highlights

Winter 2008 "Just Patterns"

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From Sheri’s Studio….

As temperatures dip and the snow has begun to fall, I'm reminded of how quickly the holiday season is approaching. And with more time spent indoors, I'm carving out time for holiday cards, creating handmade gifts and of course trying to weave some last minute gifts. (Not to mention thinking about how I'll soon be packing and heading for Florida... mmm!).

We know that saving time and money is important this season, so I am here to help! If you're like me, you're probably scrambling to finish holiday decorating and gift making. In this Issue, you'll find plenty of inspiration for the entire Winter Season. I always thought it interesting that a couple of weavers would always weave Winter Baskets the entire month of January. Then when November rolled around, they would take out everything that they had for the upcoming Holiday Season and felt as they were ahead of the rush! Pretty cool!

So let’s begin with my “Snowman Apple Gourd”, I sponged painted the blues all around this gourd and added snowman characters as inspired from many Christmas cards. I even included a Red Hat snow gal and snowflakes accent!

Ronda Brugh has really been busy designing functional baskets. The first is called “Plaid Odd & Ends Totes.” The base & handle piece is turned by an Amish man in his Indiana workshop. The fun combination of colors creates a plaid pattern. This is available in several sizes and also with a lazy Susan.

onda Brugh has also designed “Plaid or Plain Buckle my Snowman.” Both of these are great totes. The 2 versions are part of Ronda’s “…in the Pines” series as she is the original designer of the reed pine tree. Spending time in the families’ cabin in northern Minnesota by many pine trees was the inspiration to create this and 15 other patterns with the pines.  Weave 1 or both of these functional baskets.

The “Snowflake” is adorable and also designed by Ronda Brugh. A wood slotted base and hexagon stoneware wire handles (also created by Ronda in several colors) and snowflake tie on accent to finish the look; this pattern is available on my Website.

“Cup of Java” by Karen Booth makes a great gift basket for a special friend or yourself. This large cup of “Joe” will hold all your favorite hot beverage tins and packets making a great kitchen or office organizer. This round cup is accented by the leather tooled handle which is available in various colors and with several phrases created by Karen and Lori from Homestead Heirlooms.

 My “Key to Santa’s Heart” is a hand painted key in acrylics which can be hung as an ornament or added to the side of any basket to make the festivities even merrier. Use any old keys to shape Santa’s beard! Have fun with this one!

The “Deer in the Woods-Hunting Time” is an original hand painted base from Homestead Heirlooms; the basket is designed by me. I used the slotted base to triple weave singly and in doubles. Creating an earthier look, I used Butterscotch dyed cane available from Royalwood; turned to the inside to see the “crackle” effect that the cane takes once dyed. A deer antler was added to complete the look.

“Bear with a Scarf” is another original hand painted base from Homestead Heirlooms. I designed this round basket which will hang up from a cut out on the back. Feel free to order both of these bases, but please do not copy the paintings as they are copyrighted originals!

My tall Gourd proclaims the true meaning of Christmas-“A Child is Born” This will be a silhouette of the Wise men who were seeking Jesus at his birth place. Using a Dremel will help in the shaping of this one; a touch of gold paint highlights the star! If you do not want to drill, use a Sharpie!

I wish you warmth and joy as you enjoy all that this Season brings!

2008winterbasket.jpg (64427 bytes)Looking for this Snowflake basket?   You will find this colorful, functional basket with a wood slotted ase and hexagon stoneware wire handles on the Pattern Exchange Page along with 40 other free patterns!

Happy New Year! Blessings in 2009!
Happy Weaving!


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Just Patterns

The Idea Magazine for Basketmakers

(616) 846-7926 * sheri@justpatterns.com