Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Tidewater Guilders Weave 2019




The Tidewater Basketry Guild hosted the 2019 Tidewater Guilders Weave this weekend at the Newport News Marriott.   Along with eight members from CPBWG, I enjoyed the classes, marketplace, hospitality, raffle, and banquet that filled the 4 day schedule.

After checking in on Thursday, I learned a braid to hold together reed to form a mat from Anne Bowers. It was a little difficult to start, but came together nicely.


 





 
Friday I wove a low bowl with a 3/3 twill pattern.  We used teal, natural and smoked reed.  The star pattern formed the base.  Jenny Elzy lead the class.  The final bowl was 9" in diameter by 4" high.












Saturday I followed a graph to weave this Cherokee design using 1/4" flat reed in natural and dark green.  The sides were turned up and using 11/64" flat oval wove the sides with a twill pattern.  Judy Wobbleton lead the workshop. The tray measures 15" long by 10" wide by 3" high.











On Sunday I worked with white pine bark for the first time. The pine bark felt like leather when it was wet, but dry hard.   Jennifer Lee lead us in making a mokok, a indigenous container of stitched bark, a round top and squared bottom.  Spruce root was used to sew the bark and to attach the rim of red willow.   A separate lid was cut from bark and rimed with red willow.   Jennifer wild harvested all of the materials for students to use.  It was a fun experience.   If you have the opportunity to take a class like this you should give it a try!

Sunday, January 6, 2019

CPBWG January Guild Workshop

Members of the Central Pennsylvania Basket Weavers Guild gathered on Saturday for the first workshop of 2019. 

Member Suzanne Williamson lead the session .  Everyone created a covered vase using the color scheme of their choice. 

We also covered a metal wreath over-the-door hanger with reed, much like a decorative basket handle pattern.

If you are interested in learning more about our guild and events check out our website :   http://basketry.homestead.com/

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year


2018 has been a busy and fun year of basketry.  I've taught basket classes and  participated in basket workshops and basket conventions.  My baskets have been on display in area galleries and artist co-ops.  This December I participated in the Carroll County Artists Studio Tour as well a having my baskets at the Gallery of Gifts and a woven wreath in the Festival of Wreaths - events held at the Carroll Arts Center.


Throughout the year I have met many wonderful basket weavers and patrons of the craft.  I also have made a lot of baskets!  Now my CMC joint is saying it is time to take a break and rest my hands .


My last basket of the year is this oval, wooden base basket.  It features deer antlers as the side handles.  I used leather to bind the rim and attach the antlers. 




I'm already looking forward to my next basket workshop on the first Saturday of January.  So much for resting my hands.!

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2019 to you and your family. 







Thursday, November 29, 2018

Artists' Studio Tour






Enjoy a free family friendly, self-guided tour of 13 artist studios and two art galleries located around Carroll County, MD.  Meet the artists, see demonstrations and have an opportunity to buy fine art and craft directly form the source.  For more information go to www.ccartists.com

I will be at Stop #7 - Cat Tracks Studio with my baskets, woven jewelry and  holiday items

 I hope to see you this weekend.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Festival of Wreaths





This is my entry for the 21st Annual Festival of Wreaths held at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, Md.  It is one of nearly 150 unique wreaths that are on display and part of a silent auction until the closing day.  All funds go toward the Carroll Arts Center activities and scholarship programs. 
 
 I used a 12" and 14" hoop to form the wreath.  Natural materials are  used for the wreaths accent.



Sunday, November 11, 2018

Woven Bucket


The Central Pennsylvania Basket Weavers Guild November workshop was lead by Jude Gallagher. 


Guild members wove around a galvanized bucket attached to a wooden base. 


A variety of colored reed was available for each member to individualize their bucket color scheme and design.


I wove a French roving arrow design in 4 colors around my bucket.  The top rim was glued and then nailed into place.


Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Gallery of Gifts 2018



10th Annual Gallery of Gifts

A variety of my handmade baskets and holiday items are on display for sale  at the Carroll Arts Center from November 16th through December 22nd. 

Come and start your holiday shopping early.  The gallery is open during regular business hours as well as extended hours for special events. 

For more information check out their website:
www.CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org