Hi Subscribers and Friends,

Let me introduce myself! My name is Sheri Van Duyn and I purchased Just Patterns Magazine in July of 1999.  As the owner, I am very excited about this venture!

I have a love for Basketry. I have been a member of the Southwest Michigan Basketry Guild for 21 years serving as Treasurer and President two consecutive years. This Guild boasts of over 25 active members. I also am a founding member of the Dream Weavers Guild, which also meets in Grand Rapids, Michigan and I have designed the Logos for both of these Guilds; as well as being a member of the Cross Roads Guild; all are affiliated with the Association of Michigan Basketmakers. (AMB). I am a current member of the AMB. I have enjoyed teaching several of my original Basket designs at State Conventions. Being Co-Chairmen for "The Goodie Basket" - a basket pattern and cookbook with over 500 recipes, I added 100 of my drawings and sketches to make this cookbook so visually pleasing.

After making my first basket at the age of 10, and winning a blue ribbon on it, I was hooked on the whole weaving process. I have taught Basketry extensively for 20 years. Locally, I have taught for several guilds, Grand Haven and Fruitport Community Education for 19 years, and various work, school, and church groups. I just love teaching and introducing this Art to all ages. A seashell adhered to each of my woven baskets is my Trademark.

I have received my degree in Art Education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am currently teaching Art afternoons at my Alma Mater, Western Michigan Christian High School, in Muskegon, Michigan. Besides weaving with my students, I enjoy instructing them in drawing-pencil, charcoal, pastels, Conte' crayon, pen and ink, painting-oil, acrylic, and watercolor. My students work in clay creating pinch, coil, slab, and wheel projects. My Art curriculum includes printmaking, matting and framing, Art History and Independent Study. Getting my student's work displayed at school and various Galleries and Museums around town is one of my main objectives; I am proud to say that my students have succeeded.

On the home front, I am married for 32 years to a very supportive husband, Ralph. Along with being an Insurance Agent for Oakes Insurance and Real Estate, his love is in music: singing and playing piano and organ. We have two children. Sarah is 23, she was married to Daren in the spring of 2006 and both he and his daughter, Katelynn has been a great addition to our family. Brian is 20, lives home and is attending Muskegon Community College; he loves playing Monopoly, Chess, basketball, and especially soccer. As a family we enjoy traveling, swimming, wave running, boating, computers, puzzles, board games, and snow skiing.

Deb Blair has done a great job starting Just Patterns in 1991. Deb has watched the magazine grow with both subscribers and advertisers.  I am delighted about taking over Just Patterns-editing, designing, and running this Magazine with creating the best for Basketmakers in mind. I anticipate working to promote the Art of Basketry on every level. Please write with your comments, ideas, or suggestions. My E-mail address is sheri@justpatterns.com  or visit my Web Site- www.justpatterns.com.  Here you will find a Free Online Sample of the Magazine as well as 30 Free Online Patterns that you can print out for your own personal use. I would love to have you as a Subscriber-please go to the order page at my Site where you will find that you will receive 4 Issues for $17.00. Each Issue has a color front page and features a minimum of 5 patterns. Many of the Back Issues are available also-simply click on the heading and you will be linked to that front page and highlights of this Issue. Hope to hear from you soon!

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Just Patterns

The Idea Magazine for Basketmakers

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