"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 64 Date Sent: November 15, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1510 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Phone: (317) 899-5747 davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE "BASKETRY TRAVEL COMPANION" TODAY: http://members.nbci.com/dgcollins/ordercompanion.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 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: NONE %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Candle basket Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 22:36:08 -0500 From: Thom Ailes To: davidc@iei.net In response to the note from "Winnie". Several of us in our small guild have made the candle basket I think you were referring to - the one that holds the Renuzit candle. The Renuzit brand candle is in heavy glass and I have not had any problem with the basket ever feeling hot - I checked it out several times when I first used it for fear that I would cause a fire - I too was nervous about the whole idea. Also, the pattern states clearly to make sure you don't weave above the glass rim of the candleholder - again as a safety measure so that the reed isn't higher than the glass. I have one on top of our entertainment center and use it all the time - it's right there in plain sight so when I'm watching TV, I can also keep an eye on the fire - so far, so good -praise the Lord! I would recommend only using the Renuzit brand though --- some other candles do have a thinner glass and may tend to get hotter. Besides, the Renuzit is a nice candle -- I have been very pleased with the scents I've tried and they seem to last a long time too! Janie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Hubbies in the booths Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 19:12:47 -1000 From: The Keener Clan To: davidc@iei.net Aloha from wet and windy Honolulu...I have my jacket handy as we*re" chilly", I do take my spouse when I do fairs--and sometimes I*ve sent him to setup and start the fair without me.(during the fall, I sometimes have a Girl Scout conflict..) He is a sweet talking Georgia fellow who is a charmer. He talks to all the women, talks to their children, and tells everyone what a wonderful person his wife is. Yesterday, my youngest (who is 21) told me "Mom, I hope you realize what an asset Dad is in your booth." And I do. Congrats, Bert, on your patterns! I feel lucky indeed to have a Bert-made basket in my kitchen. I think I have it right this time--but I*m in charge of the next swampland it will take place after the holidays. And hope everything goes well for you, Gretchen. Does anyone know Kim Gogan who is teaching and selling in Colorado? Aloha, Lois Honolulu %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basketweaver Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 19:35:39 -1000 From: "ckat" To: "David Collins" I'm looking for any basket weavers that live in the Apple Valley or Victorville area. Would love to leave how to weave baskets. Any info would be appreciated. Thank You, Kathy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 63 Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 03:41:09 -0600 From: "Frederick A. Kogler" To: David Collins References: 1 David, I don't know if this is appropriate or not, but my wife and I are going to sell out on our garage full of reed. If anyone is interested in picking up these supplies we have a good quantity left. Everything is priced at $4.50 a coil. You pay the shipping (UPS) and we'll fill until we're done. Our career paths are taking a different direction so we'll be unable to continue in the weaving supply business. Thanks. Fred & Janet Kogler 651-450-4857 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 63 Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 07:11:50 -0500 From: "Sally" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Glad to hear from you. We know doubt will end up in Erie, Will write more on that next week. Susan and Megan are coming this Thurs for 5 days, can hardly wait. But just had to tell you about our latest thing with our basket guild, especially since you are familiar with southern women. I write about it in book form " The wildflowers of N.C." But you're not familiar with the characters will skip that. But for you're future info they are The officers butterwort, toothwort, bladderwort, cow-itch, and bastard toad flax. Board members stinging nettle and sour grass. As you know southern women can be quite controlling and devious, our guild has had the same officers for ever, plus no one gets on the board unless they want them. Almost changed this year, they were really worried. So the pres. resigned and appointed toothwort the controlling bitch to be pres. She was also running for vice-pres but refused to get off the ballot. Hey if Lieberman can do it so can she. The fact that Lieberman just wants a job and she already has one just doesn't sink in. So she wins the vice pres., next is treasure, who happens to be toothwort's husband bastard toad flax, who is too busy to do the job and has had it for ever, but of course toothwort does it for him. He gets elected in a tiebreaker, which of course toothwort can break cuz she's pres. and vice-pres. and now she's treasurer. One of the reasons they win is they (all of them) have their husbands, son's and daughter-in-laws all as members of the guild. Marybeth we really need to go for a walk. I can even tell all this in a southern accent. Sally %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basketweaving on TV Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 07:44:23 EST From: Wickrwoman@aol.com To: bigdog1@ameritech.net, davidc@iei.net Cindy, Congratulations for getting on TV with your basketweaving that is terrific! I too, have been featured several times on TV with both my wicker restoration and basketweaving. All the TV programs want you to do is weave a bit as they run the cameras, then when they get back to the studio they edit the piece before they broadcast it. What they want is just a small clip or two and then they will add the voice over to go along with it, during the editing. As you well know, a basket can't be made in 5 minutes, and they realize this too. Your suggestion of bringing along a basket in different stages of completion is a great one, anything to help along the weaving process so that folks can see what it's all about. Don't be nervous, it's over in a matter of minutes and the staff is there to help you! You can even feed them information that you especially want covered ahead of time, by sending them a Press Release with bits of information and questions that they can ask. Be sure to have someone at home and all your friends for that matter, set their VCRs to tape the event. Then mark each one with the name of the TV program, date and that you are the featured artist! Each time you get more coverage, take the original tape to a videographer and ask him to splice the new piece on to the old tape, that way you will always have an original with each and every bit of coverage there ever was on you and you can make copies of the original. The Wicker Woman/Cathryn Peters/Zumbro Falls, MN Visit my website: http://www.wickerwoman.com/ Subscribe to my ezine: http://wickerwoman.listbot.com/ http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=16796&Auth=false %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Shows Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 09:21:35 -0500 From: Dan Hautzinger To: David Collins I had a great show, I did mark some of the baskets that didn't do as well as I had hoped down, but I really repriced them to sell, well let me tell you with several a little bit less expensive, well I had a second great day at the show. Usually the second day is a bit slower, not this time, the "marked down" baskets helped, but not all of them sold, but that means more supplies and patterns. I made great friends with another group of basket makers, we do 3 shows together, they love my daughter, are excited about the next one, and we make some things the same, others different, we also help each other price something we are not sure of and bounce ideas and trends off of each other. Basket makers are the greatest. Gretchen Hautzinger Pregnant with time %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Word Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 10:32:19 -0500 From: "Joe Conroy" To: "David Collins" David, Thanks again for all you do in maintaining this forum. I enjoy reading the issues; there have been so many helpful hints, and so many topics of interest. I am particularly enjoying reading about the issue of pricing and selling baskets. It is a very difficult issue as is obvious by the reader responses. There is no easy answer. I have read PRICING AND SELLING HANDMADE BASKETS / by Davis; and know that I need to go back and reread it a couple more times. The book is easy to read and very practical. Since I am trying to weave as a business, it is most important that I factor in my time as well as materials. I do find that there are some baskets that I can make quickly and they are good sellers at craft shows; while others that require more time and skill might not sell as quickly. Very seldom do I reduce the price on a basket; I find they all sell eventually and I no longer date the baskets - only sign them. Keep the comments coming; I am enjoying them! Kate Conroy Stony Lane Basketry %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Dawn's intriguing comment Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 11:47:32 -0500 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" References: 1 Dawn Phillips: I wonder if anyone else on the list shares my curiosity. Electrocution? Do you mind sharing more on this with us? If not, okay, we understand, but maybe there's a lesson we can learn from your experience, aside from the fact that we are a sharing caring group and our community of weavers gets stronger the more we know about each other. As to selling your baskets--perhaps you haven't thought on these questions--if you have, forgive my pushiness. If not you, maybe they will help someone else. What's your skill level? What kind of shows have you been doing? Are they the right show for the audience you want to reach? Have you attended and checked out the shows the year before you apply to be sure they are right for you? Are you in a guild? Do you have your own patterns or are you making baskets that others are offering for sale? One of the things I like about searching out basket makers is finding someone with a new twist on old styles or a new vision entirely. Does your pricing show you value your own work? Do you offer something extra? Such as written instructions for basket care? A written history of one or more of your traditional style baskets? A few dried flowers in a wall basket? Does your booth stand out in some way from the rest of the crowd? Do you teach? This is one good way to build a following. I teach at my local bookstore and in my home workspace. The senior citizens center already had a teacher. Have you one basket that does sell well? Can you determine from what people say about it what appeals to the buyers? Can you parlay this into something different that meets their want/need? Do you get your name out by sending short press releases to the arts/calendar/local/regional editors of your local and regional newspapers. Perhaps you are teaching a class, speaking to a group, have been elected to a guild office. They may not get used, but then they might. Do you have photographs and slides ready in case a reporter/writer wants to do something about you? Are you a member of an arts group where you will find opportunities to promote yourself? Finally, for now, do you have a thick enough skin to accept what feels like rejection and to keep on going despite the feelings it evokes? It's usually not rejection, but disinterest--and nothing personal. I find that people are only too willing to accept the gift of a basket, but their real enthusiasm is indicated by whether or not they would part with money for it. It may be they admire but can't afford to purchase. I can't afford a Lexus, either, but the Lexus salesman just keeps on trolling for those who can--and he doesn't give me one just because I can't afford his prices. So I go to a dealer who has what I can afford. Maybe you could offer at a reduced price the baskets that don't meet your ever-higher standards but are perfectly serviceable--point out the flaw if you feel the need and the customer will have a way to judge whether to buy or not without feeling badly treated. Enough from my soapbox. Don't give up. Learn something new every day. Keep on reading WW and asking questions. We're happy you are with us. This has taken me awhile to write as I have slashed on finger with basket shears and caught the other hand in a door. Sympathy cards may be sent tomissklutz@stupid.com (Hey, a joke, don't really use this address!) Love to all my basket weaving friends. Mary Hooper %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: basketpatterns.com / justpatterns.com Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 11:50:59 -0500 From: "Arnie's Arts 'n Crafts" To: "David Collins" Just wanted clear up some name confusion: Sheri Van Duyn runs justpatterns.com A print magazine which is published quarterly. Then there are us gal's at basketpatterns.com: Sheri Lewis(web site development/maintenances) Terri Goupil (store manager) & Erica(shipping) Have a great day,where its finally SNOWING in Michigan! basketpatterns.com info@basketpatterns.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 11:08:20 -0600 From: "Peg Weston Brondyke" To: Betty Kourkounakis - I wanted to tell you how much I love your pattern Pot of Jewels. My guild had a make-it-take-it this past Saturday, and we had many little baskets to choose from. My friend and bought several different kits but chose to make yours at the meeting (taught by one of our members, who had bought the patterns from Betty, just in case anyone is concerned), not knowing it would take us all day to make! But it was well worth it. It turned out just beautiful. I didn't quite finish it at the meeting (and my friend and I were the last ones to leave), but I did finish it after I got home, even though I should've been studying for my licensure exam. You gotta have priorities! Speaking of priorities, a few months ago I got 2 boxes in the mail on the same day. I knew that one was clothes that my mother had made, and one was from my swap partner. Guess which I opened first! My kids were amazed that a basket was more important than new clothes (but don't tell my mom). Peg in Iowa, where we had our first snow yesterday. I hate winter already. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Pricing Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 12:47:49 -0500 From: "Robbie Sykes" To: "Collins, David" Hello David and a much belated Happy Birthday from the grand procrastinator of all time!!!! Hope it was good one and that there will be plenty more!! Regarding the pricing of baskets. This can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Yes, we want to price our baskets at a price that compensates us for our hard work and their artist value. At the same time, we also want to sell them so we can buy more supplies to finance our "passion", or pay for the much anticipated trip to that convention we've dreamed of so long, or a workshop in some far off locale with a person from whom we've wanted to take lessons forever! So herein lies our dilemma. This year, at my annual show, I raised the prices of all my baskets. I had a few that I priced (for the first time) at a price I really felt they were worth. I didn't expect to actually sell them; just a "draw" into the booth. One of those baskets was one I also had more money in because it had one of those hand carved swing handles. Some customers came in, looked at the baskets and gasped at the prices. Others came in, looked at the baskets then the prices, smiled and left. Some came in, gasped at the baskets, didn't say a word about the prices, and gladly paid me what I asked for them. That basket that I priced for what I considered it to be worth, was the 2ndbasket I sold! I sold many small baskets for less than they were probably worth, but these financed my "passion" and my "business". Somewhere, there has to be a middle-ground for us. I am happy with my prices now. This is the first year I had repeat customers. They are now coming back each year to get a basket from me. And guess what? Each year they are buying bigger and more expensive baskets. So I guess this shows that people, who really appreciate artfully created crafts, are willing to pay what they are truly worth. I have been making baskets as a business for 4 years. And finally, I believe that my customers are willing to pay for quality. Like what the potter in the Southern Highland Guild said is probably correct. Don't give up! Price your baskets at what makes you happy with the anticipation that in a few years, people will begin to respect your work and reward you for it. Sorry this so long, but hope it helps some of you who truly want to be paid what your work it worth! Robbie in Wilson, NC, where some much needed rain is falling, taking leaves with it, and leaving a beautiful blanket of red and golden leaves on the ground. It's really beginning to look like Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap Basket Received Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 11:14:04 -0700 From: "Chrystal L. Higgins" To: davidc@iei.net I just had to let everyone know that I received in yesterday's mail two beautiful baskets from my swap partner, Mary Fulton, of Portland, Oregon. Mary made a darling little round twined basket in my favorite wine color that is about 4" across and 2" high. Right now I plan on putting it in my upstairs bathroom to hold some of my hair goodies. It is the perfect size for that, plus the fact that my days will start off with a happy thought by seeing Mary's beautiful work. The second basket Mary made she says is a Kari Lonning start, with the sides being influenced by Kari Lonning and Flo Hoppe. It, too, is twined in beautiful shades of wine and natural. The sides start out with natural reed and the wine is inserted about half-way up and then swirls up to the rim. Mary chose the exact shades that go beautifully in my home, and I will treasure these gifts forever. Thank you, Mary! Chrystal Higgins Whitefish, MT %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Starting a basket business Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 11:01:47 -0800 (PST) From: Beth Feldt To: davidc@iei.net Hi, I am interested in taking my hobby to the next level and to start my own business. I was hoping someone could tell me what a vendor's license/ small business license is. How do go about obtaining these licenses? Are they necessary? What other legal issues do I need to be concerned about? Thanks! Beth %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 63 Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 08:31:26 -0600 From: Rowena Philbeck To: David Collins Hello all, Just letting you know that someone up north should be looking for a basket with goodies coming your way. Rowena %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Swap Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 21:29:23 +0000 From: alenem@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net Thanks David for all of your hard work. We all greatly appreciate this. A little birdie told me today that someone in the lone star state needs to watch for the person who delivers thru rain, sleet or snow. There just might be a special something arriving soon. I would like to thank Katy Ulrich for being the coordinating this basket swap. It is my first and was intimidated to join, but was assured that I would be all right. Thanks again for this special place with all the weavers out there who share info about almost any topic. Well I will go back to lurking out on the fringes. Alene Miller SW Missouri where it is colder than the northeast. We are 20 degrees colder than we were last year at this time. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 63 Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 20:27:52 EST From: Tahjmh58@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net How do you go about doing a basket swap? I would love to swap a basket with someone. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 22:20:17 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: O.K. everyone. I'm willing to call an end to the pricing of baskets discussion. I think it is quite unfortunate that some people on this list choose to take personally something that was intended to spur open discussion about issues that effect all basketmakers. I guess I'd hoped that we were more mature. At no time was a specific individual on this list targeted. In referencing "the whoring of the profession of basketry" I was discussing business decisions & approaches to pricing, and the fact that under pricing our goods cheapens the public's perception of basketry as a whole, undermines sound business practices, and gives away something which should be valued & respected. Those of us who feel grossly uncomfortable talking or thinking about expanding their understanding of business and marketing know who they are. Such discomfort and defensiveness defines them as hobbyists. There's nothing wrong with the love of basketry for a hobby as long as you don't masquerade as a being in business. Just know that if you give away your baskets without a reasonable profit (& I don't mean just recouping your supply costs), you undercut those of us who are seriously trying to make a living. Judy R. is right. We are not talking about price fixing. We are talking about becoming knowledgeable about how to price & market effectively. If you think of your town as only one market, you would benefit tremendously from picking up a book on marketing at your local library. Joy Moody Sign of the Crow, Hampden, Maine %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Candle Basket Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 21:40:35 -0600 From: Gary Dunham To: davidc@iei.net Winnie - I've been weaving the candle basket that the square Renuzit candle fits into. In the directions it states to weave only till below the rim. Everyone I have given these to have burnt the candles and have had no problems with them. I understand your concern, but as of yet, none have of the holders have caught fire Cindy in Northern Illinois Heck it's gotten really windy & cold and we've already had snow! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: TV Spot Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 22:43:43 -0600 From: Tony Stubblefield To: David Collins/Weavers Words CC: bigdog1@ameritech.net Cindy - about weaving on TV - I wouldn't worry much about the time limit. They are going to shoot much more footage than they need and edit down from there. I doubt they want the piece to show anyone how to "make" a basket, but more give the audience the idea that baskets are actually woven by hand. I always forget that the average person has no idea at all how a basket is woven. If for example, I myself were featured in the piece I would have a have a variety of finished Nantucket baskets available and a mold and base set up with most of the staves in place and then show how the staves are inserted into the groove. I would then have a basket partially woven on the mold and demonstrate how the weaving goes around and around and over under all the staves. I would also mention how the basket was woven against the mold and why a mold was used. I would then use a finished basket to talk about how the basket was finished off with a nailed rim and swing handle. I would also mention some of the things unique or interesting about Nantucket's. Now I realize you may not make Nantucket's, but hopefully this gives you an idea of how you could approach the problem. Just try to show bits and pieces of the processes and have lots of finished baskets. The producer should be able to help you they will edit it down into a nice package. Personally I would go for a more historical aspect of basketry as that is what interests me and most of the baskets I make are very traditional. If you are more interested in decorative baskets you might want to focus on that aspect and talk about on surface embellishments and different holiday themed baskets. I hope this helps a little or gives you some kind of direction to think about. JC - about copyright laws - Here are 2 great URL's which outline the points I made a while back on the differences in copyright and trademarks. http://www.loc.gov/copyright/circs/circ1.html http://entrepreneurs.about.com/smallbusiness/entrepreneurs/library/weekly/aa031300.htm I think from these you should be able to explore more information about registering a pattern. Good luck. Well my trip to NC is already in the past. I can't believe how fast these things come and go. I had a great time and as always it was great to see old friends and meet new ones (some of whom were from WW). And as always Joann Kelly Catsos was such a great teacher. She is so relaxed and patient. If I were trying to teach a quadrafoil pattern I would be going nuts. Everyone's baskets looked great. I was very pleased with my class basket, a small sewing basket with a quadrafoil lid (it is the little brother to the larger one I made last summer with Joann). I also finished the double hinged quad lids on a knife basket, a miniature (but not miniature in Joann's kind of miniature) backpack and I wove the body of another cathead I will finish with a captured quadrafoil lid. Hopefully I will be able to get pictures of these new baskets up on my web site soon and maybe some other pictures from the class. The weather was so nice down in North Carolina that I was in shock when I got back to St. Louis and they were calling for possible snow latter this week! Well, I am trying to catch up around here with being gone for over a week. Happy weaving, Tony Stubblefield St. Louis http://www.JASkets.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 61 Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 00:59:27 -0600 From: Roberta Comstock To: David Collins "Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 61 Hello Again Weavers! - I finally got some new basket pictures sent to David for posting at the WW website. Several versions of my Beachcomber wall pouch are already there. The new ones include my twined waxed linen Minibucket, Looped Sampler Basket Pouch, and Belt Basket. You may have already seen them by the time you read this. Jayna - I often give baskets that I have made in classes as gifts. If I have the pattern and know how to make the basket, I don't need to keep my first one for reference. I also sometimes give away experimental baskets, but only if I have taken photos to remind myself how they were made. Joy Moody - Thanks for another sensible discussion of pricing. That's one of the reasons I don't try to produce baskets for sale. I'm starting with patterns and teaching, and may eventually move into kits for some of the ones that have unusual materials. Kt Wujek - Fall is the time to harvest cattails. For weaving, it is best to cut the leaves while they are still mostly green, then dry them for storage. (Dampen and mellow before using. They can be woven flat, or twisted and twined or coiled.) For the seed heads, I harvest them in the fall also. If you store them standing in a dry bucket they will dry and pop out to the fluffy stage. To prevent having cattail fluff everywhere, tie an old pillow case over the bundle and it will catch the fluff. If the ones in your area are already fluffing out, you can just take a bag (cloth or paper) out with you and strip them where they grow. Let us know how the projects turn out. Lark - Thanks for sharing your Mom's website with us. Mary Hooper - I don't know of a website for African basketry, but we have several good places here in the Kansas City area to see them live & buy. There's an Ethiopian restaurant that has some very impressive huge coiled baskets with lots of intricately woven overlay work on them. Also several small import shops and galleries that carry African baskets, drums and woodcarvings. Check the yellow pages of your nearest big city to see what may be available near you. In addition to web searches, you can sometimes find website information in the advertisements of textile, art, and crafts magazines. Marty Holihan - Hi! It's good to read of all your basket fun & travels! I still haven't made the basket with my first Superior beachcombing, but I think I have it figured out now. Will probably get it done sometime this winter. Sheri L. Van Duyn - I'm making a note of the correct spelling of your last name, the better to not repeat my recent mistake. Please accept my apology. Glad you had fun at convention. Hope to meet you one of these days. I also get a kick out of meeting WW readers & weavers. They're such a fun bunch of people! Bert Comstock Lauderdale Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 62 Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 01:02:28 -0600 From: Roberta Comstock To: David Collins "Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 62 Betty G. Tripp - Read David's note at the beginning of each issue of "Weavers Words" to find out how the swap system timing works. Number 10 is now in progress. I suspect the next one will begin soon after the Holidays. Just watch for the announcement and follow the directions. Joanne Howard - One way to find out how much reed you use in a basket would be to weigh the finished basket (and scraps). If you've added wooden parts or heavy ornaments, you'll have to adjust for those. Also take into account that dyed reed is a lot more expensive than plain (cost of dyes plus time). Jayna - Thanks for your review of the Collectables show. I'll have to watch for it. Sandra Kervin - It's good to see you back on WW. I think of you often. Your quilt is absolutely wonderful! Although I think I am getting through the grieving reasonable well since my son's death in April at age 39, I have definitely noticed a decline in my productivity level and ability to concentrate. Hope your basket weaving picks up soon. Bert Comstock Lauderdale Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Candles Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 04:11:29 EST From: SGH654@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Winnie, the candle is in a thick glass. I have given these basket candles away as gifts. One even to my Mother. We all burn the candles and I haven't heard of any problems. Renuzit also makes an aroma gel (no wick) that is the same size. I have seen these in my search for candles. Maybe you would feel safer using this aroma gel. Gay %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket Pricing Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 08:01:30 -0500 From: "Young, Donna" To: "'davidc@iei.net'" This is for Mary Hooper who had such an abundance of advice for me about the pricing of my baskets. Mary, it sure is a shame that you can't live in my area and TRY to sell your baskets around here. Let's see you display your art in my area for two years before you sold anything and you would certainly starve and be living on the street. I just want you to know that I don't exhibit at "crafty" shows, I have won awards for my booth design and I have a lot of blue ribbons and "best of shows" for my baskets, so I am not by any means your average hobbyist, plus the fact that I do belong to a guild and we do, my dear, advertise and promote our art form. And your statement about the Longaberger basket money being available around here is just that -- available for Longaberger. I live right in the heart of Longaberger country and you can't target those people to purchase anything other than Longaberger because to them there are no other baskets that will compare and you can extol your own baskets' virtue until you're blue. I wish I had a dollar for each person who has admired my baskets and commended me on the workmanship and beauty of them, but wouldn't purchase them because they aren't Longaberger. That's a fact that everyone in this area lives with. The Longaberger buyers are very, very loyal to them. And if you have ever visited their "compound" you would see thousands buying the current featured basket as fast as they can ring the register and I mean they come by bus loads. Mary, have you heard that old saying, "don't say anything until you have walked a mile in my shoes?" Donna, Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Pricing & bickering Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 11:42:01 -0500 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" Organization: The Country Seat To: "- Weavers Words David Collins" Hi all, You're def. not alone Billie - At a show last weekend I was listening to all of the bickering, between couples tearing down, going on around me. When Mike and I were first dating and he started to help me, we were pretty bad. We're much better now. We've gotten into a groove. He knows where things go and what order and we can just set up without asking too much. If I don't like the way things are arranged, I just wait until he leaves and fix it the way I like it :) Re Pricing - It's always hard to find a fair price. If something looks great and priced low, people wonder what's wrong with it. I've finally (trying) to stop worrying about it. I price what it has to be, based on aprox time and materials and that's that. I was surprised that a small basket sold this past weekend. It was round reed (the pattern took much longer then others of comparable size), priced at $60.00. The woman never batted an eye, never asked why there were larger baskets for less. You just need to have the right audience. I know a basketmaker who was not weaving for a while, got back into it, doubled all his prices and is selling like crazy! Angie in PA, ready for spring already The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basketmakers Getaway Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 14:04:50 -0500 From: "Steve Catsos" To: "David Collins" There is still some room left for fellow baskets to join me for The Basketmakers Getaway - a weekend of basketry classes in an intimate and unique setting on March 2, 3, 4, 2001. This small basketry conference will take place at the Great Stone Dwelling at the Shaker Museum in Enfield, NH. Teachers will be JoAnn Kelly Catsos (black ash), Wendy Jensen (flat reed), Deanna Savoy (Nantucket), and Lynne Schlichting (round reed). Registration began November 1, 2000. For a complete brochure contact JoAnn Kelly Catsos at catsos@bcn.net. Happy Weaving! JoAnn Kelly Catsos - in southwestern Massachusetts %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: I am looking for Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 15:34:52 -0500 From: Dan Hautzinger To: David Collins I am looking for a book, that I was outbid on E-bay by 22cents, rats, but anyway it is out of print, called Ramblin Rose, by Paula Cole. Does anyone have a copy that they no longer want, or any ideas where I might get one? Thanks in advance for your help Gretchen Hautzinger Pregnant with time %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap Basket Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 14:14:13 -0700 From: "Chrystal L. Higgins" To: davidc@iei.net I just wanted to let a certain special lady on the "Big Island" where there are beautiful black sand beaches, know that her swap basket is on its way. Sorry for it being sent out on the last day of the deadline - but it will be there soon! Chrystal from Montana %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Hi Weavers! Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 14:51:08 -0800 (PST) From: Margie Reck To: davidc@iei.net Sandra: So sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I have an eighteen-year-old son, too, and cannot imagine having to deal with what you have been going through. At least the healing has begun. My prayers are with you. Jill Choate: You should bring your dogs down to Southwestern Montana! It has been full-on Winter weather here for the last two weeks. We have about a foot of snow at our house with much more in the mountains. The high today was 15 degrees. It was down to 14 below zero last week. The hunters are happy since the weather is bringing the elk over from Yellowstone Park and down off the high passes. Hard to believe you are getting rain in Alaska in mid-November! Winnie: Regarding votive candles in glass containers, I have made and used several that I twined over with round reed. They are very pretty as the light shines through the reed. You can vary them with dyed reed, colored glass, or colored candles. I have had no problem at all with burning them, but do be sure your basket does not extend above the glass! Has anyone reading this ever gone to the Lake Crescent Basketry Weekend on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state? I have been wanting to go for several years and hope to make it this August. Is it as wonderful as the brochure sounds? I would like to hear about your experiences there. Thanks. Margie in Montana %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.