The end of summer is getting close-this summer
seemed to really fly by. A lot of great baskets were made at
the shop by both adults and kids. The 4H kids spent a lot of
time in the shop getting ready for fair, and I understand a lot
of awards were earned by them. This has been the summer of
"Grandma and grand kids" weaving. It goes to show that baskets
can be enjoyed by all ages.
As we gear up for fall, there are a several classes and events
scheduled. We hope you find something that interests you.
Starting September 6, Helen Springer returns to teaching her
Tuesday classes. Classes are from 9:30am to 12:30pm and
6pm-9pm. As always, it will be an open weave class, where
everyone weaves at their own pace. Classes will still be $15
plus materials. If other times are work better, feel free to
call Kathy and set up a time.
Don't forget that we offer group classes either at the shop or
at your location. We have done classes for several senior
centers in the area, as well as private groups at their meeting
places. We have a couple of birthday parties coming up at the
shop. Weaving a basket is a great opportunity to get together
and have fun!
We have scheduled a couple of classes for the fall season. You
can register on line, or call the shop to register if you are
interested.
The first is a pumpkin basket for the fall season.

This
is a simple round basket where you will learn to twine a base,
weave a continuous weaver up the sides and weave the spokes over
each other for the top. Top it with a "stem" and some leaves,
and you have a great decoration for the fall holidays.
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $18

November brings us a
class where you will make two gift baskets. These are perfect
for tucking a little something into....a gift card, money or
just to hang on the Christmas tree. You will have a choice of
spoke color, wire hanger and decorations. This is a quick
basket, but you will still learn a few new techniques....a twill
weave and a match stick border.
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2011
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $18

For December we have
the solution for last minute gifts or decorations. We will
teach the popular German Star class. These are folded strips of
paper, dipped in wax and glitter. Once you get the hang of
these, they are quite addicting!! The other star offered will
be a woven ash star. You start with 2 woven bases, interweave
them together and glue the ends. The ash is a beautiful
material to work with.
Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost for class: $18 (2 German stars or 1 ash star)
(If you want to make more stars, German star materials are
$1.50 each and ash stars are $3 each)
We are also participating in several events over the next few
months. Here is a brief rundown of them:
Huron Valley Council of the Arts Trunk and Tailgate Show
September 11, 2011 11am-4pm
Taking place during Highland Hey Days, this is an opportunity to
purchase artworks and supplies directly from the artists cars!
We will have many baskets and supplies at reduced prices for
this show.
October 11 through 16, 2011
Association of Michigan
Basketmakers annual convention.
THE SHOP WILL BE
CLOSED TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY SO WE CAN ATTEND CONVENTION.
Convention this year will be held at the Causeway Bay Hotel
in Lansing, MI. This is a great opportunity to take some
classes, or see the exhibit room and vendors. You can get more
information at
http://www.michiganbasketmakers.com/events.htm
October 15, 2011 is the second annual
Finding Mona Artist
Studio and Gallery Tour. We are again participating with
this tour sponsored by Huron Valley Council of the Arts.
Tickets cost $10 each for adults, children 11 and under are
free. It is a wonderful opportunity to see 20 different studios
and galleries in the Highland, Milford area. More information
can be found at
http://www.huronvalleyarts.org/1/257/exhibitions.asp
We hope you have enjoyed your summer, are ready for a break
from the heat and humidity, and join us soon for a class.