Jill Choate Basketry

Git yours

2012-01-25T08:48:00.000-06:00

Jill and her new thrill...brooms

Out picking sticks:
Sometimes you just have to get off the bench and get in the woods for awhile. Taking a break and talking to the trees gives me a recharge so I can sit at the bench again in peace. Good thing I started tying brooms. Now I have a good excuse to clamber around in the honeysuckle searching for the elusive twisted saplings I use for broom handles. Once cleaned up and tied with braided with broom corn they are truly functional art.

Git yours:

Antler Platter

If you have always wanted a Jill Choate original basket on the cheap now is the time. We're getting ready for the move across the Rockies and if I don't have to haul to over the mountains and through the woods I'd rather not. Why not pass on those savings to those that have shared my love of basketry in classes and workshops.

Down to the wire:
First up on EBAY the Double Wall Antler Platter. It's the got the spiral thing going on in the center and works as wall art or as a serving platter. Starting bid: $130.00, currently bid up to $152.50 with three days left to make it your own. Antler Basket Jill Choate (#270896418006)

How to Weave an Indian Blanket (sort of):

I'm currently on a major color thang and the results have been what I term Indian Blanket baskets. Black background with black antler and lots of bright colors that make you think of warm pendleton blankets on a chilly winter's eve. Come make one at the Ozark Basketry Retreat in April.

ME on YOUtube:

I made these up for those of you that might need a refresher on how a basket was created after class. It's not the same as coming to class but if you have been to one before it's a great referral on how to create some of those designs and textures that you learned there. Search for jchoatebasketry on YOUtube for all the latests slideshows available or click here.

J. Choate Basketry Newsletter:

You may have noticed that I have stopped sending out information from my computer to students. My database just got to big to send out info and my ISP was having fits with the load. Therefore I've upgraded to mailchimp. If you'd like to keep up to date on all the new stuff happening at J. Choate Basketry you can join the news group here.
Subscribe to J. Choate Basketry newsletter

April in the Ozarks:

Dogwoods in bloom, spring turkeys gobbling, spring green, it's a tonic that makes southern Missouri one of the best places to visit in the spring. Place all that glory next to the banks of the Current River and you've got a setting for one of the best weaving retreats around. You pick what it is that you want to create and we'll make it happen. Three days of weaving what inspires you with lots of time to complete it in. Come join us! For more information: www.jchoatebasketry.com/ozark%20retreat.htm

Goods from the Woods

2011-11-28T14:21:00.003-06:00


Finished wreath outside the Studio.

Grapevine, cool sticks, cedar

I've got some down time from the perpetual basket grind (all shows complete, no immediate classes to prep for) so I've been putting my creative juices into naturals.

I got really excited about using willow to make Christmas trees. They were a great seller at our craft shows and now are adorning the living room as this years Christmas tree instead of cutting down a live cedar tree. Not only can they be used for xmas but also as a plant trellis for pots after the holidays. Stick them in the dirt while still green and you get a living willow topiary. How's that for going green? The Christmas tree that keeps on giving, (I'll have to remember that for next years sales pitch).

The stash of potential..

The GOODS from the WOODS:
Even though it's been dark and rainy here the last couple of days I HAVE to get outside for awhile or I suffer from studio syndrome. You can tell if your suffering from it as your enthusiasm is ebbed out and your eyes get glazed.

Grapevine tamed

I've been hitting the woods looking for cool "stuff" and came back with a truckload, (the closet weavers was so impressed). Grapevine, honeysuckle, cool sticks wrapped in honeysuckle (for my broom projects), and cedar. Please note: I didn't save a tree to cut it's branches off for craft projects. All cedar taken from ratty looking bushes in fence rows or from ones that were fallen over, (just in case you noticed the hypocrisy).

Adding the good stuff

So after wrestling with the grape vine (this stuff clings to EVERYTHING) I made it into several hoops. Then I had to decide what to do with it next...

The First Attempt:
What could be more fragrant and Christmasy then a wreath. Slap on some twigs, red berry stuff, jing-tinglers, and a bow and VOILA instant Christmas. My next wreath for the other side of the house is going to be with honeysuckle vine (I hope).

The whole thing

The only bad thing is the mess. Sticks, twigs, and cedar stuff all over the studio but it sure smells nice. On the down side cedar can be some prickly stuff if taken from older bushes. I can tell I've been "stickered" by it when I wash my hands, ouch.

However, it was still a good creative break from over and under. Not only did I get some quality time in the woods I got to bring some outdoors - indoors with me for awhile. Always a good thing.

2011-10-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

Hound Dog Shopper

The Collections:
Jennah has been working with me in the studio coming up with some of her own basket designs. I've had a stash of bases, handles, and reed sitting around the studio from classes past collecting dust and Jen has been working up different ideas that have really turned out well. From our hours on the bench we've come up with several different lines...

1) The Merde line, (because we are very cultured in the Ozarks), the French word for shit, also synonomous in the ballet for good luck (who knew?). The prototype basket that just doesn't quite achieve the look we had in our minds eye. The one you figure probably needs to be put on the sacrificial fire as homage to the basket gods.

Indian Blanket

2) The Hound Dog line, (it's a coon hound thang). We started messing around with black walnut stain and have come up with some really cool results. Those messy nuts along the back roads give baskets a wonderful primitive look. Reed dyed by the pound gives you hound dog brown, coupled with black it gives you....black and tan (not to be confused with a Walker).

3) The Back in Black line. Black antler is the focal point in these very colorful tower baskets. I'm calling them Indian Blanket baskets because of the color and design on the black background. Something out-of-the-box and very fun.

Learn it from the GROUND UP:
If you've been wanting to learn the ins and outs of antler basketry including the drilling, gluing, bracing, etc that goes into the basket before I show up for class now is your chance. Eureka Springs School of Art (ESSA) in Eureka Springs, AR is hosting a three day workshop on November 4-6, 2011. There is only one more opportunity for this type of workshop to be hosted at John C. Campbell in Brasstown, NC on January 22-27, 2012. Don't miss your chance to learn all the ins and outs of antler basketry.

Xmas Craft Extravaganza @ Cape Girardeau, MO
We'll be there! Start your Christmas shopping out right, the week BEFORE Thanksgiving. Traditional Cherokee baskets by Jenn and Antler basketry by Jill, it's a J. Choate Basketry convergence. Stop by the Osage Centre and check out our newest designs. November 19-20, 2011.

The MAD Basket Case:

Every once in awhile you have to go MAD. For a 21st birthday celebration something off beat was required so we spent Jen's big day in style at the Mad Hatters Ball in Eureka Springs, AR at the haunted Crescent Hotel. An evening she'll never forget I'm sure. For more pics of the evening, check out facebook.

The SPRING Ozark Basketry Retreat
The Fall Ozark Basketry retreat was a blast! Much fun and creative baskets occurred as a result of the meeting of the "hands" by the Current River at the Big Springs Lodge in October. In 2012 we have one last retreat planned but this time in the spring green and dogwoods that envelope the south in April. Want out of that cold and break up of the north woods? We've got your spring tonic, come on down! There is absolutely no place lovelier than the south in the spring time of the year. You pick your passion (basket) of what you'd like to create and we'll make it happen! For more information: www.jchoatebasketry.com

Last Call Ya'll - Tour 2012:
Here's where we'll be beginning next January - June, then it's off to IDAHO and the next round of adventures. Catch me while you can.

Events 2011

ESSA	Eureka Springs, AR	Antler Intensive	Nov 4-6	adiressa@gmail.com

Arts/Crafts Extravaganza	Cape Girardeau, MO	Space #25	Nov 19-20	Osage Centre 1625 N. Kings highway
River Weavers	Van Buren, MO	Twill Herb Basket	Nov 12	jill@jchoatebasketry.com
River Weavers	Van Buren, MO	Antler Hen Basket	Dec 17	jill@jchoatebasketry.com

Last Call Ya'll: Tour 2012

John C. Campbell Folk School	Brasstown, NC	Adventures in Antler Basketry	Jan 22-27	Karen Beaty karen@folkschool.org
John C. Campbell Folk School	Brasstown, NC	Birch Bark Bird Houses and MORE	Jan 28-29	Karen Beaty karen@folkschool.org

NCBA	Durham, NC	Halfapkt Hen	Mar 15-18	Judy Wobbleton jwobbleton@embarqmail.com
Land of Lincoln Spring Fling	Rockport, IL	Halfapkt Intertwine	Mar 23-24	AnneJohnson totenhagen@comcast.net
Ozark Retreat	Van Buren, MO	LAST OZARK RETREAT Big Springs Lodge Pick UR Passion	April 13-15	Jill Choate jill@jchoatebasketry.com
Headwaters Basket Guild	Bemidji, MN	TBA	Apr 20-22	Nancy Baer baers_den@mindspring.com
Basket Fest	Lake Country Guild, WI	Double Wall Platter Fan Market	May 3-6	Sally Turner tsturner1@peoplepc.com
Bluegrass Basket Festival	Jabez, KY	Halfapkt Catchalot Double Platter Urchin	Jun 20-24	Nancy Lake

Wild West Round up: Tour 2013

Twin Wild West Weave-In

Whitefish, MT

Pick UR Passion

April 2013

Lezette Thomason
lezette@nashville.net

Last Call Ya'll

2011-09-08T10:34:00.000-05:00

Last Call Ya'll....
I've got the "spud" bug and I'm on a Rocky Mountain high. Here's a round up of the last of the midwest fall classes/shows as I wrap it up in anticipation of moving over the mountains.

I have taken the bait...

Mountains, rivers, lakes, huckleberries, sand, hot springs, and a back door to Canada. Who could ask for more. Two months, however is not enough time in paradise and we're making plans to move there on a permanent basis. It just feels more like home being surrounded by mountains, lupine, and fireweed to this old sourdough. So, we're off again on another moving adventure and hopefully this will be the last one.

Kootenai Valley

From Southern Comfort to Northern Exposure...

There's about 2,000 miles between MO and ID and a whole lot of mountains in between. That means that after July of 2012 I'll be on the west coast and won't be headed east for while offering classes. It's not as remote as Alaska but it'll have to do. Therefore, if you've been thinking about hosting a class/workshop now is the time to get on board.

Big Springs from one of the caves

Ozark Basketry Retreat - It's ALMOST here!

There's still room for you at the retreat at Big Springs Lodge on the Current River in Van Buren, MO. Rustic cabins, the river, and a weekend of relaxing weaving - what could be better? You tell me what you want to learn and we'll tailor make it to meet your needs. We have students coming from as far away as Alaska and as close as Doniphan, MO. Come join us!

Before we go...Fall Show's

We'll be doing a couple of show's this fall! Come see our latest and greatest creations including traditional heritage basketry and of course contemporary antler vessels.

The Scenic Riverway Arts/Crafts Show on the river in Eminence, MO Oct 8-9, for more information http://www.eminencemo.com/artscrafts.html

41st Annual Christmas Arts/Crafts Extravaganza on Nov 19-20 at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Fall Class Schedule:
Catch us at these fall events for a fun day(s) of weaving! Want to learn antler basketry from the ground up? Come join us in Eureka Springs, AR at the Eureka Springs School of Art for the antler intensive. Just interested in a day long class - meet up with us in WI at the Shawano Fall Basket Retreat.

Shawano Fall Basket Retreat	Shawano, WI	Submitted	Sept 24-26	Judi Raddant rjraddant@frontiernet.net
Ozark Basket Retreat	Big Springs, Van Buren, MO	20 student capacity, currently at 12	Sept 30 - Oct 2	Jill Choate jill@jchoatebasketry.com
ESSA	Eureka Springs, AR	Antler Intensive	Nov 4-6	adiressa@gmail.com
Gallery on the Square	Franklin, KY	Halfapocket Fan Mrket	Oct 22-23	Robin Swanson 270.586.8055 www.galleryonthesquare.org

Bicycles, boats, and....baskets

2011-06-23T06:29:00.005-05:00

Bicycles:
I'm sporting a new look here lately. "Shebeest" spandex pants (oh, yeah) and a bright red cycling shirt, topped off with a helmet. My medicare comes on two wheels, with handlebars, and a saddle. The prescription says saddle up, start pumping those legs and keep going. So far, I'm up to about 20 miles and even though my 20 year old body has not returned I'm feeling pretty good about being an old fart chewing up the miles on the pavement. My inspiration: the 12th Annual Katy Trail Ride next June. Five days of 40 milers that encompasses 225 miles. It aint the Iditarod, but I'm sure it will feel like it after completion. Thank GOD for those padded Shebeest shorts because even though Lance Armstrong's kiester may hurt every day he rides, mine (now) does not.

Boats:
In the swelter of a southern MO summer most inhabitants hide in the comfort of air conditioned homes, (sort of like the Alaskan winter version of Cabin Fever but in reverse). The only other solution for cooling off is to commune with the river on a consistent basis. Whether it be by canoe, raft, or body float there is nothing more heavenly then becoming one with the water for the afternoon. So we do it, a LOT. Then we hit the ice cream place to top off the day. I'm sure a variation of this is what heaven feels like.

Baskets:
We've been branching out in our basketry pursuits. With Jen adding her expertise to the business we have a line of heritage basketry and will be picking up a couple of shows this fall. The Riverways Craft Show in Emminence, MO the second weekend of October and the Crafts Show Symposium in Cape Girardeau at the Osage Center in November.

Artifacts Gallery in Eureka Springs is the place to pick up your Jill Choate original design. Sharon and Rob Roos have opened their doors in May and it is the HOT art place of the town. Raven has already sold as well as quite a few other pieces. It's a marvelous gallery with great people.

Ozark Basketry Retreat is just around the corner! Beginning Sept 30 - Oct 2, there is still room for you to come and join us for our second annual retreat on the banks of the Current River. You pick your passion and we'll make it happen. Three days of hanging out at the historic Big Springs Lodge making baskets and watching the river roll by...bliss! Don't miss it! In 2012 we'll change the date to April for the Dogwood blossoming!

March'n into April

2011-03-18T07:14:00.006-05:00

Beyond the Basics: Reed and Fiber

Great opening for a great exhibit. Even though the old dog musher is more comfortable behind a team of sixteen versus putting on the dog it was a fun evening meeting some very cool people. We even got a note from Todd Richardson, MO House of Representatives, now how's that for hanging with the big boys? Don't remember who he was but glad that he liked the show enough to drop a note saying so.

Artifacts - Eureka Springs, AR

After the exhibit closes I'll be taking my work down to Artifacts in Eureka Springs, AR, a new gallery that is opening in town. I haven't been to ER, AR yet but I understand it's a beautiful, artsy, community. Can't wait for my introduction at the end of the month.

Kahiltna Birchworks - Talkeetna, AK

If your heading to Alaska this year (and specifically Talkeetna) don't forget to stop by Kahiltna Birchworks. Not only do they have fabulous gift packs of there tempting gourmet birch syrup products for all your friends/family back home but they also now have an exclusive selection of my birch works including birch bark bird houses and frames. Dulce and Mike are the best, tell them I sent you.

Head'n East in April

There's always one month that picks up the tempo and this year that would be April. Starting off with the NEBG convention in W. Springfield, MA, The Country Seat in Kempton, PA, Murray Hill Weaving in NH, and finally headed up to Michigan to the Crossroads group in Okemos.

NEBG Gathering	W. Springfield, MA	Porkypod Roundabout	Mar 8-10	Jackie Johansen jackie.johansen@comcast.net
Country Seat	Kempton, PA	Skep or Half A Tower or A Platter	Apr 14-16	Angie Wagner angie@countryseat.com
Murray Hill Weaving	Hill, NH	Birch Bark Star Skep African Tower Fan Mrkt	Apr 20-23	Jean Bove murrayhillweaving@gmail.com
Crossroads Group	Okemos, MI	TBA	Apr 30-5/1	Sharon McElroy smcelro@fbinsmi.com

Ozark Basketry Retreat:

Don't forget the Ozark Basketry Retreat Sept 29-Oct 2! Too much fun on the banks of the Current River in Van Buren, MO. For more information: www.jchoatebasketry.com. We're at 3/4 capacity already - don't miss out!

Ozark National Scenic Riverway - NPS

2011-02-20T08:00:00.010-06:00

We're going local - offering demonstrations/classes in historic Ozark heritage basketry at the NPS office in Van Buren, MO.

We had too much fun weaving up a Cherokee designed basket and swapping stories. Lots of locals stopped by to see what we're up too during the day and we're hoping
they'll join us next time we meet to
weave another historical basket.

Next demonstration/class is scheduled for Saturday, May 7th and June 18th. Check out the website for more information: www.jchoatebasketry.com

You are cordially invited

2011-02-19T05:12:00.006-06:00

John C. Campbell Folk School and MORE

2011-01-31T09:42:00.006-06:00

Fun at the Folk School...

Just got back from a week at teaching at John C. Campbell Folk School, absolutely the best experience I've had yet teaching. Great facility, weavers, artists, music, AND work study students. I've even found out I'm a closet "square" (dancer). This accomplished without totally humiliating myself (although I'm glad no one had a camera handy to capture the moment).

There is nothing better than having a whole week to create what YOU want to do from the ground up. This is the cool thing that happens in workshops versus classes. In class you have eight hours to accomplish a decided upon basket - GO! In a workshop you're guided towards what you want to learn and create during your week. Starting from the git-go with learning how to drill and create the shape of your structure. Some students were bold, brought their own antler, and created their own vision, others wanted to try their version of my designs. All had a really great time (as well as the instructor).

Not only were there cool things going on in the basketry studio there are cool things going on all over campus at JCCFS. Shibori with woven cloth, digital silk using computers, blacksmithing, wood turning, glass bead making, kalediscopes, pottery, these are but a few of the choices of the classes available during the week long workshops. Suffice it to say that if you have not been to John C. Campbell Folk School you are missing something very awesome.

What's next....

Off to Georgia and the GBA convention this weekend. We'll be doing the Half-a-pocket and the African Tower. Then off to GH Productions in Scottsville, KY in March and then onto to the Twin Weave-in in Nashville, TN.

March Exhibit...

The Margaret Harwell Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO presents: Beyond the Basics: Fiber and Reed (or is that Reed and Fiber)? At any rate the exhibit opening is at 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Museum. Come join us!

Head EAST...
April finds me back east for the NEBG conference, Country Seat in Kempton, PA, and finally Murray Hill Weaving in Murray, NH.

Doing MO in MO...

I've decided I'd like to spend more time fishing and hanging out on the river in my canoe. That means more classes locally in MO. So far, we've got traditional classes being offered at the National Park Service in Van Buren, MO as well as classes Fredericktown and St. Charles, MO. For all the who/what/and where check out the website: www.jchoatebasketry.com

Don't forget the Ozark Basketry Retreat....

First weekend in October we'll be at the banks of the Current River in Van Buren, MO weaving away. It's a pick-ur-passion weekend. You tell me what you want to do and we'll weave it up amongst lots of stories, beautiful scenery, good food, and good compadres. Our capacity is 20 students and right now we're up to 12. If your thinking about joining us this year don't wait to register your place.

Best of the Season to You

2010-12-15T09:31:00.004-06:00

Passings:
A lot of you know that I've been based out of Michigan since August attending to my Mom's fight with cancer. She lost her battle the week after Thanksgiving. It was a long good bye but one with no regrets. Thanks for all your notes of condolence and support through the process of letting her go. It sure has been appreciated.

The Best of the Season to you and yours:
There's not getting around it winter means snow and since it shows up rarely in southern MO we've decided we need a place to experience the magic of the white stuff again. Our cabin in Idaho is currently being built and we hope to spend more time packing in the mountains with our four legged friends soon. This means of course that I'll finally get to see my friends on the west coast again.

Snow-birding it:
Looks like I'll be headed south in January and February. Starts out on with a Hen basket class on January 21st with the Dreamweavers Guild of Matthews, NC. There are still some openings available, for more information contact Stephanie Bogust at: sbogust@windstream.net

Then off to John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. If you ever wanted to experiment with antlers from the ground up this is the Workshop for you. Adventures in Antler Baskery: Tell me your vision and we'll work an antler around it, or try one of mine. Begins January 23rd - January 28th.

Georgia Basketry Association hosts their annual convention February 4-6th in Roswell, GA. Class offerings: Half-a-pocket (w/ribs), African Tower

GH Productions in Scottsville, KY offering two classes on March 11-12, Half-a-pocket, Catch-a-lot.

Twin Weave-IN, hosted by the Goth Grannies (Annette/Lezette) in Nashville, TN March 13, Fanned Market.

Florida Tropical Weavers, Antler Basketry Workshop, If you ever wanted to experiment with antlers from the ground up this is the Workshop for you. Adventures in Antler Baskery: Tell me your vision and we'll work an antler around it, or try one of mine. Begins March 18-20.

Venetian Guild, Venice, FL, March 24-27, TBA

The Ozark Basket Retreat Returns:

The Second Annual Ozark Basket Retreat is scheduled for September 30-October 2nd at the Big Springs Lodge in Van Buren, MO. We've already got twelve attendees returning for this great weekend of weaving on the banks of the Current River. Don't miss your chance to join us! For more information: jill@Jchoatebasketry.com

Year End Wrap Up

2010-10-19T07:58:00.004-05:00

Foundry Art Center:

Hello St. Louis area!

There's still time for you to sign up for classes at the Foundry Art Center in St. Charles, MO Oct 23-24th.

Come on in and say hello!

"Fibrations" - a big hit in Springfield, MO NEWSLEADER - article

Fiber Artists' exhibit showcase tradition

October 8, 2010

A strong thread of tradition runs through the new exhibit "Fibrations," but it's interwoven with innovation.

On display this month at Waverly House Gallery and Gifts, the show, featuring 34 pieces by 19 artists, is a juried exhibit of works by members of the Missouri Fiber Artists association.

The exhibit demonstrates just how wide and varied the field of fiber arts can be. From the expected to the truly unusual, from the humble kitchen towel to a ball woven from weeds, these artworks run the gamut from functional to both fun and funky.

Barbara Overby of Columbia created the kitchen towels, and Jennifer Weigel of Affton fashioned the weed ball, aptly titled "My Front Lawn."

Regular visitors to Waverly House will recognize the coiled, sculptural art of Macomb artist Peggy Wyman, whose woven pine needles twist and turn, becoming more like organic forms and less like baskets with every sinuous curve.

Be sure to check out a pair of felt pieces by Bonnie Ahrens of Martinsburg, titled "Puka Pisco" and "Waterman." Based on Peruvian sculptures, the two works take historical clay shapes and translate them into fiber with whimsical, eye-catching results.

While much of the work is three-dimensional, there are some traditional weavings such as "Bold Hopscotch Shawl" by Nancy Clark of Kansas City. With just the right contrast between colorful, metallic and black threads, this completely functional piece doubles as a work of art.

Anne Cove of St. Louis also works in two dimensions, but her art is more painterly. In "Fall, Shaw Nature Reserve III," Cove paints with acrylic on fuji silk, then machine embroiders around the painted shapes-in this case, trees.

Also worth seeking out are two pieces by Leandra Spangler of Columbia, both fashioned from handmade paper. The first, titled "Spirit Journey," is an oversize pod opening itself to us (some viewers may be reminded of Georgia O'Keeffe's flowers in its similar composition.)

The second, titled "Sereni-T," is intriguing in that Spangler takes the most utilitarian of objects -- a teapot -- and renders it totally nonfunctional by creating it out of paper.

Finally, look for "Artifact II" by Jo Stealy of Franklin and "Porky Pod," by Jill Choate of Van Buren.

Stealy's long, thin wall piece echoes the vertical outlines of a stately tree, and paper gingko leaves fall gracefully down through the understated work.

Choate's work, placed at a diagonal across the gallery, is everything Stealy's is not. It's a rounded, very three-dimensional basket, complete with shots of bright color and a real antler woven into its construction.

"Fibrations" could also be called "Variety-ations," because if you go, you're bound to be impressed with just how many types of fiber arts there truly are.

The exhibit continues through Oct. 29 at Waverly House Gifts and Gallery, 2031 S. Waverly. Hours are 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. For information, call 882-3445 or go to www.waverlyhouse.com.

Camille Dautrich reviews the arts for the News-Leader.

It's coming on Christmas...

Even though I'm currently located in MI I've been getting some of my work over to Artfully Framed in Poplar Bluff, MO. Original works in fiber and some of my great birch bark designs (bird houses, luminaries) will soon be gracing their shelves just in time for Christmas.

Ozark Retreat a Hit!

The first annual Ozark Basket Retreat in Big Springs, MO was a giant success! So much so that twelve of the attendees have already registered for next years event! Don't miss out, we keep our registration down to twenty and as you can tell we almost have a full house already!

Where/When until the end of the year:

We'll be headed to the Heartland Basket Retreat in Parkville, MO come November 12-14th.

On the Horizon:

January: Dreamweave Guild of Matthew, NC - 1/21/11
John C. Campbell - 1/23 -28

February: GBA, Marietta, GA - 2/4-6

March: Fiber, Reed, Wood, opening Margaret Harwell Museum, Poplar Bluff, MO - 3/1
GH Productions, Scottsville, KY - 3/11-12
Twin Weave-IN, Nashville, TN - 3/13
Florida Tropical Weavers, Lake Yale, FL - 3/18-3/20
Venetian Guild, Venice, FL - 3/24-3/27

April: Bittersweet Baskets, Pat Voegler, St. Louis, MO - 4/2
NEBG (submitted), Springfield, MA - 4/8-10
Country Seat, Kempton, PA - 4/14-16
Murray Hill Weaving, Murray, NH - 4/20-23
Crossroads Group, Okemos, MI - 4/30

Fall into Weaving

2010-09-20T10:29:00.007-05:00

Ozark Basket Retreat, around the corner!

It's almost here! The first ever Ozark Basket Retreat at Big Springs in Van Buren, MO. Think about joining us next fall for a fabulous time of fun, food, and of course weaving very cool baskets.

Are you getting good vibes? Then it must be, the FIBRATIONS - exhibit.

Raven the trickster - (part of the After the Alley Series) is making his debut in the Fibrations Exhibit hosted by the MOFA group of fiber artists. Also included her second cousin twice removed - the Porkypod, she'll be there as well. It all takes place in Springfield, MO at Waverly House with the opening night October 1st and running through the month of October. For more information: HTML clipboardhttp://www.waverlyhouse.com/events

AK-ID:
We've made our final journey on the ALCAN highway for awhile as we've sold out in Alaska and now bought property in IDAHO so we can get our mountain/snow fix without traveling for a week to get there. That means for all you west coast antler enthusiasts I can now to get to you for classes - woo-hoo!

MO-MI:
Currently I'm hailing out of the home state of MI as my Mom is not tap dancing and/or chasing jack rabbits like she used too. That means I'm a bit closer to all those MICHIGAN basket guilds to offer classes.

More MO:
I'll be headed home to MO in October for the Ozark Retreat as well as heading to Poplar Bluff at the Harwell Museum on October 9th. The Foundry Art Center in St. Charles, MO will close out the month with classes on 10/23-24. We'll be headed to the Heartland Basket Retreat in Parkville, MO come November 12-14th.

On the Horizon:

January: Dreamweave Guild of Matthew, NC - 1/21/11
John C. Campbell - 1/23 -28

February: GBA, Marietta, GA - 2/4-6

March: Fiber, Reed, Wood, opening Margaret Harwell Museum, Poplar Bluff, MO - 3/1
GH Productions, Scottsville, KY - 3/11-12
Twin Weave-IN, Nashville, TN - 3/13
Florida Tropical Weavers, Lake Yale, FL - 3/18-3/20
Venetian Guild, Venice, FL - 3/24-3/27

April: Bittersweet Baskets, Pat Voegler, St. Louis, MO - 4/2
NEBG (submitted), Springfield, MA - 4/8-10
Country Seat, Kempton, PA - 4/14-16
Murray Hill Weaving, Murray, NH - 4/20-23
Crossroads Group, Okemos, MI - 4/30

HOT, HOT, HOT

2010-06-26T08:47:00.005-05:00

HOT, off the press

Imagine my surprise when Betsey Sloan dropped me a note announcing the cover of her new book. WOO-HOO! I'm finally a COVER girl, or an AMAZON woman as you can pre-order this baby at:
www.amazon.com/Antler-Baskets-Gourds-Betsey-Sloan/dp/0764336150/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277560288&sr=1-1
Available in December 2010.

Marianne Thompson Barnes book available in October 2010 also has included some of my work!

Available for pre-order at Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Weaving-Gourds-Marianne-Barnes/dp/0764335650/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277558945&sr=8-1

The river calls my name...
What's up with the temps in SO MO? No wonder it's AKA "Misery". The lush garden at this point is holding on for any bit of moisture it can squeeze out and turning mostly brown from lack of moisture. Which sounds like me as well. The best thing you can do in weather like this is hit the river, which we've doing a LOT of.

Here and there:
Before the trip north it's off to two more conventions in Sheffield, KY at the KBA convention and Greeneville, TN at the TBA convention in July. Don't miss it!

Way up North...
Alaska is sounding better every day, even if it will take seven days of driving to get up there. There are still some openings left in the Christmas Basket class on August 14th. Every thing else is wait list only. It'll be my last classes in the Great Land for long time coming. Hope to see you there for a last blast!

New Classes in MO and beyond:
The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO contacted me this week and we are currently planning classes to be held October 23-24.

Judy Flanders from the Westchester Area Basket Makers Guild and I have come up with an October 22, 2011 date for heading back east.

Ozark Retreat - Big Springs, MO

The report from my eldest step-daughter is that the accomodations are wonderful at Big Springs Lodge. She and her family hung out there for about a week during our latest family reunion.

If you were considering coming to the retreat at Big Springs now is the time to make up your mind. Currently we have 13 attendees with a capacity for 15. For more information: www.jchoatebasketry.com/ozark%20retreat.htm.

HOT fun in the SUMMER time

2010-06-13T20:10:00.011-05:00

When things get hot I think of my favorite summer songs, Sly Stone singing, "hot fun in the summer time", Nat King Cole singing about soda, and pretzels, and beer and Mungo Jerry stuttering out his "Chh chh-chh, UH Chh chh-chh, UH before belting out
"In the summertime when the weather is hot, You can chase right up and touch the sky.."
Think of me , cold one in hand, feet dangling in the water, buttered up with SPF 4, soaking up rays, watching the river roll on. This is the pay off for all those miles on the road to teaching gigs that have been, will be, and are yet to come in the future. Nothing like a day on the river in 90 degree temps to make Jill chill.

Weaving Weird Results:
Raven the Trickster is completed. It's hard to believe that the core of this one is actually a bowling pin. Two more to come in this series, to be called, wait for it...."After the Alley". A woman in red and something purple but not sure what yet. I hauled Raven (aka Gonzo) to Jabez, KY at the Bluegrass Basketmakers Retreat to show him off and all reports were positive. Some students even asking for a pattern for him. Hmmm, maybe a 3-day workshop in the works sometime in the future for bowling pin art?

Where Next?

We're off to KBA in KY and TBA in TN in July. August finds us in Alaska offering some traditional baskets and one antler just for good measure.

Talk about one end of the country to the other September finds us in Delaware and in Fayetteville, NC for the NCBA Fall Event. We're starting to teach locally at the Harwell Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO beginning September as well.

October starts out with the OZARK BASKETRY RETREAT. You won't want to miss this one. Then continuing with local classes in Poplar Bluff, MO and finally in October a class in OH with the Wildwood Weavers.

November we'll be in Parkville, MO at the Heartland Basket Retreat and once again offering class at the Harwell Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO.

December one last class for the season at the Harwell Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO.

2011 Highlights:

John C. Campbell - January
Georgia Basketry Assoc - February
Harwell Museum - Gallery Opening Basketry Exhibit - March
Florida Tropical Weavers Workshop - March
Venetian Guild, FL - March
Country Seat - April
Murray Hill Weaving - April

Ozark Basketry Retreat:
So far seven participants signed up and ready for the weekend weave-o-rama. You can be the next addition to a weekend of fun, beauty, and relaxation. For more information contact jill@jchoatebasketry.com

The LAST trip to ALASKA

2010-06-04T19:18:00.006-05:00

The last ALCAN road trip:
We've sold our cabin in Trapper Creek! August finds us on one last trip up the ALCAN to get the rest of our stuff and make way for the new owner. Then we're thinking we need a second place in the mountains because we have definately been pining for them. Montana? Idaho? Who knows where the next adventure lies. It sure will be a fun process looking for our next chapter with some money in our pocket to actually buy something instead of being tire kickers.

Classes in ALASKA:
That means friends in Alaska that this will be the last set of classes to happen for long while. If you have been thinking about attending don't hesitate, now is the time to sign up. Twelve students in the Valley Fiber Arts class (Diane's Laundry), Fanned Market class at Elemendorf AFB in one of the chalettes by 6 mile lake, currently 11 students with a maximum of 15 available, Sasha's Xmas Basket in Anchorage at Out North Gallery, currently 6 students with a maximum of 15 available. Don't miss this last weaving party! For more information drop me a note at jill@jchoatebasketry.com.

Essex Art Center - we're in there...
In and Out: Weaving Baskets and Wheat
June 18 - August 12, 2010

E s s e x A r t C e n t e r
56 Island Street Lawrence, MA 01840
(978) 685-2343 info@essexartcenter.com

Summer Fun:
We're heading out to Jabez, KY and the Bluegrass Basketry Seminar on June . July finds us in KY at the KBA convention and in Greeneville, TN at the TBA convention. A break until the fall (except classes in AK in Aug) then we pick up the pace again.

Ozark Basketry Retreat:

Fall or spring? It's a toss up as to when the Ozarks in MO are lovelier. Join us for the Ozark Basketry Retreat the first weekend in October on the banks of the Current River. Cobblestone cottages await your arrival and the lodge will surround you in beauty and history. Great day hike trails around the Big Springs area will tempt you when a visit with nature calls. For more information: www.jchoatebasketry.com

Green, green, it's green they say...

2010-05-16T06:03:00.006-05:00

Green, green, it's green they say:
I've been painting the house green. My house is an add-on bachelor cabin. Although I didn't know the former occupants intimately I can tell by looking at the construction of the house the discussions they must have had. As in, "I am NOT living in that small of space". So he slapped the tower on the front of the existing structure to include a living room downstairs, and bedroom upstairs complete with walk-out balcony. Add on construction worked for awhile to appease the tastes of HMB (high maintenance babe) but soon greener pastures and more of them seemed a better option. Enter the Choate's.

The first rule to painting must be, don't paint when it's raining out. Similar to washing out your brushes the paint will run off the building from the rain. Duh?

The thing about exterior house painting is no one was thinking about painting them while building. In order to get the job done it's necessary to become a yoga master, a tight rope walker, or to grow wings. So far, I've got two out of the three requisites down but no feathers are sprouting off my back and the second floor looms before me.

Weaving Weird ...cont'd:
When we last left weaving weird I was working on a bowling pin. Now the bowling pin stage is completed and the base has become a reality. Not sure how this is all going to mesh together but then I'm never sure where I'm going with my work. It evolves as it see's fit. After completing the pin I've decided that the title to the piece is either "Raven - the trickster" or "Gonzo does Vegas".

West Coast in June:
In June, it's time to put the paint brush down and get behind the wheel again. We're off to Jabez, KY to the Bluegrass Basketry Seminar and then to WA state for a stint at Fishstix's with Judy Zugish in Marysville. July it's the KBA in KY and the TBA in TN. August it's the long haul back to AK with three classes in store for all my old students (and some new ones).

Ozark Basketry Retreat:
What a way to celebrate the fall! First weekend in October on the banks of the Current River in Van Buren, MO. Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Round Springs are all waiting to greet you in the surrounding area. The only thing better is dogwoods in the spring. Weaving never felt this good. For more information: www.jchoatebasketry.com/ozark%20retreat

Keep on, Keeping on

2010-05-07T06:29:00.004-05:00

Lay around in May?
I told myself I was taking the month of May off. The term off will conjure up thoughts of languidly floating down the river or morphing my halibut white body into a tanned goddess. Nope, the term off at the Choate place means getting caught on house chores. So therefore I'm planting the garden, detouring bug life on my new transplants, painting the outside of the house, and mud/taping the inside of the studio. Oh, and of course there's always getting ready for up coming classes.

It's a bugs life:
Bugs, what a concept. In Alaska, you plant stuff, leave it alone and it grows. In MO, you plant stuff and get ready for the bugs to feast on it. Get the bug book out and the buhach because it's mandatory gear on the arnsenal against who wins the food war, you or the bugs. I've never seen as many bugs as there are in MO. Mary Hertert (the AK bug lover), come on down! I have found your bug haven.

S-s-s-s-s-snakes:
Oh yeah, we got 'em. Another thing that is missing from the Great Land. Imagine my surprise when I trotted out the back door and almost landed on a black snake. I resisted the urge to jump back in the door, grab my gun and blast him since black snakes are not poisonous and eat copper heads and rats. To date no run in with copper heads - knock on wood.

Twilighting:
Remember that guy that was writing the fanfiction on the Twilight character Leah Clearwater, based in Trapper Creek? Well the first chapter of the saga of Eventide is posted on the internet. For all you Twilight fans that are interested you can check it out at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000945506201&v=app_2347471856

Back East Revue:
My long, long, long-long, drive back to MA and NH are behind me now. The only way to do that trip is to have a bunch of books on tapes and only stop for Chai Tea lattees and pee breaks. The people back east were great and the Porkypod won second place in the Teacher/Professional division of the 2010 NBG Gathering exhibition. Not only that but Porkypod was asked to be exhibited at the Essex Art Gallery in Lawrence, MA from June 18 until August 20, 2010. How cool is that?

What's next?
Well, after my leisurely recuperation during the month of May (not), June finds us in Jabez, KY at the Bluegrass Area Basketmakers Seminar and then at Judy Zugish's Fishstix in WA state. July we'll be in TN at the TBA convention and also in KY at the KBA convention. August will be back in AK for a month and offering three classes while we're there packing more stuff up. September the fun picks up again with classes in Delaware and North Carolina.

Ozark Retreat can't be beat:
Close your eyes, think about the fall colors surrounding you while you weave on the banks of the river. It's for real! Join us in October at the Ozark Basket Retreat, for more information visit: www.jchoatebasketry.com

Go Granny, GO-GO-GO!

2010-04-15T19:28:00.006-05:00

Road bugs:
Things that bug me when traveling. First off: toll roads, what a pain in the butt. Just about the time you get going in cruising down the road mode you have to slow down, go through the squeeze chute with the rest of the cattle and pay again. Sometimes for a .50 toll. I don't get it. What do they use that money for?

I-90, long, flat, a road that you really think you can sink your teeth into. Time to put the hammer down, plug in cruise control, and get on down the highway. Unfortunately the state police in every state you plow through on this highway has the same idea and have it laced with radar. I must have seen 20 cops on taking pictures on a Thursday afternoon.

Have you ever noticed that all the cheap hotels are run by mid-easterners? Its like they dropped out of phone assistance (hello, my name is Bob) and bought out all the Super 8's and Econoline hotels in the Lower-48.

Losing my Alaskan-ness:
It finally happened, I had to give up my AK drivers license. I had been holding off until the last possible moment until it became clear to me as I sat in the lawn chair soaking up rays that OH MY GOD my license expired on my birthday! Not necessarily a problem except I had to drive to the east coast in three days. Now in most places DMV testing happens all day, every day but not in VB, MO. Imagine my anxiety (and that of the closet weaver) when I found that they only test two days of the month and that was LAST WEEK. Gratefully there is a claus in there for dumbshits that ignore the expiration dates of their license's by giving them a grace period of 182 days to get a new one. Thank GOD for the MO DMV. So now the only thing officially Alaskan I have is the plates on Big Bertha and that's only until November.

Big Bertha Rocks:
Big Bertha is my big, broad, bright red, Ford truck. Super-cabbed and with a long bed she takes up a lot of space and gas to get where she's going. The good thing about Bertha is she's got moose lights that light up the night and a big back seat in case you decide that right here is a good place to spend the night. Some people get honked at and thumbs-upped over some cool bumper sticker they have slapped on the back of their rigs. I get people that come up beside me and gawk at a real Alaskan. However, on the east coast, I get passed, honked at, and waved too. We are an oddity, big Bertha and I.

Sunshine + Water = GREEN

2010-04-13T07:11:00.005-05:00

Sunshine + Water = GREEN:
The greenies have invaded and I can't stop making them grow. Probably because I can't seem to stop planting them. I've had seeds for FOREVER and now am sticking them in dirt to see if they will sprout anything...and it's working. So now every day I must tote all my plants out to the sunshine. It started out that there were a few that went out on the balcony, then we covered the picnic table, now when they come in for the night they cover the upstairs bedroom floor, the downstairs plant table (above and below) AND the kitchen table, oops, might have gone a bit to far there. Stop me before I plant again!

In Garden:
I hate to brag....BUT I've already been pulling a few leaves off my lettuce that I planted in March to munch on. Take THAT you AK gardeners. Lettuce in APRIL? WHAT a CONCEPT! My cole crops have seemed to with stand the cold, frost and (almost) snows of March and with the 80 degree (yes that's EIGHTY) temps have really started to shoot up. I'm tempted to throw everything else in the garden but am sticking to the advice of those that know and waiting until May. Meanwhile, the ex-Alaskan is growing her sweet corn in small, black, containers and hoping that it transplants and doesn't grow out of it's container before then. I bet I have corn knee-high before the fourth of July (hee, hee, hee).

Wild about Willow:
My willow patch is growing with gusto! Every time I commute down the driveway I have to stop and say hello and check on my new green little buds to see how their doing. They wave their new leafy sprouts at me as I tell them of the great destiny that awaits them - becoming baskets of course.

BACK East/OUT West:
Massachusetts and New Hampshire, a couple of places that I have NEVER taught at are calling my name. The Gathering at NEBG and Murray Hill Weaving are the next two stops on the trail. June finds us hanging out at the Bluegrass Basketry Retreat in Jabez, KY and then headed to the other side of the country in WA state at Fishstix's with Judy Zugish. July tops off with the KBA convention in Kentucky and the TBA in Tennessee.

Headed North in August:
When the salmon head home so will I. We'll be offering three classes on traditional baskets as well as a Fanned Market. For whose offering what and where check out the website: www.jchoatebasketry.com/classes.htm. (Hmmm, if she's headed to AK in August why is she planting a garden.....good question, unfortunately, no good answer.)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.

2010-03-19T07:41:00.002-05:00

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes:
The never-ending-fall (aka MO winter) is beginning to become spring. Spring is absolutely my favorite time of year in the south. In Alaska, another Iditarod is coming to an end with about a month of break up to trudge through before the green of spring shows up sometime around the end of May. In MO, however I'm planting.

I figure if the daffodils are blooming and the robins have arrived en mass it's time to get with the program and start plunking some of this multiplying green into the garden. So therefore I've planted brocolli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, and lettuce into the garden. By garden, I mean the very large rotting old hay patch on the side of the house. The Ozarks is known for it's rocks and clay, not it's soil. The locals say April 15th to start planting, I say, what the hell, and of course this AM its 32 degrees with a forecast of rain/snow for the weekend. Blackberry winter is what they call it down here. A cold spell after the blackberry vines start blooming out.

I-don't-know. I-don't-know. I don't know if it's a gonna grow, but its in the ground in MO:
Sounds like Jimmy Buffet invaded. Willow! I've always wanted a bed of basketry willow. So, I dug up the bed, shook the dirt off the quack grass, fluffed it up and stuck some sticks in the ground. I asked the UPS driver," hey, did you see my willow plot? " He looked at me strange and shook his head, no. I get that a lot.

He's a Shark:
My new compadre's name is Sharky. Don't ask me why, it's not the name that's on his registration papers. He's a looker though, with soft brown eyes and a TN walker gait. Me and Sharky went hoofing around on the Ozark Trail yesterday for about 12 miles of switchbacks up and down hollers. I can tell you that the violets are out, the blackberry canes are blooming, and the redbuds are starting to bloom. I can also tell you that I'm suffering from a bad case of no-knees-dead-butt disease.

Coming up, like a flower:
We're off to Austin, TX to hang with our buds March 26-28. Then we're back tracking to the east coast and more specifically the NEBG Gathering in W. Springfield, MA in April. A stop in Hill, NH to hang with our good friend Jean Bove. Then a month off in May to float the river, tend my garden, and paint my house (not necessarily in that order).

Come to the Ozarks in Fall:
The Ozark Basket Retreat in Van Buren, MO is awaitng your attendance. First weekend in October on the banks of the Current River and Big Springs - what could be better? Oh I forgot, weaving too. You pick it, we'll weave it. So far we have seven attendees and will limit out at 20, similarly to fishing, but not quite. Don't miss your chance to talk to the river with us.

Weaving weird:
I've been working on stuff for the Margaret Harwell Museum show scheduled for next March. All the strange bits and pieces that I've been jotting down for years on paper are finally coming to life. I'll post as they in sections as they become reality. Think bowling pin....it's a start.

The Dead Zone

2010-02-24T08:01:00.008-06:00

The Dead Zone:
Something stinks in my studio (say that five times fast). When the cold winds came I thought maybe a pipe had clogged but no, the warm winds are upon us now and it still stinks in the studio.

The studio is a recycled tool shed in the process of evolving into a full fledged, windowed, lighted, dry walled, sanctuary for me to create beauty and hide in. I like hiding in the studio, listening to books on tape, and weaving up weird concoctions with my coon dog. But back to the story.... something stinks in my studio.

When you first enter the studio you think, hey, pretty cool digs. However, when you turn on the heat it arrives... stink. I'm not talking your average stink. I'm talking backed up sewage stink. Stink that smells like something died and is slowing rotting in the walls. It doesn't make a difference if you put the perfume-glade-electric plug thing in the wall or burn foo-foo candles non stop it's still there hanging in the background, stink.

The stink is driving me nuts. Mostly because I can't find the source of it. I feel like Walter Matheau in Grumpy Old Men, driving around with a dead fish in my truck. In order to locate the stink I've adopted the hound dog technique. With nose to the floor (assuming the doggy position) I've smelled the floor, smelled the pipes, smelled the walls, and still failed to locate the stink.

It's a good thing I haven't started teaching classes in the studio yet. I can just see the macabre welcome. Hello, something died in here and we can't tell what...come in and weave your own coffin, mmuuuuaaaahhhh.

Fellow Displaced Alaskans:
I've had the good fortune of stumbling on stories from another misplaced Alaskan. This woman is from the trenches of Spenard (Anchorage, AK) and now resides on a homestead in Ala-BAM-a. For hiliarious exploits from Rancho Spenardo click here. http://ranchospenardo.blogspot.com/

Just Like Home, (almost):
One of our favorite videos from National Geographic is "Braving Alaska", about several families living in the bush. It was made several years ago and one family is still living the subsistence life style they set out to do. Heimo and Edna Korth live in multiple cabins in ANWR and have quite the life. Several books have been written about him and now some one else is telling it via the web . It aint our cabin in Alaska but it could be if there was more dogs around it. Come for a virtual visit to the REAL Alaska. http://www.vbs.tv/watch/far-out--2/heimo-s-arctic-refuge-1-of-5

2010-02-20T07:00:00.005-06:00

It's a robin convention:
The heralds of spring are back en mass around the farm this week. According to locals there showing up a couple weeks early. I figure that these guys must be headed to Alaska. It should take them a couple of months to book their passage through Canada and show up some time at the end of April so therefore the early departure date. A sure sign that spring is not lagging behind.

Dear John, 2011:
The prestigious John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC has asked me to join them in January and offer a workshop. How cool is that?! The Adventures in Antler Basketry course is slated for January 23-28, 2011. Five days of fun and weaving. You gotta be there!

Becoming Poplar (Bluff that is):
The Margaret Harwell Museum of Poplar Bluff, MO has asked that I do a solo exhibit of my work in March 2011. Now all those wild concoctions that I have been sketching for so long are now slated to become a reality. Can't wait to start making them come alive.

Springing Forward:
Warm temps, spring green, red bud, dogwood, and the Current River....a spring just doesn't get any better than that.

We hit the ground running in March. Starting off with the Weave In in Western Kentucky, then down to visit with Scott and Beth at GH Productions in Scottsville, KY and then off to the "other" big state of Texas for a visit to Austin. For more information contact: Gail Pollock at pollockl@bbtel.com (WY KY), Beth Hester at hester@basketmakerscatalog.com (GH Productions), Karen Hobbs at bearhobbs@aol.com (Austin, TX)

You'll find us back east in April in attendance at the Northeast Basketmakers Gathering in West Springfield, MA. Then on up to Hill, New Hampshire to spend time with Jean Bove at her Murray Hill Weaving establishment. For more info contact: Nancy Michaelis at Nancy.Michaelis@CIGNA.COM (NBG), Jeane Bove at murrayhillweaving@gmail.com.

West Coast HERE I COME:

It's been a long time since I've taught on the West coast but I'm headed that way in June. Judy Zugish of Marysville, WA is hosting classes at her Fishstix establishment June 24-27. For more information contact: Judy Zugish at fishsticks@clearwire.net

The roadie

2010-01-13T07:41:00.002-06:00

The Roadie:

I've decided I'm sort of like the post office, neither snow, nor rain, nor heat (yeah, right), nor gloom of night, stays this courier from her appointed rounds. I'm thinking it might need a winter variation like: neither snow, nor sleet, nor black ice, nor glare from oncoming headlights, or big-assed truckers, will keep this weaver from honking on down the road.

So far, so good. Went to hang with the Owatonna, MN weavers. What a great group! Gotta a chance to hang with Venie Hinson and check out her very cool weaving studio. Who knew she not only quilts, marbles, and weaves baskets but also is an outstanding oil portait artist and she has LOOMS. Quite a treat for Venie and I to hang out outside of the warp speed of conventions. We're packing her up and headed out for Virginia where I'm hoping the snow (even though I LOVE IT) is gone.

See you soon Virginians!

The "eye" of the Kitchen

2009-12-03T06:28:00.005-06:00

They "eye" of the Kitchen:

My kitchen used to be a whole house. In its former life it was a bachelor pad that morphed into a love grotto by adding on for its former owner. When the former hen of the house decided she needed to be closer to Mama (a common affliction here) the brown house on the bluff became ours. The BHOB (brown house on the bluff) sort of resembles what we call Alaskan architecture. It has the strawman’s quality from the Wizard of Oz, “first they needed a shop and they built it over there!, then they needed a living room and they built it over there!” Combined, it resembles something like the Weasley house from Harry Potter on a smaller scale.

My kitchen layout looks like this. In one corner a small 30” X 35” table formerly for eating that currently houses computer paraphernalia and in the opposite corner the IN-house. The IN house is a small boxed in unit that used to be an outhouse in another life. The wonder of the IN-house is that it contains INdoor plumbing, a TOILET, and a SHOWER. Which of course aren’t big items in the every day life of those living on the grid but to the former bush Alaskan …..ooooh, yeah, pay dirt.

The cleaning station (aka sink) houses “Big Bertha”. Big Bertha is one of those to die for antique cast iron sinks with the attached porcelain draining board that has a tendency to hold the stain from everything. Next to Big Bertha is the little-stove-that-could. An antique, apartment sized, Shapleigh gas stove that looks like my Mother cooked on it (and probably did). This little-stove-that-could has been churning out dinners for over 70 years and is still going strong.

If you look up you will see the former sleeping quarters. A mezzanine accessible by ladder that now houses an assortment of food stuffs. The cupboards were formerly closet space made of eastern red cedar, the counter tops of the same complete with gaps between boards. The open faced cupboards are cheerily bedecked with curtains that brighten up the kitchens persona and hide all the stuff in the cupboards that need hiding. These curtains are new and hand sewn with love and care. Their construction occurred after much deliberation and decision making on what color and design of fabric would best enhance the kitchen.

Kitchens are a women’s hallowed ground. Men do not belong in kitchens except at meal times when they are called to the table. The reason for this is that the do not understand the rules of the kitchen. They do not understand that they are currently residing on holy ground. They do not understand that when washing their hands before a meal that CURTAINS ARE NOT TO BE USED AS HAND TOWELS! Using curtains as hand towels will get the male in the house an ear full at a high volume with full intensity. Similar to the shriek of a banshee it will stop all inappropriate male behavior in an instant.

So therefore, walk softly in the kitchen of the new curtain owner. Admire the curtains, BUT DON’T TOUCH THEM. If entrance to the cupboard is required, MAKE SURE YOUR HANDS ARE CLEAN, before parting them. Most importantly, NEVER MISTAKE A CURTAIN FOR A HAND TOWEL. In parting, let me quote the immortal words of Cheech and Chong’s, Sister Mary Elephant, “thank you”.

When the snow flies so will I:
It starts up in Owatonna, MN, where the white stuff and I will finally meet this season. My Mom says I'm nuts for traveling in the winter but the roads here compared to AK are a piece of cake. Highways are maintained on a frequent basis and they have them to EVERYWHERE, not like in AK where there are three. Next up, a little heat and Guilders Weave in Newport News, VA.

Same thing but in reverse for February. First some southern hospitality at the GBA in Roswell, GA and then back to the snow at Crossroads Get-a-way in Okemos, MI and a stop in OH at Winter Weave.

Alaska Return:
August see's us heading up the ALCAN again. What shall we weave up this time Alaskans?
I'm up for suggestions and a place to weave at. Let me know your thoughts and we'll get something in the works.

OUT WEST in May:
Still putting together some classes out West in May. If your group or guild is interested let me know and we'll get you on the schedule.

CHILLIN' in the JILLIKINS:
Jillkins is an ozark term for wild country. Not as wild as Alaska but it'll do. Come join us for a basket weaving retreat in the beauty of Big Springs in Van Buren, MO in October. It'll give you a new definition for chill with Jill. For more information give me a hoot and I'll sent it your way.

West Bound Tour -CA and beyond

2009-11-24T08:45:00.002-06:00

Get on the west bound tour:
We're headed to CA in May in 2010. The Mendocino Art Center has asked us to come out and host some basketry workshops and we are really excited about heading that way. If your guild or group would like to host a class in May out west we'd love to get you on the schedule.

Ozarks in the fall:
In case you needed some quiet reflection time to enjoy the beauty of fall in the Ozarks we've got something brewing for you. The Big Springs Lodge is our host for a weekend of weaving and fun the first weekend in October. Big Springs is a natural wonder and close by is the National Scenic Riverway including the Current River. It is truly the Ozarks at it's finest. Come join us! For more information drop me a note at jill@Jchoatebasketry.com.