"Weavers Words" Vol. 4 Iss. 70 Date Sent: December 22, 2000 Web Page: http://members.xoom.com/dgcollins/ Subscribers: 1531 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 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, Here's a little holiday humor: POLITICALLY CORRECT CHRISTMAS 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck... How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to "Elves," "Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the North Pole Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, Released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid, Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened. His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened." And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation, Demanding millions in over-due compensation. So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, Demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion. Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her. Nothing that might be construed to pollute. Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot. Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific. Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific. No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden. For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt. Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away. So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next. He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, But you've got to be careful with that word today. His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found. Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering left or the right. A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every differing hue, Everyone, everywhere...why even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth... Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! David %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: New guilds Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2000 21:02:51 -0500 From: Roman Monastyrski To: David Collins I was recently reminiscing about the founding of Buck Creek Basket Guild in Yorktown Indiana. One of the businesswomen invited to the first organizational meeting offered these three suggestions for what rules we should establish. When questions about starting guilds come through WW I always think of Dawn. 1. Be nice 2. Play fair 3. Don't run with scissors Of course you can come up with long lists of do's and don'ts and how to conduct meetings according to Robert's Rules, but doesn't it always get back to the basic elements of fairness and being nice - sharing and caring - and a little humor goes a long way. To my Golden friends back in Indiana - I miss you still and wish you Merry Christmas, to my Silver friends in Michigan - Sue Ann B., Carolyn, and Donna - Thank goodness I met you. And to all on Weavers Words - Happy Holidays! Bless you David and your Mother Norma too, for bringing you to us - on that fateful Indiana convention. Boy did we get LUCKY. Kristin Monastyrski from Midland where I worshiped the self-propelled snow blower three times last week. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "German basket bottom" Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2000 23:35:46 -0500 From: Eileen To: David Collins In 1991, 5 basket friends from the states visited a basketmaker friend in Germany. She set up the trip for us to visit the folks at the German Basketry School for several days. While at the school we watched them weaving skiened willow baskets. It didn't matter if the basket was round, square or oval, they were all started the same. The spokes are all lashed on. We liked the look of this start, so when Joan Moore and I returned we each designed patterns with this type bottom. I named my pattern "German Tribute". It has braid weave on the sides like some of the baskets we saw. Joan's first basket with this bottom was "German Beginnings". Joan and I worked together, and she did the diagrams and graciously let me use them for my pattern. I know that after folks either took a class from Joan or me or purchased our patterns; they are now using this lashed on base. I've had folks ask me about this base and they often wonder why it's called a "German base". We didn't call it a German base. It's just that the patterns that we came up with had the word German in them, and folks are now calling it a German basket base. Now you know why people are calling it this. Eileen LaPorte %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 69 Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 00:24:57 EST From: Caldesigns@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Betty, Beverly Seegert's husband's name is Del. Just sent him a card. Our guild, the Misti Washington Gourd & Basket Guild got to know them both last year (1999) when they came to our Gourd & Basket Weekend at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas. Beverly will be missed. She had much to share. Carol in Carlsbad CA (A lurker) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Basket haircut Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 06:48:02 -0500 From: "Joe Conroy" To: "David Collins" Good morning David, I have noticed some references lately about using a lighter, or torch, to clean up baskets. I do it all the time with great success. One word of warning; DO NOT USE THIS METHOD IF YOUR BASKET HAS ALREADY BEEN STAINED with an oil based product. Happy holidays to everyone. Joe Conroy Stony Lane Basketry Exeter, RI 02822 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: WW Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 04:21:21 -0800 (PST) From: sassy kat To: David Collins Ok, WW came in our mailboxes last night just before our usual Saturday night guild online chat - and there was lots of talk about what is a "HEN BASKET PARTY"??? Dianne, can you fill us in on this? Is it what my mom would have called a 'hen party' where all the women in the neighborhood get together - kinda like a quilting bee? I did my last class until January yesterday. Had a 72-year-old gentleman in it! He didn't do too badly, but was terribly distracted by being the only man - kept flirting with the lady next to him. heheheh I'm looking forward to getting my workshop back into order after all the rush of the season, doing some new weaves I want to try, and (yuck!) closing out my tax year. Katie In the piney woods of north central Florida. We have the windows open for a nice, refreshing breeze this morning. SassyKat Baskets. Traditional, handcrafted Appalachian mountain style baskets. Check out my new address, including online ordering! Effective November 1, 2000: http://www.sassykatbaskets.com/index.html %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: German weave Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2000 08:34:29 -0600 From: Kim Leppin To: David Collins Hi Bert There was a class in Missouri taught by Betty Kourkanis(sp) that had a German wove bottom. If you still have the booklet check it out. It almost has a herringbone look to it. Not difficult to do but looks like it. Kim in SE Wisconsin where its 20 below with the wind chill! Looks like I stay inside and weave! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Word Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 04:39:32 -0500 From: "Jayna Glemby" To: "David Collins" I too am saddened to hear of the death of Beverly Seegert. She had just sent a note announcing the end of her magazine and a check to cover unfilled subscription months. I was lamenting the end of "Black Creek Country" as I always enjoyed it. What a classy lady to refund the subscription money and inform all her subscribers. I wish I had known her personally and I feel the basket community has lost a special person. Regarding the burning of hairs on baskets. We had a lengthy discussion on this topic about 2 years ago when I brought up the fact that I received a butane torch for Christmas for this purpose, but that I was afraid to use it. One of the best pieces of advice that came out of that discussion was NEVER EVER burn the hairs of a basket you have stained. It will go up in a flame immediately. You CAN burn the hairs on a basket that you have not stained and have soaked. I have many friends who prefer baskets with the hairs left on, they feel it looks more natural this way. It started with the gardener at the place I worked. He saw a basket I had trimmed, sitting next to one I hadn't begun to trim and asked where the "long trailing pieces were" on the first basket. When I explained I had taken the time to trim them off he was flabbergasted and felt I had ruined the natural look. He asked me to make a basket for him but to leave it untrimmed. I mentioned this to a non-weaving friend and she asked to see the difference, and she too preferred the untrimmed look. Wow, was I on to something...think of the time it would save. Today, I find people are divided as to how they like their baskets, but it is interesting that some like them untrimmed. And now, dear basket friends, I send holiday wishes to you all, no matter what you celebrate...be it the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Ramadan or any other observance I have missed...may your heart be filled with love and peace. Jayna In central Massachusetts %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: New Dye / Basketpatterns.com Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 09:58:15 -0500 From: "Arnie's Arts 'n Crafts" To: "David Collins" Happy Holiday Season to All! Rowena asked for a vivid dye: We just posted a new dye to www.basketpatterns.com "Wood & Reed Dye" Designed for plant fibers such as reed, straw, grasses, pine needles, raffia, bamboo, nuts, shells, wood etc! We have 16 colors, which may be mixed to create custom colors. Hot water dye, which gives exceptional color, very vivid. Each container has enough to dye 5 pounds of material a dark color. Can even be mixed with turpentine to make a wood stain! While at our site be certain to take a look at Rowena's new gourd pattern just posted. We also have a new gourd kit from Ruth Andre now available. Ruth will be offer more kits in the near future. Happy weaving, ~Sheri info@basketpatterns.com www.basketpatterns.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 69 Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 15:46:31 -0500 From: Barbara McGeachy To: David Collins References: 1 Hi, Roberta - The German tribute base is also called a chevron base. The best on-line photo I've found is NOIR et BLANC by Betty Kourkounakis at www.basketpatterns.com Barbara McGeachy Raleigh, NC %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 69 Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 15:07:18 -0600 From: Dianne Gleixner To: "'David Collins'" I hope everyone has a great holiday! Christmas sure did creep up on me this year. I'd like to let everyone know about a cool web site I found today. It's called The Cone Cache, and they carry TONS of different kinds of pine cones, seed heads, pods, etc. They also have pictures of their items, I even saw Devil's Claw and Sweetgum balls! (Now I know what some of you have been talking about in the past!) Some of these would make wonderful additions to baskets. Their web address is www.conecache.com. Beth - Nantucket weaver - What material are you using for the staves? I've only used cane so far, and I've found that an Exact-o knife works great for me to taper the ends. I'm sure there are other tools for that purpose, but I can't afford to spend much, so I'm willing to take the time to trim each piece. If you are using wood of some kind, I can't help you - sorry. Maybe someone else out there will offer you a tip. Joanne in Hawaii - I'll be happy to trade places with you, even for a few days! We had around 20" of snow total last week, and we are expecting another 6-9" today and tonight, with more snow forecast for the next few days! Spend a few days here and you'll be sorry you even thought about missing snow! Although, I have to admit, I'd miss snow around Christmastime if I lived somewhere warm, but I just might get used to that. The Crafts Report on-line magazine has an interview with basket maker Sandra Eagle. She is a Native American weaving baskets in the traditional manner. Check it out at www.craftsreport.com. There is a link to the interview on the main page. Also, the paper version of the magazine will be doing a feature using basket makers next year, I forget which month. It might be interesting to keep an eye out for that issue. (I'll try to remember to let you know which month this will be in. I'll have to check my back issues at home for the info.) Happy weaving and happy holidays everyone. Dianne Gleixner - in snowy SE WI. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Arm that fell off!! Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 19:46:56 -0600 From: Jim Beltz To: davidc@iei.net Laurie Harper-thank you-I am on my way out to my husbands shop to scope out his stuff and see which of his sanders I am now going to take away from him!! And if I don't find what you suggest for the staves-well, he is out of town and I have his credit card-Merry Christmas to me. Really, thanks for the help. And to David and everyone else may you all be safe this holiday. It would be so wonderful for all of us to still be here and discussing baskets and the like several weeks from now. Our kids all live a good distance from us and we have Christmas together well before the traffic sets in so everyone can be in their homes and off the roads by the time they do get crowded. Merry Christmas to all. Beth-Southeast Texas-our first winter with cold weather in about 5 years. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Reminder -AMB Dues Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 21:00:16 -0500 From: "Nancy Carlson" To: Hi, Just a reminder that the dues for the ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN BASKETMAKERS must be postmarked by January 31st in order for your name to appear in the directory AND to guarantee your receipt of convention mailings. Don't delay! Send in your dues today! The AMB does not send out postcard reminders. Do a favor for the friends that you normally go to convention with, remind them that if they have not paid their dues, now is the time to do so. Unfortunately, this contact is not made until AFTER the Convention Mailing has gone out. Dues can be sent to Nancy Carlson, PO Box 1105, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858-1105. Nancy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: For WW Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 23:56:56 -0600 From: "cj best" To: davidc@iei.net David, I was shown your site from a friend...thank you for providing us with a site to vent and share ideas. I was in Iowa (actually stuck in a winter storm) this past weekend and able to visit a basket shop, it was Baskets 'n More. The reason to write is to let everyone know of a couple items I have not been able to find at other basket shops/stores. They carry ceramic tie on's and some new rustic ones. But the main thing I found was a new translucent stain made for baskets. Comes in 6 different colors of stains, but what I really liked was that it still let the reed and specially the dyed reed show through. You can find the shop in Manchester or their catalog shows a website at www.basketsnmore.net I hope everyone has a Great Holiday and New Year. CJ a weaver while I travel the central US. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Hello! Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 07:30:12 -0600 From: Tony Stubblefield To: David Collins/Weavers Words Beth - about sanding Nantucket staves - I use a table-top belt sander for just about all my sanding these days. I taper all of my spokes, I usually use 5-6mm cane, and shape all of my handles with it. I also sand of the base plug with the sander too, though you have to be careful not to burn the wood plug as it can heat up from the friction. I use a fine grit sanding belt and a shop vac rigged as a dust collection system. I even travel with it to my classes. Rowena - about fiber reactive dyes - This type of dye is specifically made for natural fibers such as cotton, wool, etc. Fortunately for use wood and reed also fall into this category. The dye actually binds to the surface of the fibers instead of just "staining" them. They are much more intense in color and more resistant to fading. Rit dye, as far as, I know is NOT a fiber reactive dye. I believe all of the dyes specifically made for basketry materials are fiber reactive as are the dyes found in loom weaving and spinning shops, Procion (sp?) is one of the brands I have used in the past. They are a little more expensive, but well worth the investment. I never use Rit dye personally because it isn't a "fiber reactive" dye. Happy weaving from a very far behind Christmas shopper and weaver, Tony Stubblefield St. Louis, MO http://www.JASkets.com P.S. - After the first of the year I will be switching to a DSL connection so I will have a new email address and a new URL. Watch for an update. -T %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 09:11:12 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hi Everyone, The Christmas hustle & bustle is upon us. I have long since closed down orders for the holidays, but am busy with carpenters still in the house building our library. Mary H: Wish I knew you'd be up for the show at the University. Perhaps we could have arranged to meet! A note to our group: Some may recall I have given warnings in the past about taking care with how we label baskets woven in Native American designs. Here's why - my recent story: I wanted to give a gift to the group that does this show, so I offered to design & set up a sizable website. The response was to tell me they have "concerns" with my website. As far as I can ascertain the "concerns" have to do with the mention of a tribal name &/or the fact that I am working in ash. I was also "told" about the law that gives protection to tribal art. Well folks, I had long since read the law & if you have not, do yourself a favor & read it on the web (Indian Arts & Crafts Act). I have always been very careful not to misrepresent my work as being Native American, or my self as being Native American. There are several references on the site to my German ancestry. And, the wording specifically uses the word "style" in association with any known Native American design. THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH to avoid their "concern". The Indian Arts & Crafts Act does NOT disallow the use of a tribal name. However, it is the use of the word "style" (i.e. "Zuni Style Pottery Bowl") that eliminates misrepresentation, assuming there is no other misrepresentation of your cultural heritage. Needless to say, Native Americans do not have exclusive use of ash or any other natural materials. Here in Maine, Shakers & woodsmen used this materials long ago. The oldest Native baskets were actually birch bark. I hasten to pass this experience on to you so you can avoid the same unpleasantries! There's more about materials & methods, but we'll save it for another time, as this is getting long. If anyone has specific questions or concerns feel free to e-mail me. Wishing everyone in the Weaver's Words family a most joyous & love-filled holiday! Thank you David for another great year. Joy Moody Sign of the Crow http://www.signofthecrow.com/basketgalleryintro.html Hampden, Maine %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Kathy McClung Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 12:26:08 -0500 From: "Mary Hooper" To: "David Collins" References: 1 If Kathy McClung of Martinsburg WV is reading this, would she contact me privately, please. Thanks, Mary Hooper %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap basket Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 20:46:52 -0500 From: "Brian Rhodus" To: "David Collins" I want to send a special thank-you to Sue Erb for the two baskets she sent. They are wall pockets with a place on the side for a pencil. And thanks for the goodies for my never satisfied sweet tooth. Sue saw my post here on WW's and realized she had tucked it away and forgotten she hadn't sent it. I am very grateful she took the time to check out what happened and sent it when she could. Thanks again Sue. Mary Fulton -- Thank-you for the special thank-you that you sent me. It really made me feel special to be the recipient of your kindness. I hope that the others that have not received a basket yet has a partner like mine that is thoughtful enough to get their basket out regardless of the date. It is very disappointing to not receive a basket but is still very exciting when the basket comes. My name will be in the next swap, excited and ready to weave. Now we just need a coordinator. Where did our last one go? Angie in very cold SW Ohio %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: RE: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 69 Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 20:39:52 -0800 From: "Michaelene Borzych" To: "David Collins" CC: "Jim Beltz" Sanding Nantucket Staves I have been reading weavers words for about a year now and have learned so much. Reading Jim Beltz saga of sore fingers from sanding staves for Nantucket Baskets I must share my secret. I cannot be just a silent reader anymore, I use a rotating belt sander that my brother-in-law made from an old electric motor with a shaft mounted onto a small iron table made from scrapes. The good news is that Black-N-Decker also makes a reciprocating rotating sander that should work equally well. It takes a little practice, however I cans and bevel my spokes and get a vibrating massage of my arthritic hand sat the same time. Have a joyous time weaving baskets. Michaelene Borzych in Oak Creek, WI. mborzych@myexcel.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Cold, dark and snow Date: 20 Dec 2000 07:41:10 -0000 From: "J. Choate Basketry List" To: List Member J. Choate Basketry List - http://www.jchoatebasketry.com Probably one of the best things the creator has come up with yet is snow. Who needs cosmetics on a lovely winter's day. A good hour in the snow will give anyone the kiss of a cherry-cheeked complexion that even Revlon would envy. Snow is healthy. It assists those that need to be inspired to exercise in the dark of winter. All you need is a hill, a sled and a kid and the sweat abounds. Throw in a dog with harness to haul that sled up the hill and you've got an aerobic exercise to beat a "step class" any day. Snow heals the soul. Whether it's the gently falling powder version that quietly tucks in your backyard for the season or the awesome fury of a "blow" at 100 MPH that scours the arctic landscape clean, each version has it's own inspiring qualities. For me, snow is the catalyst for the magic of the "white highway". This phenomenon takes place when river, creek, lake and trail open their hidden winter routes and bid me welcome to the real beauty of Alaska. In order to gain passage you must be accompanied by dogs. Running dogs is similar to riding a bike. Once you get it, it's hard to give it up. When I was a kid I knew every trail in my neighborhood and as a dog musher I know the same thing. As a recycled kid I again intimately know the twists and turns of the trail, when to ride the brake, when to dump the sled and when to fly along as a member of the team. It's like going down hill without the effort of going up. All this because of the wonderful white precipitation we call snow. Snow insulates, refrigerates and lubricates. You can sculpt with it, build with it, and use it as a weapon. Where else but Alaska could you get so much cheap fun? I know there are some who bemoan the cold, the dark and the snow of Alaska (they live in the Lower-48). But real Alaskan's know that living here takes the correct attitude. Alaskans have grit. They know that cold, dark and snow is good for your integrity. This combination purges the soul, tightens your gut and freezes a permanent grin on your face (some call if frost bite). If you're going to have snow have LOTS of it and while we're at it throw in some cold and dark for character builders as well. If your ready to build some character we're ready to have you. It won't be as cold and dark as it is now but we'll still have lots of snow in March. If you're interested in attending the Alaska Bush Basketry Retreat there is still room for you to do so. Give us a hoot and we'll get you aboard for all the fun. Until we meet next year... Jill Choate Talkeetna, AK %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 4 I. 69 Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 12:24:18 EST From: Michdeak@aol.com To: davidc@iei.net Happy Holidays to all, I have not written in over a year, I simply read and get ideas. I don't seem to have the time to weave like I'd want to, I spread myself too thin with everything else, and have not managed to get an area to weave in my house where I don't make a complete mess. Anyway, I have quite a few 6x10 D handles, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for different patterns, I'm more of the traditional weaver. I have not tried anything but reed (also white oak, Nantucket, but I guess I still consider them traditional), and the only other thing I would be interested in besides reed at this time is an antler basket. I am in Cumming, GA where we got 4 inches of snow on Tues, and more expected today. I love it, but the ice I could do without. The streets are good with the exception of the subdivisions--my husband had to walk almost a mile home Tues night after work because we couldn't get up a hill in our neighborhood due to ice. I have taken on a commitment to Team in Training, which raises money for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins Disease and other blood related cancers. I will be running the Big Sur Marathon on April 29 in Monterey, California, and I have committed to raise $3600. If anyone would like to support me in this worthwhile cause, I would be happy to send them a self-addressed stamped envelope, along with my fundraising letter and sponsor form. Thank you! Michelle Deak %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Happy Holidays Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 10:29:55 -0500 From: "Angie Wagner-Country Seat" Organization: The Country Seat To: "- Weavers Words David Collins" Happy Holidays to all! Angie Wagner The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any reason you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.