A note to Shirley from Maine and other readers

Dear Shirley and all my friends,
Shirley, I received an e-mail from you asking about a twill utensil basket and I'd be very happy to contact you back with the information you are looking for.  Unfortunately, I don't have any way to reach you.  When your comment came to me it says noreplycomment@blogger.com.  When I click on your blogger user name, there is no blog or contact information set up. 

Please Shirley, and all my friends who read this, send me an e-mail and I'm very happy to get back to you and answer questions.  Shirley, I'm sorry I'm picking on you here ;-)  You are not the first person to do this as it happens from time to time so I thought I better address this issue.

I love you all and want to assist you in your basket weaving ventures all I can.  My e-mail is basketmaster_nancy@yahoo.com


Hugs and Blessings to you all!
Nancy

Two Challenges for 2012 and some Emily Pictures

The Day Each Year I Dread

Yes, that's my hubby up there!!!

I'm sure many women beg their husbands to get on the ladder and hang the Christmas lights.  Every year I tell Mike we can just decorate the lower half of  the house.  Mike says we aren't in the Christmas spirit if we don't decorate.  I only say not to hang the lights once (each year) after that I bite my tongue because this is important to him. 

I love you honey and I appreciate all you do for the family!

Now you are all probably wondering why I'm not holding the ladder for him!  I snapped a quick picture and got right back to bracing the ladder.

How do you decorate for the holidays?  Do you put up lots of lights?  Do you hang them from the top of a two story house?

Blessings,
Nancy

Finish What I Start

I have decided to make my mantra for 2012 "Finish What I Start."  I have so many unfinished projects.  Not finishing projects is not making me a happy camper and it does NOT glorify God.

I'm so good about getting big ideas and being excited about them, then I lose my enthusiasm and it never gets to completion.

This leads to clutter, unnecessary spending, guilt over having spent time and money to get things started, which in turn leads to feelings of low self-esteem because I feel poorly about myself.  I also feel overwhelmed. 

I see so many unfinished projects I don't know where to start.  I feel like people in the TV shows "Clean House" and "Hoarders" who have so much stuff they can't even start cleaning their homes.  They are too overwhelmed to even know where to begin.  I feel like that because I'm being pulled in so many different directions to this project or that project.  Then a great idea hits and I want to start yet another project.  "Oh this new project will be different," I tell myself.  When I finish this latest project it will bring me happiness and fulfillment.  This project needs to be started and it will make me better in some way.  (I'm going to say right now that in no way does my home look like a home of a hoarder, but I have the same feelings of overwhelm that they feel.)  You know, right now I'm looking at my Christmas tree.  It is beautifully decorated except it is missing one thing, the star at the top.  We decorated the tree before we left for Thanksgiving.  I wanted the house to be done when we returned.  I just ran out of time and the star was in another box and I just haven't made the time to dig it out and put it on.  It's just lots of little stuff like that.  Sometimes though it is big things like huge craft projects.  It's just too many things that just aren't done.  Ugh!

Why do I stop working on the project?  Good question.  Sometimes I get bored.  Sometimes the project seems too big and daunting.  Sometimes other commitments pull me away from it and then I lose interest.  Sometimes the prep work is overwhelming like the area is cluttered.  It is easier to walk away.  Sometimes I lose something necessary to complete the project. 

You know, many projects could probably be finished in a day or less if I put my mind to it.

You know what else?  God loves me anyway, just who I am.  It is me who doesn't love myself so much when I think about these failed attempts.

So I focus on NOW, not even waiting for 2012 to concentrate on my motto of finish what I start.  I will look at each project I come across.  If I need to finish it, I will take steps necessary to do so.  If its not necessary and I have no desire, I will get rid of it.  My goal is to finish two projects for every one I start.  To say I won't start any new projects until I finish what I already have would be unrealistic.

I'm also going to try and record my accomplishments.  I'll try to finish my daily tasks before doing other things like the computer.

Thank you God for helping me do this. 

Dear God, through your divine grace and mercy, help me be highly successful in my projects and that throughout doing them and upon their completion you are glorified.  ~Amen~

Thanksgiving in Kansas

Hi Friends,We are back home in New Mexcio after our visit to my parents in Kansas.  It was a nice but very short trip.  We celebrated an early Christmas with my side of the family.  For my new readers, here is who is in the picture.  Front row, our Emily, age 16, who I talk about all the time, my mom, our son Timothy who is now 14.  Back row, our oldest Katie who is 18 and my dad.  Mike and I are behind the camera.

What a blessing it is to have family.  My parents are in their mid 80's now.  My mom is a breast cancer survivor and my dad has finished chemo for prostate cancer.  His hair is so thin and gray now and since the chemo it has come back in with some curl.  Funny how things related to health change our hair.  With every pregnancy of mine, my hair got curlier!

I love my family soooo much!  We enjoyed your traditional turkey dinner with all the fixins.  On Friday I took mom shopping after lunch.  After the crazy black Friday crowds had died down and helped her get her Christmas shopping done.  Then yesterday we had an uneventful car ride home.  Katie drove the entire 10 hours home!  She wanted to!!  I pulled out my laptop and organized my photos on it as well as an enormous accumulation of documents I'd created over the years.

Today is quiet.  We'll be going to church in about an hour and I am going to make a menu plan and grocery list for the next couple of weeks.

I hope you all had a truly blessed Thanksgiving.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm thankful for each of YOU!

This is just a pretty picture I took from the car during our ride home.  It was taken in New Mexico as the sun was setting.  This week I had time to reflect and think about goals and what I want for 2012.  One of the things I'd like is to become a better photographer and to document more of my life.

Baskets of blessings,

Nancy

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Friends,
I am thankful for YOU!  As I bowed my head today in thanks, I am so grateful to our God for you and I treasure you with my heart.  You are loved both by Him and by me.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Nancy

Free Basket Pattern

Oh Friends, Have you seen the latest sweet pattern from Baskets of Joy?  It is an adorable little pocket basket.  I LOVE making these.  They weave up so quick and easy and it uses one of my favorite embellishments, a basket buckle  CUTE!  The pattern can be found HERE.  Baskets of Joy is offering the kit for this cutie for only $11.95 and that can be found HERE.  I've woven little pocket baskets like this one for teacher gifts.  They are a great size for those little list note pads.

Are you weaving baskets as Christmas gifts this year?  I'd love to hear what you are weaving.

Blessings,

Nancy

ps.  More quick prayers for Emily please.  Now on top of everything else she has gotten strep throat.  She is a sad and discouraged little girl.   :-(

Fall

The Albuquerque balloon fiesta is over.

The colors of leaves are just beautiful, especially along the Rio Grande.  (Our Rio Grande really isn't too Grande, more on the small side if you ask me.)

So it's time to get in gear for the holidays.  That's what's on my mind these days.  I've been busy making lists, cooking and my sewing machine has been going every day. 

I STILL have a few tomatoes, mostly green ones, on my plants!  I'm going to go out and pick the very last of them this morning because it is supposed to freeze tonight. 

I ran across this recipe for Green Tomato Relish from Allrecipes.com.  It is  5 star review with almost 100 reviews so I'm anxious to try it and will work on it tomorrow after church.

I had bought some pumpkins for Halloween and the kids never got around to carving them.  Guess my babies are growing up as they were all busy and didn't have the interest this year.  So yesterday I spent my day cooking these big suckers and getting the meat out and froze it.  I used THESE directions for cooking and freezing my pumpkin.  We will have enough pumpkin for any recipe I want to make throughout the year!

Today is certainly colder and very cloudy with a little rain this morning.  I have to pick up some contacts for Katie, pick those remaining tomatoes and then spend the rest of the afternoon inside where it is warm.  A cup of hot tea and a good book sound wonderful.  I finish off tonight by having a Scentsy party.  A great day!

So Happy Fall ya'll and stay warm!

Blessings,

Nancy

Emily Update

Dear Friends,
This picture was taken 6 weeks ago.  Emily was so happy to be selected for the high school dance team.  The tryouts were back last May.  In this picture she was in pain.  Over the last two weeks she has spent much time in bed and there are few days she can make it to school.  She has constant pain throughout her body and sleeps most of the day.  For those of you new to my blog Emily, our 16 year old daughter, has been suffering from Lyme's disease. 

It has been over 27 months since we have been dealing with this and things just seem to continue to get slowly worse.  (Maybe things are actually getting better, but it sure feels worse right now.)  It was last May when she started getting treatment for her Lymes.  For such a long time we didn't even know what it her mysterious illness was.  We've had good days and bad days throughout, but the bad days have become really bad days and are the norm.  I was hesitant about her trying out for the dance team, but I said nothing as I wanted her to be like the other kids and have the opportunity to do the fun things that girls her age get to do.  The doctors all say that it is important for her to keep exercising as well.

We were back to see her Lyme disease doctor a few weeks ago.  We see a specialist out of state for this and it was our second visit to him.  Lyme just seems to be like a game, some sort of a sick game where the bugs play hide and seek in a person's body trying to do their best to evade antibiotics.  Emily's medication changes monthly and I know it's hard on her body.  They, the doctors, say that because she is feeling so poorly that is actually a good sign as it means the Lyme bugs are dying off.  As those bugs dye they release a toxin in her body that causes the increased pain and fatigue.  Still, it has me second guessing myself every move I make with her.  She's got a box of prescriptions for this or that regarding her Lyme and pain pills don't seem to touch it.  Emily is so over all this pain, we all are.  It has been extremely discouraging lately.  Even though the increase in pain is supposedly a good sign, to be in such all over constant pain has led to some incredible depression and frustration.  There are many days Emily doesn't want to continue this life.  Still, as hard as this is, I give God thanks as I have to put my total faith that He is working behind the scenes and we will see evidence of this soon.  What else can I do?

We've gotten Emily on a plan at school that allows kids to miss days due to medical conditions.  In the past two weeks she has only been in school two days each week and since school started this fall she has never made it all five days each week.  I don't know how she can keep up.  That gives me stress, but I guess I just need to forget about that right now.  Education can always come later or with summer school, or whatever if needed.

So please, I sound like a broken record here, but continued prayers for Emily.  Pray that the pain leaves her body.  Pray for ultimate and complete healing.  Pray that she can fight the depression she is feeling and not take matters into her own hands and do something stupid.  Pray that each medication choice is the right one for her and pray for her doctor and his staff.  Also, pray for our other kids, Katie 18 and Timothy 14.  We do our best to spend quality time with them but they often get the shaft because of Emily's needs.  They understand, but it's hard on them too.  I think that's all.  Thanks friends.  I love you.

Nancy

ps.  Sometimes in the back of my mind I think that God is preparing Emily for something really great.  I picture her at an older age speaking to other children in pain with empathy in that she knows what they are going through.  I even picture Emily finally understanding why she had to go through what she is dealing with now and thanking God for it so that she was able to gain the knowledge and understanding to help others.  I guess this image helps me deal with it all.  I can't wait for the day that I can write you all a praise report.

A Work of Art

We might feel as meaningless as this blank canvas.  We might feel like we are a mess as with this painter.  But God is continually shaping, molding and creating us.  The video is only 2 minutes.  I hope you will take a moment to watch and remember that we are a work of art in God's hands.
I love this!
Blessings,
Nancy

Woven Sunflower - Check out the Petals!

This morning I was bouncing around from blog to blog.  You know how that is when you click on a link and it leads you somewhere and from there you see something of interest that leads you elsewhere.  Well, that is what happened this morning and I ran across a blog called My Great Finds.  Linda, the blog owner found this woven sunflower at a thrift store.  I thought it was neat.  The petals are made from coconut shells!  I can't quite tell about the rest of it though.  Looks like the center is made of twine or a cord but I'm not sure.  Anyway, I thought it was inspiring to incorporate coconut shells into a piece like this.  Can't you just imagine a free form basket that has some coconut shells added for interest? 

Hope you are all enjoying your fall.  We are gathering the last of our tomatoes over this next week.  The leaves on the trees are turning just beautiful right now.  God's paintbrush is in full swing with yellows, oranges, and reds.  I love the colors, but it means that winter is just around the corner.  (yuck).

Have a blessed weekend everyone,

Nancy

How to Use a Basket Buckle

Hi Friends,
I wove the basket above and included this sweet snowman basket buckle.  The basket buckle is ceramic and has two holes that the damp reed slides through.

In my e-mail yesterday I got a sale ad from BasketWeavingSupplies.com.  In the ad was this super cute basket for Halloween with a bat basket buckle.  It's called "Bucket of Treats".

BasketWeavingSupplies.com is selling this as a kit for $26.95 and it includes the bat as well as the black leather handles.  Take a look at the double spokes above the orange where they have layered the black.  This is just a fun basket to weave.

Let me give you a tip here should you get the kit or make one on your own.  When working with dark colors, and you can't get any darker than black, be sure to run that reed through an old towel.  Also take a close look at it.  The black reed is not bent, you know like upsetting the spokes.  Since it is not bent, there is no need to really soak it, just get the black reed lightly damp and you will be fine!

Have fun friends.  Many basket weaving places sell basket buckles which make a fun element on any basket.  Be inspired!

Baskets of Blessings,
Nancy

Scentsy's Holiday Catalog

Hi Friends,
I know I'm showing a lot of Scentsy stuff lately.   I never want to be pushy about this (or anything) but when I am excited about something, I love to share it! People have been telling me to share Scentsy products and opportunity with you all more, so I'm really trying to NOT come across as being too forward.  I would like to show you the great new things Scentsy has come out with for the holidays.  If you are considering some Scentsy items, warmers with wonderful holiday fragrances and the sweet buddies for children, for the holidays, would you please consider getting them from my Scentsy site.  It is truly a blessing to me and my family and I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate YOU. 
Could I ask one more favor of you please....If you know of someone looking for Scentsy, would you please direct them to my site as well.
Thank you so very much.
Love and Blessings,
Nancy

Scentsy's Fall Winter 2011 Catalog

My Scentsy Business

Hi Friends,
A reminder that things are 10% off in the Spring and Summer catalog until August 31st.  Scentsy is also changing their policy for those of you who would like to join.  There is no longer the $150 every three month minimum!!!  This is great for those of you who would like the product but do not want to do this as a business!
Should you choose to do this, I am here to help you every step of the way.  Just send me an e-mail and I'll be more than happy to answer any of your questions.  Should you choose to do Scentsy as a part-time or full-time business, I'm here for you too with business support.  You can take Scentsy from as little to as much as you want and what works for you and your family!
Thank you all for your support in ordering Scentsy product from my website or joining my team.
Hugs and Blessings,
Nancy
PS.  Scentsy is available for those of you in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, United Kingdom and Germany!

Heads Up on a Reed Sale!

Hi Friends,

I want to give you a heads-up on a reed sale that starts tomorrow over at Arnie's Arts and Crafts which is part of Basketpatterns.com.  You all know I like Basketpatterns.com and the price is right!  In the e-mail I received from them it states the sale starts tomorrow and runs August 16th - 31st.  It makes their reed prices $4.99 for PLB and $5.49 for Weavemaster.  I'm not affiliated with Basketpatterns.com, but you know I shop there and have always received consistently great service through them.

Thought you all might like to know so you could stock up and do lots of weaving in the upcoming cold winter months.

Happy Weaving!

Nancy 

PS  Be sure to get on their mailing list if you aren't already.

Nancy Shares

Hi Friends,
I'm letting you know of a new series of videos that I'll be making. Since they are not basket weaving related, I won't be posting them here. You can find them either on my YouTube channel or on my other blog How To Homemaker.

I just feel that this is the direction that God is taking my life at this time.

God Bless,
Nancy

Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 4th of July. I hope you are spending it with family and doing some fun activities. I saw a basket similar to this on in a magazine one time and thought, I could make that. The blue is Rit dye royal blue and the red is Rit dye cardinal. The stars are wooden from the craft store and the handles are 1 1/2" wooden beads. They are leftover from my days of doing macrame. A small piece of 11/64" flat blue is threaded through each bead and then is incorporated into the rim as I did the lashing. The stars are glued onto the reed. What you cannot see is the seagrass that is used as a rim filler is also dyed red.

Remember, whenever you want to add wooden objects like my beads and stars shown here, you can also dye those if you desire. Just throw them in the dye pot as you dye your reed and it is a fun way to personalize any project.

Enjoy the fireworks tonight!

Baskets of Blessings,

Nancy

What is a Mug Rug? Let Me Show You!

Hi Friends,
Have you seen these little cuties floating around the internet lately?  I love these things!  They are called a mug rug.  What is a mug rug you ask?  A mug rug is like a mini quilt that is somewhere in size between a coaster and a place mat.  Most I've seen are rectangular in shape but I've seen heart shaped and flower shaped ones as well.  They are made to set your beverage on as well as a crumbly baked good.  You are encouraged to eat off these sweet mats!  I think this is just a nice little touch as I sit quitely with my coffee and spend time with our Lord.

If you are a scrapbooker, you probably know what ATC's are.  IMHO, this is the ATC in the sewing world except sizes vary unlike the ATC's.  These mug rugs are embellished lavishly and traded in sewing and quilting circles.  One of the best parts is that they use your scraps!  I'm going to encourage you to google mug rugs and you will see the beautiful work quilters have done in making these.  Some are true mini works of art!

Let me tell you how I made my mug rug.

I found my favorite size to be 5 1/2" x 11".  I like this size where the length is double from the height.  The binding you see around the edge is the backing of my mug rug just wrapped around to the front.  You could finish the edge in bias tape or with another binding, but I find it is super easy to just wrap the backing around to the front side, fold it under so there is no raw edge, and stitch.  There is a piece of batting 5 1/2" x 11" sandwiched between the front and back.

I made my mug rug just last night and it took about an hour.  The only real embellishing I did is I stitched this little phrase with my sewing machine.

Here is the back side of my mug rug.  I cut the backing one inch wider than the mug rug so that I could wrap it around to the front and fold under my raw edges. 

So my top fabric I did first and pieced the pieces together and then squared it up to a size of 5 1/2" x 11".  I cut a piece of batting 5 1/2" x 11".  I cut the backing 7 1/2" x 13".

Here was my first attempt at making a mug rug.  This was leftover fabric from my son's curtains that I sewed several years ago.  The fabric is printed to have this pieced look to it.  This mug rug happens to be 5" x 10".  That is when I decided I wanted my next one to be just a bit larger.  This will be great for his room though. 

Have you tried to make one of these?  Send me a picture if you have.  What else are you sewing, weaving or crafting these days?  I'd love to hear!

Blessings,

Nancy

Enjoying a Windowsill Herb Garden

(Photo from Mega Gardening Articles)

Here's a tip:  Weave your basket around a cottage cheese container and then use the cottage cheese container to grow your indoor herbs.  I always have plants and herbs growing on my kitchen windowsill.  How about you?

Have a blessed Sunday,
Nancy

Finishes for a Basket - A Reader Question

Dear Friends,
A sweet reader has asked me the following question.

I see that you like to use Minwax yellow can for staining. Do you also use some kind of protective coating - either after staining or instead of staining? I've heard a weaver should treat their reed baskets. Is there a good product other than those specifically for baskets (which I would have to order).

Here is my answer:
I only use Minwax stain in the yellow can either spray or liquid. I have in the past used Weaver’s spray stain which worked quite nice but I had to order it. Minwax is just readily available and there are so many colors to choose from.

I personally do NOT put on any type of protective coating at all on my baskets after they are woven. I think some of the coatings that you mentioned make the basket hard and brittle. (she had mentioned using polycrylic, acrylic, polyurethane in her letter to me)  I’m not saying this is wrong, but I just don’t like it. I’ve tried other stains that have a finish to them, perhaps kind of a shellac type finish. I tried it and said never again. My basket was sticky for weeks.  I guess it is a personal preference thing, but I'm just happy with my good ol' Minwax and that's it.

So dear readers.....What do YOU do?  Do you put a finish on your baskets?  Please leave a comment and let us know.

Happy Weaving everyone.  I hope the weather is treating you all well in your neck of the woods.  We are fine here in New Mexico but the smoke from the Arizona fires is something else.  For my readers who are close to the fires, please know you are in my prayers.  Also for my dear readers who have been dealing with all the tornadoes and crazy weather, know I'm praying for you too.
Blessings,
Nancy

Wool Drying Basket

Hi Everyone,
I am a fan of baskets with feet, so I think this wool drying basket is just beautiful!  W.H. Baskets has the pattern for FREE on their site, but it is only available for this month.  Grab it now!  Wanda, this is another beautiful basket!  Thanks for another great pattern!!!

At the end of the month the pattern goes up for sale so you can get it later, but getting it now is your best opportunity.  I've had requests from some of you to send the pattern after it is no longer for free.  Sorry gang, but I just can't do that.  These businesses that I showcase here have to put food on the table for their families.  It is kind and generous that they offer the patterns for free for the month.  I try to give you a heads-up to grab the pattern while you can, but that is the best I can do.  If you miss it, just order the pattern from them.  It is a way of saying thanks for all they are doing.

On another note...  Mike and I had a wonderful day yesterday celebrating our 23rd anniversary.  He took me to Chic-Fil-A for breakfast!  What a sweetie!  We had a business party at the house last night as one of his colleagues was changing divisions within the company.  Tonight after church we will go out for a nice dinner and really celebrate.  Best thing about having a party at the house is now the house is fully clean!  Today I can just rest and relax.

Hugs everyone and have a blessed Sunday.
I love you guys.
Nancy

A Little Basket Help For a Dear Reader Please

Dear Friends,
A sweet reader, Libby, wrote to me with pictures of a basket she is working on and is in need of help.  I've received her permission to post her pictures here on the blog.

To make a long story short, I rescued a misfit basket from a dumpster at work.  It was just a cheap basket with a broken rim and the handle off.  The basket bottom was good so I have remade it from the bottom up but I'm having trouble getting my rim on.  It has round spokes and they are short and I can't seem to get them all in my rim.  I think I may can glue them once I get them all in and get my wrapping finished.  Any suggestions?  I am sending pictures but it really doesn't show my problem.  I think I really don't have anything to attach my rim too.  Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

I've responded to her with first off, how cool to rescue an orphan basket from its untimely demise!  Now my suggestions to here were 1.  Make the basket shorter and 2.  Insert round reed spokes next to the existing ones so there is more to work with when dealing with the rim. 

What other ideas do you have that could help Libby?  All suggestions are welcome!  When more people look at a situation the more alternatives we can get and Libby will have more to choose from and can make a decision that will work best for her.

Thanks everyone!
Blessings and happy weaving,
Nancy

Free Jelly Jar Basket Pattern

Hi Friends,
It is a new month so I want to direct you to a new free pattern on the web.  W. H. Baskets has a free pattern for a jelly jar basket.  Very sweet!  This is a beginner level basket so for you new weavers this is a perfect one to get started with.  I also like how they have shown the different embellishments so how it can easily be adapted for different seasons.
Be sure to pop over there and print off your pattern sometime this month.
Happy Weaving,
Nancy

Some Lighthearted Funnies

Hi Friends,
This came to my in-box and gave me quite a laugh.  You know I teach religion to first graders.  I have to add one of my own here.  When all the grades were called into an assembly, our nun who runs the education department in our church asked a question to the kids.  The answer was the Holy Trinity.  One of the second graders answered with the Holy Mackerel.  I had to turn away so no one would see me giggle.
I hope these put a smile on your face.
Blessings,
Nancy

A Nun Grading Papers


CAN YOU IMAGINE THE NUN SITTING AT HER DESK GRADING THESE PAPERS, ALL THE WHILE TRYING TO KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE AND MAINTAIN HER COMPOSURE!
PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WORDING AND SPELLING. IF YOU KNOW THE BIBLE EVEN A LITTLE, YOU'LL FIND THIS HILARIOUS! IT COMES FROM A CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEST.

KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING 25 STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED.

INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.

1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.

2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.

3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.

4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.

5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.

6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.

7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD, WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.

8. THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE COMMANDMENTS.
9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.

11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.

12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.

13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.

14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.

15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.

16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.

17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION.

18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.

19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.

20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.

21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.

22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.

23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.

24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY, WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.

25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

Happy Mother's Day

Free Williamsburg Pansy Basket Pattern

Hi Friends,
Baskets of Joy has a free pattern for this sweet Williamsburg Pansy basket.  It is available until the end of the month so grab it quick.  You can also purchase the kit through them for $19.95.

The reason it is called a Williamsburg basket is because of the shape of the handle that is used to make it.  Take a look.

This is a Williamsburg handle.  It has a very distinct shape where it is wider at the opening of the basket and tapers down at the base.

What a pretty basket for spring!

Happy Weaving,

Nancy

Where I Buy Basket Weaving Supplies

Hi Friends,
I get asked several times each month where I buy my basket weaving supplies.  I have my favorite places, like many of you do as well.  Leave a comment and let us know where you shop at and why you like them.  It will help our fellow weavers.
Thanks and happy weaving!
Nancy
Ps.  My own personal favorites are Gratiot Lake Basketry and Basket Patterns.

Free Lazy Susan Basket Pattern

Hi Friends,

Over at W. H. Baskets you can print off the Lazy Susan Basket Pattern.  I am so excited about this pattern because it is getting close to summer.  We've already eaten out once on our back patio and this basket would be perfect for the patio table.  It will hold the ketchup, mustard, relish and other condaments making it easy for everyone around the table to reach them.

Wanda over at W. H. Baskets sells the lazy susan base for $15. 

This free basket pattern is only available till the end of April so you just have a few days to grab it!  Super cute and practical.   I'm lovin' this basket.

Blessings and Happy Weaving,
Nancy

Easter Blessings

He didn't have to do it, but I'm so thankful that He did.
He did it for me and He did it for each and everyone of you. He loves you... always.

May you all have a very blessed day today.
Love,
Nancy

I'll Send You a Free Sample of Amber Road Fragrance

Hi Friends,
You know I started selling Scentsy last year.  I made a little video to share with you.
Yesterday afternoon I received the May Scentsy warmer and scent of the month.
I'll be happy to send you a free sample of the newest scent "Amber Road".  Amber Road is available for purchase starting May 1st.  During the month of may, all Amber Road products and the new Magellan warmer are 10% off.  Send me an e-mail to basketmaster_nancy@yahoo.com with your mailing address and I'll get your sample right out. 
Thanks and Blessings,
Nancy

2 Prayer Requests

Good Morning Friends,

Would you please add these two prayers to your list today.

The first is for my father.  He is now on chemo for his prostate cancer and is having a hard time with it.  He first got cancer when Emily was a baby so that was 15 years ago.  He had radiation and has been taking medication all these years for it, but it is now coming back and attacking him.  Dad is 83, but he is a young 83.  He and Mom celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in February.  (Mom as you probably remember is a breast cancer survivor.)

2nd prayer request is for our Emily.  She is in so much pain.  She has had 3 positive tests for Lyme disease.  The doctors here say these are false positives and that all she really has is fibromyalgia.  We don't believe that.  Next month I have her scheduled with a doctor our of state who specializes in Lyme disease.  Now if this doctor says these are false positives and it's not Lyme then I will believe it, but I truly think this is what has been plaguing her for almost 2 years now.  Until then, I take her weekly to a pain clinic here.  She is such a sweet girl who loves God so much. Ok sometimes she's not so sweet when she is tired and REALLY hurting ;-)  She is also having more and more trouble with her ear.  She cannot handle lots of noise, even a lot of talking from all of us in the car.  She says it is all static.

That is Emily and our Tim.  This picture was taken 2 years ago in Branson, MO where we went camping for 10 days.  It is just before her pain and issues started.  Could very well be this is where she was bitten.  We know for a fact she was bit by a tick when we lived in Florida about 6 years ago.

PBS is having a wonderful documentary on Lyme disease sometime in May called "Under our Skin."  I've already seen it, but it will give the public so much information regarding this disease.  I'll keep you posted as to when it will be on TV.  I do want to encourage all of you, if you know someone who has unexplained pain or unexplained neurological symptoms to at least have them get tested for Lyme.  This is a widespread disease.  Many doctors do not wish to treat for Lyme because of the controversy of it.  Some doctors have had their medical license suspended for treatment of it.  It's all in the documentary as to the whys.  Because of this, many doctors don't want to touch Lyme with a 10 foot pole.  That is what we have been experiencing with Emily.  Doctors here will treat her for fibromyalgia and pain but not Lyme.  We've been involved with a Lyme support group here in New Mexico that has been wonderful.  I've done lots of research on doctors.  Because of all the controversy with Lyme doctors do not accept insurance so we are paying totally out of our pocket.

This leads me to the next request.  We have the money set aside for our trip and the expenses we know for the doctor's visit.  So this is not a pity request.  But, if any of your have been thinking about ordering some Scentsy and you do not have a Scentsy consultant, would you be so kind to consider ordering it from my Scentsy website.  I would appreciate it so much.  Of course any and all orders are appreciated.  If by chance you and several friends are getting together and your order is $150 or more, send me a private e-mail basketmaster_nancy@yahoo.com and let me know.  I'll put the order into the website on my end as a home party.  You will get at least 2 half price items and 10 to 15% in free merchandise.  You also receive free shipping and handling and it comes right to your home.  If you've ever thought about joining Scentsy, my team is fantastic with support.  We have monthly team meetings via Skype so long distance consultants are included. and we support each other 110%.  We are really a great team.   Again, just e-mail me and if you leave your phone number I'll call you right back and answer any and all of your questions.  That's enough of a plug here.

Anyway,  God is Great and Prayer is Powerful!  Please pray for my dad and Emily and if your church has a prayer list, would you kindly add them to it as well.

I love you guys and if you need any prayers, please ask!  My family and I would love to pray for you as well.

Hugs and Blessings,

Nancy

Back to Basics in Basket Weaving - Creating a Professional Finish

Before cutting and tucking your spokes, fold down the spokes that are to go to the inside of the basket. Measure those spokes so that when you cut them, the end will be hidden behind one of your weavers. The goal is not to have any rough ends showing to give you a professional look. This way, when someone is looking at your basket, they do not know where pieces of reed have started and where they have ended.When tucking your spokes in, try to go under the very top weaver. Again, this gives a more professional look to your basket. Take a look at the finished product. You don't see the spoke hidden behind the weaver. I always say, this is a big difference between our beautiful handwoven baskets and those that we purchase at the store.
Happy Weaving,

Nancy

My Lenten Resolution - Teaching Adults

Dear Friends,

Today is Ash Wednesday. It is an important day on the Christian calendar as it is the beginning of Lent. It is a time of preparation for Easter the highest of Holy Days. It is a time of repentance and prayer. Many people use this season to give up something as a sacrifice and to offer that sacrifice up to God or use this time an a manner that will grow them closer to Him.  I am again teaching religion this year to first graders and I speak to them about Lent and having a Lenten resolution. Those children can come up with some thoughtful answers. "I'm going to share my toys every day." "I'm going to help my mother every day with chores." "I'm going to pray every day." Some I'm sure have heard their parents speak about what they are doing for lent and will say, "I'm not going to watch TV," "I'm not going to eat candy," and so on. I really stress to them, and to my own children that this is a time not just of sacrifice, but a time to keep Christ first and foremost in our thoughts and in our actions. It is a time to work on becoming closer to Christ and becoming a better person.

Last year I worked on truly being obedient to my husband and putting him first above myself. You know what?  Our marriage is stronger now than EVER!  Mike has noticed the little things I've done for him because I continued that resolution past Lent and throughout the year.  He has appreciated me and my works!

I've given quite a bit of thought this past month as to what my Lenten resolution would be this year and I feel a real pulling to work on teaching adults about our Loving Savior.  This is taking me out of my comfort zone let me tell you.  It is one thing to teach children.  Their questions are simple.  It is another thing to teach adults!  I'm not even sure how God wants me to do this but I am placing my trust in Him and I am going to move forward the best I can.  I have been so saddened by the breakdown of families and homes in our society.  With my three children being teenagers I see the hurt their friends experience coming from broken homes.  I believe that faith in our Lord strengthens the home and can help prevent homes from crumbling.  Faith in Jesus should be the foundation in which every home is built upon.

So every day, I'm going to pray about my resolution regarding teaching and do my best to take steps in teaching adults about Christ and asking the Holy Spirit to guide me as to where I can be of service to Him.

My desire through this resolution this year is that I pray those who have do not know Christ can in some way be influenced by me to accept Him and through Him strengthen their homes and families.  It is also that as I teach adults that I too wish to learn more about Christ and His Glorious Mysteries.  God loves each of us so much, I just want the world to know.

Have you made a Lenten resolution? I'd love to hear what you chose this year.
with Love and God's Blessings,
Nancy

Happy Valentine's Day

Some fun heart shaped baskets for Valentine's day

Another heart shaped basket.

For those of you who have asked how to make the heart shape, look closely at the base of the basket in this bottom photo.  It is almost a square isn't it.  Weave a square base and then un-weave one of the corners.  Twine around the heart shaped base and then upset the sides.  Use lots of clothespins for the first few rows because you re going around a lot of corners.  Those extra clothespins are your extra hands.

Hope you all have a very Happy Valentine's day.  I see my kiddo's have put some chocolates on the kitchen table with my name on them!!!

I'm going to be making them some chocolate covered strawberries a little later this morning.

Blessings everyone,
Nancy

An Award! Prayers for Others and an Emily Update

Hi Friends,
Mike is quietly doing the taxes with an occasional grumble under his breath.  I think I've gathered all the paperwork for him that I can so I have some time to sit and write a post.

First I have to thank Paula for the Award.  Thank You!!!  Paula blogs over at Crop Notes and Crafts and we are like kindred spirits.  We both have a love of basket weaving, paper crafting and other hobbies.  If you haven't been to her blog then it is high time you visit her.  She also makes the best video tutorials of her work. 

With the award I'm supposed to tell eight things about myself.  Hmmmm.....What have I not told you about myself?  I feel like I've shared so much about me already.  Well, here goes.

1.  When we lived in Florida I sang with the Sweet Adelines for a short time.
2.  I'm allergic to cats.  I love cats just my nose doesn't.
3.  I've been working on my photography skills.  I own a nice point and shoot camera and I've never really taken the time to figure out and appreciate all its features.  Photography is something I want to get into more.
4.  Spring is my very favorite season and I know it is just around the corner.  I love the colors and the gardening and just getting to spend time outside.
5.  My sewing machine is a machine I got when I was in high school, a Bernina Minimatic that my parents bought used.  It has 8 stitches.  It's over 30 years old and still sews up a storm.  (I'm actually in the process of looking for a new machine, I would like one that does monogramming.  Any suggestions?)
6.  I love all the books of the Bible, especially the gospels, but probably my all time favorite book is Ecclesiastes.  It is kind of like the book of Proverbs and is just full of wonderful information.
7.  One of my favorite television shows is "Biggest Loser".
8.  My all time hands down favorite food is seafood, in particular shrimp.  Oh yum.

Now I'm just going to open this wonderful little award up to all of you my friends.  I'm really supposed to pick 8 blogs, but I'm so glad you are all here and reading each and every one of you can accept this award.  I am going to direct you to a couple of blogs though that have really touched my heart lately and these blog owners NEED our prayers.

The first is The Simple Wife.  Joanne is 38 years old and has just recently, as in just a few weeks ago, had a massive stroke.  They didn't know if she would make it but she is now in a long term care facility and was able to make the "I Love You" sign with her hand.  She has two young girls who are younger than mine and her husband has been keeping us up-to-date on her blog with daily posts.  Joanne's blog will have you in tears.  She is such a beautiful Christian woman.  I know God is going to use this experience for his good but she surely is going through some tough times right now.

The second is New Nostalgia.  Amy is another young Christian mom with two young children and she has been battling breast cancer.  I had told her I was doing the Think Pink raffle last year.   Amy was diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 breast cancer and it has been an emotional journey for her.

Third is a fun blog I just stumbled upon.  Prairie Flower Farm.  What excites me so much is Linda, the author of the blog lives just minutes from where I grew up and where my parents still live.  She has relatives in a nursing home where I got my first job in nursing.  The places she shows on her blog are so familiar to me.  Not only that, her country style is my country style.  Her blog is so fun and pretty and the photography is beautiful.  Did you know my parents still live in the same house they bought before I was born?!!  I should have put that tidbit in the about me section above.

Now an update on Emily.  She does have Hashimoto's Disease.  That is a fact.  She does have a Vitamin D deficiency.  That too is a fact.  One doctor says she has Lyme disease.  Another doctor isn't so sure.  Emily is still in pain.  Things always seem to change with her.  Over the past 6 weeks she has complained that her ear is "staticy" and she is nauseous all the time with motion sickness.  That sounds like an inner ear thing to me.

Right now the only thing I'm doing differently is some high potency vitamins and I've put her on a gluten free diet.  This is from my own reading and I'm surprised at the different places  I've read that talk about the connection of being gluten sensitive and getting Vitamin D deficient as well as getting Hashimoto's disease.  I hope putting her on this alleviates some of her symptoms.  I've only started the gluten free diet two weeks ago and this may take some time to see any results but I am sure hopeful and I know God is Great.

Please keep my sweet Emily on your prayer list.  We are ever so grateful for your prayers.  This has been going on too long and she is too young to be in such pain and now with nausea some days life is just miserable for that sweet child.  She manages her schooling with good grades but most free time is spent in bed resting and sleeping.  She will often nap for 2 plus hours in the afternoon along with 10 hours at night.  This is another one of those instances in which I believe God is going to use this for a greater picture that we just cannot see yet.  Thank you so much for all of you who are praying for Emily.  Thank you too for those of you who have sent me e-mails with ideas on what it might be or what may help.  I look into each and every one of them.  Thank you!!!! 

Hugs and Blessings to you all,
Nancy

One Thousand Gifts

If you have just 4 minutes, take the time to watch this beautiful video.

Relish the moments this day will bring and the sweet memories of moments gone before.




I ordered my copy of the book yesterday from Dayspring.  I can't wait to read it.  There has been such great words and comments about it on the internet. 
Blessings,
Nancy

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp


A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Published by Zondervan

Come join the community taking the dare to LIVE FULLY

http://www.onethousandgifts.com/

http://www.aholyexperience.com/