, if it is illegal! Pamela Zimmerman %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Cane Basket Picture Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 21:10:51 -0400 From: Maggie Silva To: David Collins Hi David and all-- Now that I have my new digital camera I am able to send a picture of the "Cane Basket" for David to post. A few weeks ago someone mentioned a "cane basket", and I remembered the one I have in my collection of Northeast woodlands Indian baskets. Several years ago I purchased the one in the picture at an antique shop. It is woven around a wooden cane that has a metal piece on the end of the cane with a pointed tip for inserting it in the ground. The basket is woven of split ash. I think it is probably Indian made, because of the orange plastic decoration that is common to many of the later Indian baskets. Maggie Silva www.basketryetc.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Potato masher pattern Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 21:37:41 -0400 From: "Valerie Miller" To: "David Collins" Hi Carolyn, I finally found the information you requested for a potato masher pattern. It was in Volume 4, Issue 25. It is the Antique Masher Basket by Pat Symanski of Grand Rapids, MI. Her phone number is in Issue 25. I hesitate to pass it on since I don't know her personally. I don't have the pattern and have never made the basket but it sounds like fun. Well day 1 of Daniel Nye's black ash workshop in the U.P of Michigan was fantastic. Daniel is a very nice fellow and is quite knowledgeable about black ash and how to pound a log. It was particularly interesting to see all of his tools and how they are used. We met some great people and are really enjoying ourselves. Several people brought in their baskets for show and tell which is always fun. We still have two more days to go and I'm sure you'll be hearing from some of the other participants. Valerie Miller in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bert's visit Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 21:04:45 -0500 From: Kim Leppin To: davidc@iei.net We finished our class with Bert Comstock Lauderdale and what a great time was had by all. Everyone left with an almost finished fanny pack, and we all made a few new friends thanks to David and this forum. This class was set up by Lisa Carstens, and people contacting us had all met on WW. It was nice to put a face with a name! Not only did they come to my house to weave but they also brought treats! Rene out did all of us with her raspberry truffles YUM YUM! We told her she has to send the recipe to WW. I want to thank Bert once again for making us one of her teaching stops and hope you're having a great time in Michigan Bert! Kim in SE Wisconsin where we're expecting storms tonight %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Pattern swap! Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 21:25:50 -0500 From: Wanda Baker To: "Collins, David" I want to again take the time to thank you David for all your hard work and effort on Weavers Words. I also want to thank Kathleen Cox for the GREAT pattern she sent to me. I got a Patty Hawkins twill pattern, Lightening Bolt is the name of it. I did not have it, and I am thrilled to own any of Patty Hawkins patterns. Thank you so much Kathleen for the pattern. I would email you but you did not put your email address with your lovely note. I will be sending you a personal thank you soon. It is really amazing, that on the same day that my swap pattern should arrive from Georgia that I would also send one to Georgia, but not to Kathleen. So, if you are in Georgia and are expecting a pattern, be on the lookout for a brown envelope for the mail carrier. I really enjoyed getting a new pattern to try out. I hope someone else wants to host a swap again. Maybe I would be willing, if there is enough response from this pattern swap! Thanks again to Jayna for hosting this pattern swap. Great Idea Jayna! Weaving Wanda in warm, sunny, Indiana were the corn is so very tall this year. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Zulu basket/rit dye/ Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 07:38:56 -0400 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" Sarah: I think $500 is way too little money for such a fine basket as the Zulu piece.! If I had it I'd be willing to spend a whole lot more than $500 on it. Unfortunately, I can admire but not purchase. Does anyone know anything about Zulu basket making and whether the maker's name featured so significantly (twice at least) in the basket pattern is a good/neutral/negative factor? What's the going rate for Zulu baskets in the US? Maybe someone near a city with galleries that carry Zulu/ethnic work can help here???? This fits nicely into our discussion of the price of baskets. I have to say, I don't blame anyone for trying to get back her investment in supplies and when we are starting out, that works for me, but later, as our quality/design/style/originality/expense progress, just as I wouldn't expect any other craftsperson to give it away, I wouldn't want to give it away myself. If I don't value my work, who will? And if I don't, then I shouldn't be doing it. Even making Christmas gifts for closest kin is no excuse for giving things I'm not proud of. And if I take pride in my work and it stands us to scrutiny, I feel should be paid respectfully for it. Lois in Hawaii: I see the tough spot you are in. Perhaps selling through outlets on the mainland is the answer? Also: who hasn't brought home an exotic item from a foreign place and realized how inappropriate it looks in our hometown decorating scheme? I see a lot of souvenir mistakes in the flea markets. Could you use this as a selling point and incorporate some Hawaiian/Asian features in baskets that fit into the decor of the mom and dad and sister of the military people looking for gifts that are lightweight and shippable? Forgive me please, if I re-plow ground you've already dealt with... RIT dye: Slate blue; aubergine; pewter grey. Where do we find these non-traditional colors and others that make for exciting baskets? Has anyone contacted the RIT people about the paucity of selection? Every store I've been in lately has the same colors. My search for aubergine continues. If no one else has written to RIT, I shall. Or maybe all of us could :-) Today I'm off to help with our arts council's 23rd annual arts auction. We have some fine work to sell, including a Billie Ruth Sudduth basket and a Mary Hooper basket! I shall try not to pay any attention when mine goes on the block!!! BFN Mary Hooper mjhooper@mitchell.main.nc.us %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Food safe dye Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 07:42:18 -0400 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" Forgot to mention: What do you all use for dye when the basket is intended to hold food???? Is there a food safe dye? What about natural dyes? At guild show and tell yesterday, one member showed a basket dyed with chamomile leaves and another with mulberry fruit. I assume these would be food safe as she used a vinegar mordant in one of them, but would this be our only choice? I'd really appreciate ideas here as I'm about to start weaving cracker baskets, etc for a Christmas show. Thanks Mary Hooper %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Southern Basketry Conference Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 10:43:56 -0400 From: Ellen Dewkett To: "davidc@iei.net" Joanne from Hawaii, now visiting Florida, I've been meaning to write since you asked about people attending the Southern Basketry Conference. I am attending and am really looking forward to it. I've been living in Florida a little over a year now (moved from South Carolina) and haven't met any other basketmakers in my area yet. I attended a class in Ocala last fall, but that's the only formal activity I've participated in. I live in Port Orange, just south of Daytona Beach. Anyway, I'm looking forward to meeting some Florida people, as well as those from far away, such as you. I hope it will get me back in the basketmaking groove, also. I've woven only a couple of baskets since I've been here. I hope you are enjoying your visit to Orlando, and I'll look for you in Tampa in Sept. Hi, to all my basketmaking friends up there in South Carolina. I miss you. Ellen Port Orange, FL %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Free patterns Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 12:44:08 -0500 From: "Peg Weston Brondyke" To: I just wanted to let those of you who have free patterns on the Internet know how much I appreciate them. There are lots of basketry sites that I could go to, but I just don't have time to look at them regularly. When someone tells me about a free pattern, though, I check it out (and may or may not print it out) and then also take a look at what else is on the site. It's good for you (my interest in your business and products are renewed) and good for me, too! Peg in sunny Iowa %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basketry as therapy in psych hospitals Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 12:49:23 -0500 From: "Peg Weston Brondyke" To: I was a little behind in reading Weavers Words, as I was out of town for a few days. I can't remember who sent in the article written in 1922 about the use of basketry with "mental cases", but I loved it and am forwarding it to some basketweaving friends. Thanks! It's hard for me to believe that the process of making reed baskets was "too quickly done." When I taught classes, I usually started at 6:00 in the evening and was often there until midnight! Peg in Iowa %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket praise Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 06:27:12 -0400 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" Dianne Gleixner: You're right, praise and leaving empty handed go together. A potter in the neighborhood went to a marketing class. She came back and said that people feel they have done their part by giving praise. If the seller says, "thank you," then the transaction is completed and the potential customer feels good about herself and can leave with a clear conscience. She says it's recommended not to say thanks but to ask a question to engage the prospective purchaser. It might be good advice if the person has money to spend, but many don't around here... Many of my baskets go to out-of-town buyers. This is a popular spot for getting away from "Hotlanta" or other lowland cities in summer, and popular with "leafers" in fall. I empathize with basketmakers who live where the economy doesn't support decent prices. I hear lots of complaints about east Tennessee and southwest Virginia. Maybe the answer is to go where the buyers are? Perhaps we need a basketry marketing group, just as there are basketry making and learning groups. Judging by the ads for expensive baskets some people write it about to WW, some folks have this all figured out... Mary mjhooper@mitchell.main.nc.us %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: PS RIT dye Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 06:53:47 -0400 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" PS: I found Rit in Slate, Aubergine, and that Plum someone mentioned, at my neighborhood Ingles grocery store. Which must be where I found the first batch. Mary H %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: DEER ANTLERS Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 06:58:35 -0500 (CDT) From: catslapbaskets@webtv.net (Russell / K.L. Mitchell) To: davidc@iei.net Hi to all, This is part of an article from the NEXT issue of the IOWA Basket Weavers Guild newsletter. Sue Little, the IBWG newsletter editor sent me this info that will be published in the up coming Fall newsletter. I thought it might be of interest to people on the Weavers Words who are interested in finding info on using deer antlers in their basketry. Snipped from upcoming IBWG Fall issue: ""The best way to research this question for yourself is to go to the North American Shed Hunters Club (NASHC) website at http://www.shedantlers.org/Legal%20Links/Fish_Game.htm NASHC has compiled this extensive directory for those interested in shed antler hunting and collecting as the laws vary in each state and province. According to their website, many states now have more favorable laws as compared to just a few years ago, as collecting naturally shed big game antlers is growing in popularity. NASHC and phone books give information for contacting the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) or Fish and Game Departments for definitive answers, as laws do change. Fortunately, Iowa and surrounding Midwestern states have no laws against possession or sale of antlers or hooves and there are plenty of deer."" I briefly checked out the website and it looks like there is some good info and contact links there. I hope some of you find this information helpful. Karen in Minneapolis where I am up early but the sun is not. AND I was reminded last night by my buddy Joann that there are close to only 60 days to the Michigan Convention!!!! Yikes time is flying! http://community.webtv.net/catslapbaskets/doc %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 38 Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 10:15:45 EDT From: LMBAUCH@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Billie, Thanks for the note re the use of basketry in Occupational therapy. I recently finished the coursework to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant (Certification test in Sept!!!). Anyway, basketweaving does not seem to be used much anymore as therapy. I feel it's a shame since it can be used to accomplish so many of the goals that people have in therapy - both mentally and physically. In order for a craft to be good for therapy, it has to be easily adapted to the level the person is at currently and to the changing needs of the person who is getting better (or whose condition is declining). Basketry sure can fill that need! Laurie in cloudy Easton, PA. I don't mind the wet after last year's drought - but I sure would like to get further in painting this house! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bruce Baker Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 14:53:22 -0400 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" To: "David" Hi all! Dianne Gleixner - re: Bruce bakers tape "Be a Dynamic Craft Seller" - you should get it. I listen to it every now and again and he takes a lot of common sense and tells you how to use it. I took his booth seminar last year and it was very helpful. I'm not using all of his suggestions, but we are using Velcro for everything! We're still putting it together (only 2 more weeks until my first fall show - keep your fingers crossed that we'll finish:), but what a great idea. It holds tight and it's quick. Bruce Baker is very informative. Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Longaberger Baskets Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 19:43:16 -0400 From: "Catherine J. Smith" To: davidc@iei.net I have read through several past issues of WW and was amazed at how closed minded most of us are when it comes to another art form of basket weaving we've all come to enjoy. I had heard of Longaberger Baskets, could recognize one if I saw it, knew they were on the pricey side, but had never been to a basket party or bothered to learn any more about "The L___" type baskets. Then, I was asked to go on an overnight trip with another weaver in my guild this past Spring to Dresden, OH tot he factory and the famous 7 story building shaped like a picnic basket. We met at a shopping mall at 5:30 a.m. to start the trip. We were assigned buses, picked up our packet info, were given a small berry basket with our continental breakfast in it, and settled in our seats for a long ride to Ohio. About half way down, we finally started waking up and getting restless, so the bus Hostess, Tammi, started playing silly games that resulted in several people winning some of the currently sold baskets. We were told some of the history, but it had more impact on us when we actually got to tour the Longaberger factory (at NO CHARGE). The man who originally started making bushel baskets for the local farming community was also supporting 12 children. Each basket is made only from the best grade of Maple. There are no rim fillers in his designs. He has taken his poverty stricken town and provided employment in the community for 3 shifts of employees (over 1600 people), with round the clock on-site day-care for each shift, as well as medical staff on site almost all of the 24 hours. Yes, they are weaving on molds to have consistent quality, but each employee must meet a quota for each style of basket they work on for each shift they work (Monday thru Friday). They offer advanced registration to take a class to make a Longaberger Basket with their trained weavers. My friend and I were very fortunate to be able to take such a class (for only $59.95 and materials were included). Yes, someone came up with some great marketing ideas. Sell them the basket, then add a wooden lid, protective liner, attractive fabric liner, a ceramic or pewter tie on memento for the outside (or all of the above). Yes, they have a special basket called the Basket of Hope. One of the family members survived breast cancer. So a new basket is made and offered each year from May - Sept. and $2 from each sale goes towards Cancer Research. Do any of us offer a similar donation to a worthwhile charity from our sales? I don't think so. So by the time you pay for the materials, labor, commissions to the sales force, plus profit for the company, if you think about it and are fair, they are not doing anything different than we do when we try to get the value from our hard work and love of this art form. No one is forcing you to buy those baskets. We surely spend our share at our own conventions and guilds. Lets stop being so narrow-minded just because someone else does their baskets a different way. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Coiling materials Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 20:23:18 -0400 From: "Eva" To: "David C" Karen K:- re: coiling materials for rag baskets. Leesburg Looms in VanWert Ohio has mill ends that they sell by the pound. It has been several years since I have been there, but they always had a great selection. It is a family owned business, and they've always been great to work with. I don't have the phone number, but the area code is 419. Hope this helps! =) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Many Thanks! Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 20:34:51 -0400 From: "Eva" To: "David C" As you all know by now, Darlene Safrit of Troy, North Carolina has purchased Union Station Studio. She is dedicated to carrying on the pottery line and patterns I have developed over the years, and has many new ideas in store. I hope you will all continue to order from her, as you all did from me. A big Thank You! Goes to all who have purchased from me and taken classes from me over the past 9 years. I am proud I could make such a successful business from my art. As for me, I may see you at a conference somewhere... but I'll be on the other side of the table! =) Blessings! Eva Snyder evasnyder@hotmail.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.