NaBloPoMo End of the month results

I did it! I actually did 37 posts this month. It was a challenge yet so much fun. Count me in to do this again.

Happy Blogging Everyone,

Nancy

Basket Weaving, Basket Making Video - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the Braided Rim Part 5

We finish our basket! Today we do the final step to our braided rim and we put the bow on the front. Enjoy your basket! If you've made this basket I'd love to see a picture of it.

As always, this and all my videos are on my youtube channel HERE.

Happy Weaving,
Nancy

Basket Weaving, Basket Making Video - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the braided rim part 4

The next step here in our braided rim.

Happy Weaving,

Nancy

Living a DIY Lifestyle - My Life

Dear Friends,
One of my husband's favorite quotes throughout our 21 years of marriage has been, "It's not brain surgery." He would say this to anyone feeling self doubt about whether or not they could perform a specific task. He would encourage anyone to learn and figure out how to accomplish their project. "You can do it, it's not brain surgery or it's not rocket science."
This has saved us literally thousands of $$$ over the years. We've done all our own home and vehicle maintenance projects. We've built many things in our home and have done our own major remodeling projects. If we can avoid hiring out the project, we do so. Mike and I married at the early ages of 21 and 23. He knew and was never afraid of taking things apart to find out why it was broken and then to replace the broken part.
Bring this down to a more domestic level and I cook for my family and have done much sewing in the past although now it is more cost effective to purchase some ready made clothing for a couple of dollars than it is to buy fabric and a pattern along with zippers, buttons and other notions. I still sew most all the curtains in the house as well as other home decorator items and an apron as you saw HERE. As you all know, I enjoy basket weaving (of course) and scrapbooking as well as all forms of crafting.
I enjoy gardening and do what I can in my small space. (We live on just under 1/4 acre).
There are times when we know our limits and must hire out some work or the amount of time involved is just to great. Sometimes we don't have the proper tools to do a project.
Doing it yourself gives a great sense of accomplishment.
It is satisfying to say, "I did this."
Blessings,
Nancy

Creative Ideas for the Holiday Home

You all know how much I truly enjoy FaveCrafts. Let me tell you. I like them so much because their projects are crafty, not artsy. It is crafts I can do in an evening. It is crafts that are beautiful and many times I have the supplies already at home to make them. The finished projects are simply sweet. Well, they've come out with another free e-book for the holidays starting with Halloween and going through Christmas. The projects are for decorating your home as well s gifts.

FaveCrafts Creative Ideas for the Holiday Home can be downloaded HERE. It has some charming projects in it. I hope you enjoy!
Blessings,
Nancy

Happy Thanksgiving

Cornucopia with rewoven border. The spokes in this basket become the beautiful rim.

Dear Friends,
As with every year on this day it is a chance to really reflect on what we have to be thankful for. I try to always remember to give God thanks each and every day for my blessings. It is easy to be generically thankful. Lord I'm thankful for all my blessings.
I've been thinking of the specific things I'm thankful for. Yes, some are material things, but I'm still thankful for those material things because some make my life easier, some are fun, and some are just pleasing to look at.
Below is my list. What are you thankful for?
With love and blessings on this special day.
Nancy
My list of blessings I'm so thankful for.

1. That Jesus died on the cross to erase our sins and give us everlasting life.
2. My dear sweet husband Mike.
3. My three beautiful children.
4. My extended family.
5. My friends.
6. My internet and blogging friends. (That's YOU!)
7. That Mike has a good job.
8. Our home.
9. My backyardand garden. (I love spending time outdoors)
10. My health.
11. Our vehicles.
12. Our church and church family.
13. My computer and the internet (I learn so much here)
14. Our library.
15. That I know how to cook.
16. That all my shopping and errands are only 10 minutes from home.
17. My neighbors.
18. Food to eat.
19. Farmers.
20. That we have medicine for many of our ailments.
21. Comfortable and warm clothing.
22. Our onery yet very loving beagle Cindy.
23. Online schooling for my children so they can be home with me.
24. Pretty flowers
25. Butterflies
26. Airplanes and Amtrak
27. Duct tape
28. My list keeps going on but I figure after saying duct tape that you will think I'm just being silly. I really am thankful for all the small things in life, even duct tape. I'm thankful for the person who invented it. One time I was able to hold my car together and drive it home just because of it!

Point being, remember to be thankful even for all the small things in our lives.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving,
Love,
Nancy

What's on Your Thanksgiving Table?

I've been a busy cook these last few days.

Here is our Thanksgiving menu for tomorrow:

• 
  
  Turkey
  
• 
  
  Dressing
  
• 
  
  Gravy
  
• 
  
  Cranberry Salad
  
• 
  
  Texas Potatoes
  
• 
  
  Green Beans
  
• 
  
  Rolls
  
• 
  
  Pecan Pie
  
• Pumpkin Pie
  
• Chocolate covered pretzels and nuts
  

What will you be on your table?

Love and blessings,

Nancy

Thank you God for this food and for the family we have to share it with. Amen

Copycat Recipes

FaveCrafts has partnered up with Recipe Lion to create this free e-book of copycat recipes. Below is the link to download the recipes. The recipes are listed below.

http://www.recipelion.com/Restaurant-Recipes/27-Secret-Restaurant-Copycat-Recipes-eCookbook

Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac 'N Cheese

Applebee's Bourbon Steak

Chili's Boneless Buffalo Wings

KFC's Coleslaw

Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza Crust

Boston Market-Style Squash Casserole
Wendy's Frosty
Cheesecake Factory Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
Melting Pot Green Goddess Dip

Red Robin-Style Bonzai Hamburger

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Hash Browns

T.G.I. Friday's Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Panera Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Pizza Hut Dessert Pizza

Chicken Fried Rice Benihana Style

Cinnabon's Cinnamon Rolls
McDonald's Big Mac Sauce
Panda Express-Style Orange Chicken
Ruby Tuesday Chicken Quesadilla

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Fried Apples

Pizza Hut Thin Crust Pizza Dough

Enjoy!

Nancy

Candy Bar Box - Stocking Stuffer - Craft Video

This is a fun, easy, quick and frugal craft. It is making a candy bar box. What a great stocking stuffer this would make. Make several of these and put them in a basket as a gift. Write peoples names on them and use them as place cards at your holiday dinner. They could be made for any holiday. I hope you enjoy.

Below is a picture of the template for cutting and scoring to make this box. I've made about 20 of these little boxes now. You can easily make one box in about 2 minutes.

Enjoy!

Nancy

Share a Basket Sunday - Basket Making - Doorknob Basket

Dear Friends,
This is the fifth basket I first made about 15 years ago. I've come a long way. (Look at that hole in the twining!) The French randing was fun and is still fun to do. I painted the little flowers on the large strip near the top.
I no longer have this basket, but it was fun to find a photo of it.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Nancy

Basket Weaving Video - Basket Making - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the braided rim part 3

We are continuing on with our braided rim in this video.

Happy Weaving,
Nancy

Where I've Been On the www. this Week

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share with you where you can find me on the web this past week.
The first is on the live Facebook chat with Inspired at Home.
In case you missed the chat of inspiring crafters, you may listen to it archived HERE.
I'm about 1 hour into the chat.

Second, I've been featured on One Pretty Thing. The Round-up I'm in is HERE. Have you been to this site? It is amazing. It's like the perfect magazine that comes to you daily, but it's free and it doesn't create clutter! I subscribe to it through my google reader. Rachel, who runs this site follows over 4,000 blogs. Yep, you heard me right, over 4,000. She brings to us the best of the best in the world of crafting and home decor. (Does that mean I'm one of the best?) Rachel has round-ups of all things crafty where she lists 8 to 20 items in each round-up. Not only that, she puts up several round-ups a day! Let me just list off a few....Christmas Round-up, Twilight Round-up, Daily DIY Round-up, Crafty Reading Round-up, Holiday Prep Round-up, Kids Craft Round-up, Jewelry Making Round-up, Hand Made Gift Guide Round-up and on and on. What a thrill to find I was on her Daily DIY Round-up.

This is so cool. I feel like I, my blog, is moving up in the world and getting noticed. Thank you to all of you!!! Now, if only Martha Stewart would contact me. I would so ♥love♥ to be on her show with her or even featured in her magazine. DO YOU HEAR THAT MARTHA STEWART TV PRODUCERS AND MARTHA STEWART MAGAZINE EDITORS!!!! Maybe if I say Martha Stewart a few more times it will move me up to the top of the Martha Stewart search engines where they can find me. ;-) Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart....

With hugs and blessings to you all,
Nancy

Pink Pot of Hope - Guest Blogger - Basket Weaving - Basketry - Basket Making

Dear Friends,
A couple of days ago I came across this post by my fellow blogger and friend Juliana Deen. It was so touching to me because every older woman on both sides of my family has either passed away from breast cancer or is a survivor. My own mother is a survivor. I have even spoken to an oncologist about caring for myself because of this strong family history. The oncologist was very encouraging and said to me that awareness, monthly self exams and yearly mammograms are the best for early detection.
Please read through this post and I encourage you to get your pattern of Pink Pot of Hope through BasketWeavingSupplies.com The author of this pattern is Jennifer Rhodes.
I have spoken, through written word, to both Juliana and Jennifer. Juliana has agreed to let me use her post and Jennifer is very happy for us to get the word out about her basket pattern.
I've ordered my pattern and am anxious to weave the basket.
Thank you Julie for the use of your post and thank you Jenn for creating a basket pattern that is helping such a worthy cause.
With love and blessings,
Nancy

Nancy's added note: If you order just a pattern from BasketWeavingSupplies.com, their computer doesn't distinguish patterns only when it comes to s/h. You are initially charged $5, but they refunded me $3.

Pink Pot of Hope - by Juliana Deen - Deen Homestead Basketry

Last week I discovered three basket weaving groups on Facebook after becoming friends with Claudia Hopkins .

One of them, called "Addicted to Basket Weaving", is moderated by Jennifer Rhodes, of Basket Weaving Supplies.

It was there that I first saw her basket design called The Pink Pot of Hope.

It was not just the beauty of this basket that drew me in, but also the reason why Jennifer created this basket in the first place.

A client of hers who had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, asked Jennifer to design something that she could give as a gift to thank all of those who had helped her through that difficult time.

What I find so very touching is that this woman, who had gone through a terrible ordeal, was still thinking about others, and that she chose a BASKET as the gift of choice!

I am sure that Jennifer felt very honored by the request, and the pattern she came up with was surely a labor of love.

What is even MORE special is that you can purchase this pattern, and for every one sold, Jennifer will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Fund.

I'm sure that most of us know someone who has had breast cancer. As you know, our family recently lost a beautiful woman to this disease, and not too long ago, a high school classmate lost her battle with it at the age of 47. It seems that everyone you talk to has had their life touched in some way by breast cancer.

Jennifer's pattern has inspired me to want to do MY part in helping to defeat breast cancer.

I ordered my pattern this weekend, and am planning to make and sell these gorgeous baskets and donate a portion of my profit to breast cancer research.

Jennifer notes:

" The “honey pot” shape is significant because it seemed like a good place to store good things: thoughts, hopes, prayers, dreams, thanks, etc. "

I would like to encourage everyone to go over to BasketWeavingSupplies.com and purchase your pattern today.

What We're Working On Wednesdays and MckLinky

It's Wednesday today so that means it's "What We're Working On Wednesdays."


This gives us an opportunity to share with one another what we are creating. I am not limiting this to just basket weaving. It is open for you to share any craft or kitchen culinary creation or even any home decor project you have been working on this past week. It is intended to spark ideas with one another and to help us get to know others all around the blog world. We bloggers all want to know you are out there and to say hello to you! So please don't be shy and jump right on in. So What are you working on this week? I've posted my link!

Here's how:

1. Go to the specific blog post on your blog and click on the title of just that post. Then at the top of the page where it has the e-mail address that starts http://www/......... Just copy and paste that into MckLinky. This will take us directly to your blog post (not your blog home page) and we won't have to search through your blog to find the basket you want to show us. MckLinky is also going to ask you how you want to title your link.

2. Please mention and link to my blog on your blog. This is such a great way for others to know we are blogging and encourage your blogging friends to hop over here and participate. We all like to meet new friends! You may copy the picture above and paste it in your post or on your sidebar if you desire.

3. Remember this is a family friendly site. Any links to anything inappropriate will be deleted.

4. This list will close in one week.
I hope you all jump right in.

Nancy

Tip Technique Tuesday - Basket Embellishments - Basket Weaving - Basket Making

Dear Friends,

As I'm sure you've seen on many of my baskets, I like to adorn them with some type of embellishment. The holiday season is the PERFECT time to pick up some fun little things for your basket. Pictured above are two packages of tree ornaments that are made for miniature or small Christmas trees. They are great on the front of a basket. These ornaments can be tied and hung from a basket handle. You can wire them on or glue them to the basket.

Be on the lookout during the Christmas season for things that will give your basket that extra boost. As it gets closer to the season, ornaments like these will go on sale up to 40% or 50% off. If you're willing to wait until after Christmas, things may be picked over but you could save 75% or more. Keep in mind pretty ribbon to embellish your basket as you are shopping as well as tags. Some Christmas tags don't look too Christmasy (is that a word?) and these tags can be used year round. Another item I watch for are small floral picks. You can stick these picks into a basket and as the seasons change, pull them out and replace with something else. Raffia is another item that can be found year round, but at this time of year will be found in Christmas colors. Tying some raffia onto your basket gives it a beautiful country look.

What ways do you embellish your baskets?

Nancy

Basket Weaving Video - Basket Making - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the Braided Rim Part 2

In today's video I will get you started with creating the first step of your braided rim.

Enjoy and Happy Weaving,

Nancy

Inspired at Home Live Facebook Chat

Begins in about 5 minutes. See you there!
Nancy

Reminder Inspired at Home LIVE Tomorrow

You're Invited!

Inspired at Home LIVE!
Spotlight on Creativity
*Live webcam event on Facebook*

Monday November 16, 2009
10 am Eastern
Hosted by Tiffany Windsor

Live interviews. Live demos.
Live Q&A.

See you Monday morning on Facebook!
(10 am Eastern, 9 am Central, 8 am Mountain, 7 am Pacific)


Join Tiffany and her guests:

Maria Nerius
Arnold Grummer Papermaking

Ana Araujo
When Creativity Knocks

Heidi Borchers
Aleene's Vintage Crafting

Fran Valera
Little Windows
Brilliant Photo Jewelry

Alyson Dias
iLovetoCreate

Nancy Jacobs (That's Me)
Basketmaster's Weavings

Brenda Pinnick
Brenda Pinnick Color U


* * *
Inspired at Home LIVE is a unique, fun new way for the creative community within Facebook to connect, share and chat LIVE on webcam from anywhere in the world! It's about sharing ideas for a creative and inspired life. We share up-to-the-moment information, ideas and news in the craft and creative world. From product information to designer tips, new project ideas, creative news and more, this is the place to gather and share creativity - LIVE!

Share a Basket Sunday - Woven Indian Corn - Basket Weaving - Basket Making

I came up with this woven Indian corn after seeing a photo of it. I did mine all in 1/4" flat space dyed reed and then added raffia for the husks. I didn't put a rim on the corn, The ends are just tucked to the inside.

Have a very blessed Sunday,

Nancy

Testing A Basket Pattern - Basketry

The mountains I see taken from the arial tram. The world's longest tramway here in Albuquerque.

Today has been quiet.
I live on the west side of the mountains where it is cloudy, but I can see that it is raining/snowing at the top of the mountains. It is only a matter of time before we get snow. We actually did have snow at the end of October. It came down as a blizzard lasting a whole 10 minutes and then it was gone!

I've been testing a basket pattern for a new pattern writer. No photos though. I don't show photos of the basket until the pattern goes up for sale. It is a nice pattern and I plan to use it in my kitchen. Am I just teasing you since I won't show you? I'll just zip my lip. I do want to say though that I won't be testing any more patterns until after the holidays. Our schedule is filling up fast and I have many things I want to do. Tonight I plan to sew an apron. With luck, I'll show you that tomorrow. I'm also wanting to get out my Christmas dishes and start with the preliminary decorating. I've also been spending time menu planning. Seems there is always so much to do around the holidays I have to start early.
What are you doing this weekend?
Nancy

Friday Etsy Finds - Beautiful Baskets - Basketry

Snowman basket by Countryside Basketry

Handwoven Fabric Basket by Lazy Kate's Online

Mantel Basket by Baskets by Rose

Horsehair basket by Bazketmaker
Dear Friends,
Be sure to stop by Etsy and check out these amazing baskets made by other talented weavers.
Blessings,
Nancy

Basket Weaving Video, Basket Making - Mini Muffin Basket - Beginning the Braided Rim part1

Hi Friends,
In today's video we get started with our braided rim. Today we will be inserting the round reed into our twining in preparation to braid.
Happy Weaving,
Nancy

What We're Working On Wednesdays and MckLinky Basket Making Crafts

It's Wednesday today so that means it's "What We're Working On Wednesdays."


This gives us an opportunity to share with one another what we are creating. I am not limiting this to just basket weaving. It is open for you to share any craft or kitchen culinary creation or even any home decor project you have been working on this past week. It is intended to spark ideas with one another and to help us get to know others all around the blog world. We bloggers all want to know you are out there and to say hello to you! So please don't be shy and jump right on in. So What are you working on this week? I've posted my link!

Here's how:

1. Go to the specific blog post on your blog and click on the title of just that post. Then at the top of the page where it has the e-mail address that starts http://www/......... Just copy and paste that into MckLinky. This will take us directly to your blog post (not your blog home page) and we won't have to search through your blog to find the basket you want to show us. MckLinky is also going to ask you how you want to title your link.

2. Please mention and link to my blog on your blog. This is such a great way for others to know we are blogging and encourage your blogging friends to hop over here and participate. We all like to meet new friends! You may copy the picture above and paste it in your post or on your sidebar if you desire.

3. Remember this is a family friendly site. Any links to anything inappropriate will be deleted.

4. This list will close in one week.

I hope you all jump right in.

Nancy

Rubber Stamped Stone Coasters - a Video Tutorial - Crafts

Isn't this a fun project? We have been making loads of these for Christmas gifts all personalized for the receiver of the gift. They are just rubber stamped stone coasters. The step-by-step video on how to make them is below. It has been fun for me and easy for the kids to do. We Are That Family hosts a Works for me Wednesdays. This frugal and usefal idea really works for me. Be sure to stop over at We Are That Family for more Works for Me Wednesday ideas!

Here are four coasters in my Mini Muffin Basket along with a coffee mug full of tea.

This is a really fun and inexpensive craft. The rubber stamps I used were made in the 1990's but are still being sold. The company that makes them is River City Rubber Works.

I also wated to mention, that the Stazon ink I used comes in colors other than black which would be really neat to use. I wish I would have had brown Stazon ink for the baskets.

The tiles from Lows are located in the tile department. They are the 4" non-glazed ones and are just like the stone coasters you get at the store except these were only .28 each.

Enjoy!

Nancy

Blog Award!

It is so cool to receive these blog awards that float around the internet. It's like a nice pat on the back and I love knowing people are enjoying what I write.
So thanks to Jen from Following the Footsteps who was so kind to give me this blog award.

The rules of this award are as follows:

1) Thank the person who gave the award and list their blog and link it.

2) Share "10 Honest Things" about yourself.

3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.

4) Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.

Here are my 10 honest things:

1. I have to follow a schedule every day. If I don't, my whole day is thrown off and things don't get accomplished.
2. I seriously love KFC coleslaw.
3. I'm a recipe tester for Cooks Illustrated Magazine.
4. I love Disney World and want to live there.
5. I love to travel anywhere and everywhere (except where it is really cold)
6. My most favorite weekends are spent camping in our pop-up camper. (just get me outdoors)
7. You know how computer challenged I am....But my goal in 2010 is to build my own website.
8. My mother taught me to craft and sew I was a young child and my first crafts were embroidery, plaster of paris crafting and wheat weaving.
9. After every meal I have to eat something sweet, a piece of candy. (it's a horrible habbit)
10. I've never smoked a cigarette. Never even tried a puff.

Here are my 7 blogs I'd like to pass this award on to:
Jen at Tatertots and Jello
Sue at Sue's Cricut and Crafts
Kim at Today's Creative Blog
Carmen at Waxed Out Creative Life
Willowlady at Things You Might Like to Know About
Jody at Primgal's Primitive Palette
Pamela at Catching the Moon

Old Farmhouse Gathering Give Away - Baskets - Crafts - Primitive

The Old Farmhouse Gathering is having another great giveaway worth over $120. See that beautiful handwoven basket in the middle? They are filling it up full of adorable primitive goodies. The basket is woven by Rose Clawson. Rose also has an Etsy shop HERE. Hop on over to the Old Farmhouse Gathering and leave a comment for a chance to win this basket of adorableness. (is that a word?)

Blessings,

Nancy

Free e-book The Old Schoolhouse Digital Holiday Supplement - Crafts

Link and photo complements of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

For those of you familiar with The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, you know what a great Christian magazine this is for kids, moms, homeschoolers, families etc. They have published a free online e-book. It is 175 pages of beautiful crafts, recipes, songs, learning activities and more.

I looked through my copy and I'm in awe at the crafts and recipes listed in it. I suppose I could print it out (that would be a lot of printing though) because it is truly a beautiful magazine. Clicking on the picture should take you to it, but in case it doesn't, click HERE. I promise you won't be disappointed. There's no basket patterns in it, but there is quilting, beeswax candles, making your own butter and so much more. It is chuck full of homespun crafts recipes and ideas.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is asking that the word be spread about their free e-book. With so much garbage that is out there to read these days I am happy to spread the word when it comes to Christian living.

Have a blessed week,

Nancy

Share A Basket Sunday - Special Guest Weaver Cathy Basket Making - Basketry

Dear Friends,

Cathy is a new weaver and she has shared with me the second basket that she has ever woven.

It's beautiful Cathy and I'm cheering and applauding you for your great work.

Thank you so much for letting me share this photo with everyone. We are all happy you're learning to weave. One more thing, Cathy says that she is unsure of the color of stain but that it is Minwax. I think it is such a pretty rich color.

Have a blessed Sunday,

Nancy

Inspired at Home and Facebook and a Favor Please

Do you know about Aleene's Tacky Glue? It's been on the market some time now and it is some good glue.

Do you remember the television show Aleene's Creative Living? I think it was on around the time I was in college or shortly thereafter. Aleene would have her daughter's Candace, Heidi and Tiffany on the show. I used to watch every episode.


Photo from Inspired at Home

Tiffany Windsor, Aleene's daughter, has a website and a podcast called Inspired at Home.

Tiffany has contacted me and wants me to be on a LIVE Facebook show to speak about my design process with dying the reed that I did HERE and basket weaving.

Here is the favor I'm asking of you. I have been reluctant to start a Facebook account, I don't have a MySpace account. Other than blogging, I'm not on social websites. Well....I did open a Facebook account and would like to invite you to be my FRIEND. Please. I don't want to do this live chat and not have any friends! When you are on Facebook you can search for me through my e-mail address. It is basketmaster_nancy@yahoo.com I'll be your friend too.

The live chat is Nov. 16th at 10:00 ET. You can read more about it at Inspired at Home. I will be using my webcam and there will be other craft designers on the show as well. Save the date!

A little about the Inspired at Home podcast. You can subscribe to it through iTunes. I enjoy listening to it each week and it comes out on Sundays. Oh, you can also listen to it live on your computer, but I download it and listen to it later in the week. It is a 90 minute show. Tiffany has her sisters Candace and Heidi on the show as well as her mother Aleene. It has been interesting to listen to Aleene speak about her history in the crafting world. She also has other regulars and one or two guests each week. The talk about crafts, herbal living, crafting and decorating trends among other things. It is a fun 90 minute show.
So save the date and please be my Facebook Friend.

Have a wonderful weekend and one quick update with Emily. The MRI came back just fine. Praise God for that! Emily is still in pain though and she has had extensive blood work done this week that we are waiting on the results. She will be seeing a rheumatologist in the near future. We continue to appreciate your good thoughts and prayers with this while we figure out what is going on.

Hugs and blessings to you all,

Nancy

Feature a Friend Friday - Sue Morello with Sheldon Farm Baskets, Basket Making, Basketry

All photos courtesy of Sheldon Farm Baskets

Dear Friends,

I would like to introduce you to basket weaver Sue Morello from Sheldon Farm Baskets in Barre, Massachusetts. Sue has been weaving for over 20 years. She is a retired elementary school teacher and has taught basket weaving in the past. Now she has a brand new online store that just launched where she is selling her beautiful baskets.

Sue makes a shaker style basket and uses ash in her weaving. Many of her baskets have painted decorative embellishments. It is Sue's dear friend who does the painting and they collaborate together to make these great pieces.

I also have to take a moment to mention their beautiful farm where the weaving is done. Take a look at their home. It sets on 75 luscious acres that include a pond, a peach orchard and acres of raspberries. (Can I come for a visit please?)

Please pop on over to Sheldon Farm Baskets and take a look around. Remember Christmas is coming up and these would make some perfect gifts.

Enjoy!

Nancy

Basket Weaving Video, Basket Making - Mini Muffin Basket - Twining the top

Ooooo....It's just after Halloween and I have my scary face on! ; - )

In this video we twine the top to prepare for our braided rim.

Don't forget to post your projects for the week HERE. We want to know what you are working on!

Happy Weaving,

Nancy

What We're Working On Wednesdays and MckLinky

From now through Christmas I will be having a new feature on my blog every Wednesday titled "What We're Working On Wednesdays."
This gives us an opportunity to share with one another what we are creating. I am not limiting this to just basket weaving. It is open for you to share any craft or kitchen culinary creation or even any home decor project you have been working on this past week. It is intended to spark ideas with one another and to help us get to know others all around the blog world. We bloggers all want to know you are out there and to say hello to you! So please don't be shy and jump right on in. So What are you working on this week? I've posted my link!


Here's how:

1. Go to the specific blog post on your blog and click on the title of just that post. Then at the top of the page where it has the e-mail address that starts http://www/......... Just copy and paste that into MckLinky. This will take us directly to your blog post (not your blog home page) and we won't have to search through your blog to find the basket you want to show us. MckLinky is also going to ask you how you want to title your link.
2. Please mention and link to my blog on your blog. This is such a great way for others to know we are blogging and encourage your blogging friends to hop over here and participate. We all like to meet new friends! You may copy the picture above and paste it in your post or on your sidebar if you desire.

3. Remember this is a family friendly site. Any links to anything inappropriate will be deleted.
4. This list will close in one week.
I hope you all jump right in.
Nancy

What I'm Working On Wednesdays - Woven Santa Boot, Basket Making, Basket Weaving

My Santa boot. I love my Stanta boot!

I really enjoyed weaving this. It is woven on a wooden elliptical base. The author of this pattern is Julie Deen and I was privileged to test the pattern for her. I know the pattern is for sale on her website, Deen Homestead Basketry, as well as through other basket weaving suppliers. I'm going to get some long candy canes and put them in my boot and set it by my front door! One more thing, I wish the photo showed it better, before weaving the red laces in, I sprayed the boot with gold glitter spray. It just sparkles in person!

What are you working on this week?

Blessings,

Nancy

Party Favor Basket Pattern, FaveCrafts Feature, and getting ready for Christmas

Photo from Figi's Gifts in Good Taste

Dear Friends,

I've been blogging over at FaveCrafts and you can read about it HERE.

With all the great colors of reed I created from using the tie-dye kit, I made some sweet little party favor baskets. I have the pattern to one of them available for you to copy over at FaveCrafts. You can link to it HERE.

Did you know, it is only 52 days until Christmas. Time is ticking away. Have you been making your list and checking it twice? Have you been thinking about what you will be making in the way of crafts? What will you be cooking? Kind of makes your head spin doesn't it? Coming up over the next two months, my blog will have some inspiring and creative baskets and crafts that you can do before Christmas. Just looking at the photo above makes me inspired to get out my recipe books and start planning. If you don't care to cook and are looking for some unique gifts, pop over to Figi's Gifts in Good Taste and you will find your holiday cooking just got a whole lot easier. They have some wonderful food.
Start planning now what baskets you will be weaving for those on your list and what you will be putting in those baskets. Keep your eyes open for things you will be needing that are on sale now. Do you need more reed or handles. Again, think about that now before your supply runs out. What are you doing now to get ready for the holidays? I'm starting my notebook with my lists!
Have a wonderful day.
Nancy

Basket Weaving Video - Mini Muffin Basket - Weaving the Sides

In today's video I will be weaving up the sides of the basket.
Remember those clothespins are your extra hands so use plenty of them for the first couple of rows.  Also remember to keep each row packed down tightly.
Hope you are weaving along with me!
Blessings,
Nancy

Who Let The Blogs Out?

Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof......

This is my new read. "Who Let the Blogs Out?" by Biz Stone. This book was published in 2004 and I found it at our library. It goes into more depth about blogging and is not geared to the creative blogger, but just blogging in general. Because it was not directed at the creative blogger I skimmed over some of the book. There were some very interesting chapters though, such as: Geeking Out Starting a Blog and Playing with HTML, Blogging in Business, and Living in the Blogosphere. I'm learning, I'm learning, I'm learning. If you want more in depth knowledge about blogging and a history of blogging, you'd like this book then.

Blessings,

Nancy

NaBloPoMo

NaBloPoMo starts today. It is a commitment to blog once a day for a month. That's it! It's a way for others to learn about you and for you to learn about others. I can do this for a month. If you'd like to join in, you may HERE. I'll be putting up my first official post shortly.
Nancy