"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 43 Date Sent: August 20, 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 Carolyn Miller's-----Gourd Coiled With Pine Needles. Barbara Byrne's-----Woven Lamp Shade. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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: THE GOOD NEWS: There is at least one listing in 32 states and Canada. THE BAD NEWS: That leaves 18 states (listed below) 188 countries without any listings. ALABAMA ARKANSAS DELAWARE HAWAII KANSAS LOUISIANA MARYLAND MISSISSIPPI NEBRASKA NEVADA NORTH DAKOTA OREGON UTAH VERMONT WEST VIRGINIA WYOMING 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: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 42 Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 23:41:10 EDT From: ZOOBAR@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Angie, Hip-hip-hoorah- YOU GO GIRL!!!!! You so very well express exactly, on the nail head, on the money, bulls eye--- (you get the idea) what so many of us feel about the much discussed "L" baskets. You said it well - without anyone being slammed. Why is there when certain topics that arise on this forum, I shudder and think - oh boy - someone's going to really get on their high horse over this. Ladies (and I hope I'm assuming correctly that we ARE all Ladies here) lets not be so easily offended, super sensitive, thin skinned, quick to take umbrage (you get the idea) when I'm sure none was ever intended. This is a forum about basket weaving and for weavers - lets not spoil it by bickering, or being ugly. Remember - we all love baskets - for what ever reason, and love to make them. But that doesn't mean we love EVERY basket, or EVERY style/type. That's not what counts- it's the art and heritage of baskets that's important. Angie - please allow me to print your comments and carry them with me. Maybe then I'll be able to answer people's questions about "L" baskets in a nice, rational way that also informs the public and furthers appreciation of baskets. Bylthe (as in the state of Georgia) Barbara the 10 Thumbs Weaver - where the drought continues and the temps and humidity are a' rising. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: I will swap with you!! Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 23:20:58 -0400 From: "Craig Schmidt" To: , Ya know, I have been reading the WW for the last few days and I was talking with my girlfriend just yesterday about all this chat about who's not doing what over this swap thing. I REALLY wanted to post just this but didn't: I don't always get out thank you notes in a timely manner or email someone back in the most fashionably manner but not because I am unappreciative or rude or any of that but just because of my everyday schedule. MY schedule may not be accommodating to everyone else's but that is just life IN MY WORLD. That does NOT mean I do not appreciate the time and effort it took on someone else's part to send me something; it just might take me time to write a note and get it to the Post Office. I think all this chat about who didn't do what is crazy. NO ONE knows what is going on in that person's life and to make the assumption that that person is unappreciative or any other remark is uncalled for. Just because one person is organized and on time with writing notes does not mean we should talk negatively about someone who doesn't. AND NOW you have a lady feeling terribly bad about not getting a note out and punishing herself. Over what? Over someone else making her think she has done something wrong, when in fact, I think there are LOTS of BUSY people in this world, especially in the summer time, who just aren't quite "on schedule" as other people. Comments like these (who should be doing what) should be kept between good friends, not strangers. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Weaver Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 20:13:21 -1000 From: "ckat" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Looking for basket classes in the Colorado Springs area? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Kathy in Aiea Hawaii %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 42 Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 02:59:37 EDT From: Baksue@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Laurie, Please give me information about the October 12-15 happenings in Delevan, Wisconsin. I would be interested in attending but no nothing about it. Sue B. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Rit and thank yous Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 07:47:06 -0400 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" Thanks to my friends on WW for the words of wisdom on RIT. I knew I could depend on y'all. Robbie: Thanks for giving me a poke in the ribs --privately--for not seeing how tangerine and mint would make my rainbow brighter. Sometimes I just need to look at life from someone else's perspective. I agree with Kathy. I don't understand why an e-mail thank you is not sufficient. After all, we soon will be in the 21st century. When we get there, I think we should adopt some 21st century ways. We all are very busy and as Rae said, life and death can get in the way of living. I once had princess size stationery with my name and address in raised printing. I also wore white cotton gloves and a hat to go shopping in town on Saturdays. I now use a legal pad or make my own note cards and I wear gardening gloves or rubber gloves, but no white gloves. And shopping in a hat? Yeah, right--as they say in this new world. I treasure--much to the dismay of my heirs, I'm sure--many of the written thank you notes I receive. They go in my album as souvenirs of my life. But if I got one by e-mail instead, it wouldn't make me think less of the sender. I'd appreciate that the note got to me in a timely manner and that its envelope didn't add to my recycled trash load. Good manners are timeless, but our way of showing them changes over time. Let's ease up a bit. On the other hand, there's no excuse for not acknowledging receipt of a package and-- if you hate the basket, thank you is a social convention, not a lie. Say it, and get over it. The next one is sure to be more to your taste. Mary Hooper, from western NC where the days a warm and humid, the nights are cool, and the monarchs are finally laying eggs %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Longaberger baskets Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 09:19:39 -0400 From: "Carol Mead" To: My experience with the Longaberger company is different from many. I participate in "Arts Mania", a one-day event our local Middle School sponsors each year to introduce arts & crafts to children. Instead of regular classes that day, the children choose from many crafts to learn about, everything from cooking to glass blowing, spinning & weaving, and of course, basketweaving. I teach basketweaving, and for our class, a weaver from Longaberger is invited to come and weave one of their baskets right along with us. The children have the opportunity to help weave the Longaberger basket as well as weave one of their own. We usually make a small berry basket (we call it a CD basket to get their attention!). In the 5 times I have participated in this project, all of the Longaberger weavers have been respectful of what we do, and often comment that they would rather weave on a mold because the type of weaving we do is much more difficult. They also say our baskets are more 'creative' because each one is different and encourage the children to try both. The children come away with a greater respect for our craft, after having tried it and seen that it isn't as easy as it looks. All have a good time and come away with a treasure they made themselves. This Arts Mania day happens in central Ohio, "Longaberger Country", where ALL basketweavers are appreciated. Carol Mead - Granville, Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "L" Baskets Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 09:42:27 -0400 From: "Wayne Husted" To: "David Collins" References: 1 It is inevitable that we will always have competition in our selling - it is in fact of benefit to us all. People will believe what they want and like what they like. Competition (choice) really pulls in the fringe buyer. "Oh I like that one, but I like the other better" for whatever reason; color, style, pattern and yes, price. At shows I appreciate everyone's comments. Part of the enjoyment from the show is meeting people and educating them about my baskets, the process, the materials and my passion for the craft. As for folks who can't afford a particular basket, I enjoy talking with them as much as the person who comes in a buys immediately with cash. The fact that they admired my baskets enough to stop and comment is a real compliment. We also been able to work out "lay away" for some folks who really wanted a basket but needed to budget for it. It is also market research. I can find out what price point I am missing or what style I need to develop or revise. It's all good. As for negative comments - it's like water off a duck's back - I like what I do, I like the baskets that I make and so do most others. Wayne H. Husted, Gilsum, NH where the swamp oaks have a touch of color, the nights are in the forties and where we have 2 seasons - Snow and Waiting for snow!. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Stuff Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 06:56:38 -0700 (PDT) From: Joanne Howard To: David Collins Hi all, It is still very beautiful here in Orlando, Fl. Just a little hotter than I am used to. I went hunting through my friends sons yard the other day and found Philodendron Sheath. I was very excited about it as I had seen pictures of it in catalogs. Now the big question is how do I use it? Soak it first? Weave it like a weaver or just use as an embellishment? Help!!! Hey, Lois, I found Black Plum Rit dye and bought some just for fun. I am still-hunting through stores to find slate for you. I know I can order it from places but it is more fun rummaging around stores looking for things. Joanne %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 10:47:13 -0400 From: "John W. Dorris" To: "Weavers Words" To the person wondering what to say when you can't buy. Now that I'm only selling Nantucket's I hear the comment often. I personally have no problem when people make the comment that they love my baskets but that they just can't afford them. They usually say it in a nice way. My reply to them is that there are some that are out of my price range and that if I didn't make them I wouldn't have one either. I also sometimes make a comment about having good taste and maybe someday they'll win the lottery and can buy one. I will admit tho' that the question of "How come this costs so much?) bugs me. My simple answer is that it took me a long time to weave it. If I'm not busy with other customers I still take the time with them to explain how they are made. I knew a weaver who stated that she didn't keep a mailing list of anyone who spent less than $50 as they could buy from anyone. I never understood this as you never know when they might be able to afford more expensive things. When I'm demonstrating at a show I make sure that I pay attention to the kids if they're interested as the parents remember such things. That's not the reason I do it but it works. I think this may be one of my more confusing posts. At least I know what I mean. "Scolding time" we've said it a million times but it not everyone knows.. When you post a message please try to sign your name. We don't want to know this for any devious reason but that it's easier to answer someone when you know their name and the email address doesn't always give any usable info. Maybe David could include a note among the others that he posts at the beginning of each issue. Lois, YOU a liberal feminist democrat!! Why am I not surprise. I'd say I'm a liberal feminist republican if there was such a thing. Must run and give the dog her pill. She is terrified of thunderstorms and there is one rapidly approaching. Billie in Va. Beach %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Next Swap Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 10:42:46 -0500 From: "Clinton County Emg. Manage. Agc." To: "David Collins" Could whoever the next swap coordinator is going to be e-mail me privately at steamer@cis.net please? I will be leaving on vacation and don't want to miss out! Thanks, Sandi Carstensen, in very nice day out today Iowa! mailto:ccema@clinton.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Flo Hoppe coming!!!! Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 12:29:47 EDT From: GARJOSBASK@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Hello Everyone: Betsy's Bunch basket guild from Davison, Michigan is having Flo Hoppe coming October 14 and 15, 2000. We have a few openings in both of her classes. Her Saturday class is "Zephyr" and her Sunday class is "Madrigal." Cost for one class is $62.00, which includes your kit. If you haven't taken from Flo before you are in for a treat plus having the best round reed teacher that there is. If you're interested, please email me privately for more information. Thanks! Joanne in cool and cloudy mid Michigan. Feels like Fall. GARJOSBASK@aol.com Thank you David for this wonderful forum. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: What a Surprise! Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 14:03:29 -0400 From: "Andy Ingram" To: Some swaps just keep going and going!! If you remember, I raved about my swap partner, Dolores Gatz, and the wonderful waxed linen basket and necklace she sent me during this last swap. She had mentioned then, that another package was on the way, but wouldn't tell me what it was. As the weeks have passed, I hadn't thought much about it. Then this afternoon, my mail lady brought yet another box from Dolores, this time with a hand painted, gorgeous gourd birdhouse! She said this was something she was learning to do, but from the looks of it, she has already mastered this craft! It is beautifully done, covered in mountains (my favorite place of all), beautiful flowers and trees. My birds will certainly be moving uptown!! Just wanted to share this lovely gift and Dolores' generosity with you all. Leigh in Laurinburg, NC %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 42 Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 11:11:06 -0700 From: "jmereau" To: "David Collins" I would like to share with you the story that I have the first time I used the black walnuts to make my dye. I only had vague instructions, so I kind of winged it. I knew that I had to get the walnuts out of the kettle after the dye was made so I thought I would make it easier on myself by filling a pair of old pantyhose with the nuts, rind and all, you can only imagine the sight of these pantyhose filled with very ripe black walnuts covered with the rind. I placed these in an old canning kettle with rainwater (I was told this was better to use) after sitting for a couple of days the brew was not very rich, so I decided to simmer it on a woodstove to perhaps extract more of the dye. The smell was so bad my family was telling me that one of us had to go, be it the dye, me or them; they are usually very tolerant of my adventures. But my credibility after this one has left a lot in question. If I could only describe the smell, you would really understand. In order to not put my credibility in any more question (with my neighbors) I waited until after dark and extracted the filled pantyhose from the kettle and left them under my garden hose out back, my intentions were to empty and discard them in the morning. Much to my surprise the following morning I found the pantyhose empty, the squirrels had found a feast!!!! How they knew amid the odor that their favorite treat was among that mess is beyond me. They neatly put a hole in the pantyhose and peeled the rind off each and everyone of the nuts, the rind was left in a neat pile and the nuts were gone, leaving the remainder for me to pick up far less than what I had planned. When I tell my family that I have a new adventure to try they remind me of the stench of this one. By the way dye that I extracted from this mess soon molded and I discarded it in fear that the mold would invade my baskets and turn them into smelly, moldy baskets that I would have to throw away. Happy Weaving and Great Adventures Sue smereau@gisco.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: African baskets Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 14:21:48 -0400 From: "von Rosen" To: "David Collins" Billie and Mary, I was lucky enough following the Kentucky convention to talk to John Glover at Glover's Bookery in Lexington about African art and artifacts, including baskets, which are displayed along with the new and used books in his store (I found several books to add to my collection). I did not know enough about African art to ask about signatures, but he did say that in today's market, so much of third-world weaving is similar to that of our native peoples and the Inuit in Canada - make well on the whole but made for the buying public. If you are looking for antique baskets, those made to be used, there will be signs of wear and tear, there might be dirt, soot, and goodness knows what else, just as in American baskets. I have a question deriving from the Kentucky convention (which was great from a teacher's point of view: wonderful co-vendors, friendly students, excellent working conditions). Someone recommended using diluted latex paint to stain reed. I heard this after the convention, second-handed, and immediately said "No!". Then in the spirit of learning about new methods, thought I had better ask! Has anyone tried this? I would be interested in proportions, but mostly want to know about stability, possible harm to the basket, etc. And to people who question the use of wooden bases in so many patterns. I use the wooden base if a basket needs further stability, or if it is one of the wide but not more than two or three inches high designs. Otherwise, just total the width of the base and length of 2 spokes to create a new spoke size, and build your own round or square base as usual. Then continue to follow the pattern directions. On a square or rectangular base, runners can be added with good success. Good weaving! Dolores in S.C. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 15:53:10 -0400 From: Thom Ailes To: davidc@iei.net I am in a small weaving group and we are always surfing the net for the free basket patterns. We have found some wonderful ones! There seem to be a number of sites that pop up on every "links" - for example: the just patterns, basket class, country seat, etc. - these seem to be very well known and popular. I would guess that anyone who weaves knows these sites - they are great and we really enjoy and appreciate them. We have occasionally come across one that is a total surprise to us - like the plotherbs site which is at: http://hometown.aol.com/plotherbs/patternsindex.htm. This particular site is an herb site but they have featured several free patterns currently and in the past - they tie the baskets in with their herbs, which is really a neat idea. Our question is - does anyone have any other "secret" or "surprising" sites that you have come across that have a free pattern featured? We would love to hear about them - we get such joy out of finding these treasures on the internet and thought maybe some others would too! Thanks, David, for the wonderful job that you do - we love to read each and every issue! Janie - in central Ohio - which is freezing today! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Wonderful Weaver's Words Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 15:20:48 -0500 From: "East Troy Basketry" To: "David Collins" In reply to Elizabeth J. Bechtel: Our basketry shop, East Troy Basketry is very near Milwaukee, just 25 miles southeast. Beginning in September we'll be having "Open Weaves" and we'd love to have you join us. It will be every Wednesday 10-4 and every Thursday evening 5-9. Come when you want and stay as long as you want. Call 1-888-424-9866 for details. Eileen Mirsberger, new owner basket@wcf.net www.easttroybasketry.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Lampshade Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 15:46:38 -0500 From: "Barbara Byrne" To: "David C (Weavers Words)" Hi all, Just wanted to let you know that I have finished weaving my first lampshade - and I'm very happy with it! I have sent David a picture to put on the web page if you'd like to see it. The picture is not great (we desperately need a new camera), but you can get an idea. The two colored stripes are several rows of wine and dark green triple twine. Between those two "stripes" is another section of natural triple twine, but you can't see it in the picture. I twisted two strands of wine and green round reed to use as rim filler and it really turned out nice. Now I just have to decide if I'm going to stain it or leave as is. Thanks to all of you who helped me to locate the lampshade pattern book and for all your encouraging words. Barb in Vienna, MO Barb & Mike Byrne Come see what a RELAXING GETAWAY can be!! Gasconade Nature Retreat & Getaway www.nature-retreat.com byrne@socket.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Ash Camp Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 00:04:46 -0400 From: "Joan Culler" To: What a great experience we had at Daniel Nye's "Ash Camp"!! We learned so much about materials and how to prepare them. Daniel was a great teacher and was so patient with us beginners. I took my husband along to do the pounding for me and he also had a great time and learned so much. He has already said that we will go back next year. I know why black ash is so expensive when you buy it. I would charge about $50 for my first strip of double satin. On second thought, I would never sell my first strip of double satin. What a great feeling to accomplish that. Daniel had some beautiful baskets there that he had made and I couldn't resist buying two of them to bring home with me as motivators to keep working on the remainder of the log my husband brought home with him. It was so much fun meeting some of the people from WW. Thanks, Daniel, for all your hard work in putting this all together and thanks to your family for helping and for putting up with all of us. Put us on the list for next year. Joan Culler Stryker, OH %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: What about.... Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 07:16:04 -0500 From: "Tim Hall" To: Hi basketeers, QVC occasionally has shows selling Peterborough baskets. They have similar shapes and materials used as Longabergers, but at a much lower cost. What about those? They have the founder of the company on the set making the baskets as the show is airing. I have not purchased either, because I'd rather do my own. I did get a Longaberger mid sized key basket for $1.50 at a yard sale though. It states clearly on the rules of swapping that when you receive your basket, you will send (by snail mail) a note to the sender of your basket and notify your coordinator that all is well. In my case, neither our coordinator or I got any correspondence, so no one knows. Since the basket was not acknowledged, another note would be fruitless. Notification is to keep your qualification for the next swap weather or not you like your basket. All participating are sent the rules with the names of their swap partner, so ignorance is no excuse. Harsh words? Perhaps, but participation in the swap seems to indicate compliance with the stated rules. Besides, I'm the kind that if I didn't follow the rules to the "T", the basket police would come and get me ;) Weavingly yours, Donna %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Bits and Pieces Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 09:01:42 -0400 From: "John W. Dorris" To: "Weavers Words" One more thing I left out in my last post about your reply to a customer you comments favorable on your work-I often reply that I really do enjoy what I do. That can lead to further discussion instead of ending the conversation. Those of you who use plastic bags to dye smaller amounts of reed, stop right now and rush down to your local grocery to buy the new Stand and Lock Glad bags. They are wonderful. The bottom has gussets that allow the bag to stand on its' own. They are the old kind of zip lock (yellow and blue make green) rather than the new with the grip zipper end but don't think it makes a difference. I searched the old issues for the recent discussion of wraphia ribbon rather than the strand kind and couldn't find it but just wanted to say that I recently (yesterday) used the ribbon type in weaving a tapestry style and I really liked it. It gives a smoother finish which is to me is desirable in this type of weaving. Also if you look to a wholesaler of wrapping materials for stores it comes in a multitude of colors. That's it for now Billie in cool but not rainy Va. Beach %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 42 Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 18:04:24 -0400 From: martyhln@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi David and World Basketmakers, I now have 5 Weavers Words unread, just no time. But I just need to tell everyone, about some of the things that I have been up to lately. I will try to list them in the order they occurred. First Carol Antrim came to Thumbweavers, what a day that was, we did gourds and pine needles, I worked on a gourd and did wood-burning on the gourd and pine-needles around the top. Thanks to Carol for the wonderful instructions, a great day was had by everyone. Thank you Pam for opening your house so we could do the class. Next there were some 3o to 35 people who went to Ishpeming, Michigan for a Black Ash, Spruce root, Bass wood inner-bark cordage and Spruce Gum preparation workshop. Boy does Daniel, have it going on he has so much knowledge about all the things we did, I wanted to stay for a month, Daniel just watch your driveway you just may see, my old car pulling into your drive I do think it is good for at least one more trip to your place. We met some of the most interesting people Daniel, his wife Sandy and their children, plus 3 of Daniel's friends, 2 of the wives of his friends, and I had a great time pestering everyone who would allow me to do so. Then there was the night I spent talking with Bert, (Bert I enjoyed your company) in Poppy's CAMP, what a nice place to spend time at, right on the Eagle River, and Poppy and her family are just a delight. I had so much fun. I cannot forget my friend Ruthanne, and her cousin Lois, such good lady's to share a room with, we enjoyed our time together (I should say at least I did). After all of that I went up to see Carol Kaeding, at Gratiot Lake Basketry, in Kearsarge. Carol, thanks for the time you gave to Bert and I WHEE!!! Boy am I tired. All was very much worth the effort. All of this was done in less than a week start to finish. I send love to all, may all of your days be sunshine. Marty Holihan---Flint, Michigan---martyhln@juno.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Longaberger Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 19:47:55 EDT From: BsktByBarb@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net It looks like there is a lot of questions as to the value of Longabergers and if they are hand made. I just had someone mention the other day, that a item is not collectable until iit is hard to come by. Yes, someone weaves the basket. Problem: They are not the quality that they were when they were first made. If someone wants to learn how to make the SAME style basket, then take a class from Jim Rutherford. He teaches at a lot of Conventions and his baskets are done with care. They ARE dried during weaving and packed down, as they should be. The molds used, as the same as the molds used at the Longaberger Factory. The Difference? Jim Rutherford takes pride in his work and wants others to do the same. WOW!! That soapbox was high!! Just had to add my 2 cents worth. Barb Wykoff (Happy to be weaving) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Summer vacation times Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 22:52:55 EDT From: DebGring@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Good Evening all! Just a few lines to tell you all about how great the last 10 days have been for me! On August 9, I made the 2.5-hour drive to Frankenmuth area and Pam Woodbury's house for the coiling, gourd class with Carol Antrim and the Thumbweavers Guild. It was superb! Carol is so gifted, creative and artistic...well, you get the picture! I had tried pine needle basket making some years ago and while I love and admire the baskets, found that I did not like making them at that point. So with that in mind, I took some philodendron sheaths with me, and coiled that around the top of my gourd, and it turned out ok! Cute even! Then right after the class, I rushed home, and finished up packing for our vacation... We left the next evening (my husband and I) and traveled north, north north...to Michigan's wonderful Upper Peninsula. We have been there many times and love Michigan anyway, but we had never been this far west in the UP. I would move there in a heartbeat. We met up with Joan and Ken Culler at Van Riper State Park, and on Saturday began the 3-day workshop at Daniel Nye's in Ishpeming. Believe you me, if you didn't come, you missed a great time! I met so many talented and wonderful people, I am in awe of! Daniel is a wonderful teacher, a wonderful weaver and all around good person and friend. The UP ladies are a great group, full of knowledge and willing to share. The non weaving folks were so full of enthusiasm and interested and sharing! Got to meet a lot of WW folk, Valerie, Sarah, Marion, Poppy, Bert, Marty, Sue and more! We pounded ash logs, harvested retted bass wood inner bark fiber, pulled spruce root, made cordage, scraped splint, hiked a bit, took lot's of pictures, ate a bit, talked a lot and laughed a lot! I think Daniel talked more in those 3 days than he has in the last 3 years! My non weaving husband enjoyed himself immensely also, and can't wait for next year. I think we may have another weaver on the line here... I am playing it slow though. We just got home tonight and I need to get some laundry done. Hope all of you have/had a great vacation season also, and seriously think about the UP next year... Debbie Gring in NW Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Michigan Convention and Pictures of Linda Boyle Gibson Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 10:15:40 -0500 (CDT) From: catslapbaskets@webtv.net (Russell / K.L. Mitchell) To: davidc@iei.net Hi David and Worldwide Weavers! Less than 2 months until the Michigan Convention. It is getting pretty exciting! I am hearing from "email basket buddies" from far and wide who will be there and I am looking forward to meeting 'old' friends for the first time. Besides all of the other meetin' and greetin' is there going to be an "official" time and place for WW folks to try to get together? I got some fun pictures in email from my friend Linda Boyle Gibson from Bloomington IN. A friend of hers took these with a digital camera and put them up on a website. www.puffinpottery.com/linda.htm The pictures show scenes of Linda and her shop In A Hand Basket. There is a good picture of the infamous "Casket Basket" we have all heard so much about! Also there is a picture of Linda with her new hair do! I think is fun to see what folks look like and where they hang out. I hope everyone is happy healthy and enjoying the last few weeks before school starts! Happy Weaving!! Karen in Mpls. MN where if it isn't way too hot and humid it is cool enough to have to put on socks!!! http://community.webtv.net/catslapbaskets/doc %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 21:58:56 -0400 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hello basket makers! Summer's flying by here in Maine, as elsewhere. I studied with three Native American elders this summer & learned all about processing both sweetgrass & brown ash, along with weaving traditional baskets. Great fun & a real privilege, but finding anyone willing to sell ash locally is quite a challenge. Been listening to all the volleying about "L" baskets. From my perspective they never were, or will be, competition. The manufacturing of baskets (or any other product) never produces anything close to an artist's or craftman's work. The market for mass produced items is different. I wouldn't try to or want to compete with any discount chains either...there are many nitch markets for basketry, & I wonder how much we are taking advantage of targeting those markets? Seems like lots of us are going for the largest segment of the population. Well, if you want to weave volume, more power to you! But I personally think power weaving is a drag, ruins any enjoyment I derive from the art of creating baskets & working with the various materials, and is the one market that will pay the least for any decent basket. You know, all of our baskets could be considered "Limited Edition". How many do you think you could weave of any one basket in a lifetime? A hundred? A Thousand? Whatever the number, it would never be huge. I also wholeheartedly agree that a quality basket cannot be made in one day - if the materials are not left to dry before the rim goes on the basket will shrink &the quality & longevity suffer. As far as "collecting" goes, as an antiques dealer I've seen lots of collectors. There's no end to what people will collect! L baskets will not appreciate or hold value, no matter what the sales reps say. Sorry to say, those who think so are only kidding themselves. It's good that the company has created jobs, but that's another topic. I think there are lots of ways to focus on educating the public about what a quality basket is, what to consider, what are some of the benefits. Rattan is still the world's most popular basketry material - there are reasons & "cheap" isn't at the head of the list! Rattan may, in fact, be superior to wood in that it's flexible & less subject to breakage, as well as being strong. Purchasing direct from a basket maker helps support our country's many home-based businesses / small businesses/ and the arts. "Made in the USA" supports American workers & their families. One of a kind & limited edition baskets reflect the attention to detail and individuality that artisans choose to give their work, and that manufacturing is hard pressed to achieve, whether they label their stuff Limited Edition or not. Joy Moody, Hampden, Maine where it's wet & cold today Sign of the Crow http://www.signofthecrow.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.