Out with the old and in with the new!

Seems this catch saying still holds true. As another year begins – I have featured some old techniques as well as some new variations.

Happy New Year! Holiday time was family time as we flew in December to California to celebrate my Mother-in-law’s 90^th birthday. Then home for Christmas. My daughter Sarah is engaged with a tentative date in 2006! I might have to get busy this summer designing wedding baskets – what fun! The busyness of the celebrations over the holidays has settled in with several big Michigan snowfalls and one enjoyable snow day meaning – No School!!

My "Peter Cottontail" uses watercolor paper to create this cute paper ornament. Decorate with moss, dyed reed and mini flowers. Make a family of cottontails and hang on a dried branch or use as name cards at your next Easter or family gathering.

My "Lattice Heart" is a large woven heart with dyed overlays creating a unique base. Use for serving during this season or hang on your front door to greet the love of your life!

Jodi Shebester has always been known for her wonderful woven flower series. "Helen’s Daffodil Hoop" welcomes spring with this bright and bold jonquil with woven petals and leaves nestled inside a woven hoop making the perfect piece to hanging.

Jodi’s "Nut Cup" basket features a small basket woven over a wooden bowl starting with a 1" wooden base. Dyed spokes and rim make a great contrast against the cane weavers. While I am delighted to feature Jodi’s 2 baskets; I must say good-bye to a dear basket friend and Advertiser. Jodi has now closed her "Basket House." I am so glad I traveled there with my son, Brian in the Spring of 2003 for a wonderful Bed and Basket Get Away. Jodi has decided to pursue the field of nursing and her studies are now her major focus. So best wishes Jodi to you in your new endeavor!  

Susan Reed – Fanfoni has definitely welcomed spring with her adorable "Mr. Bunny." The woven body has accents of dyed rows in pastel colors. Then woven ears are inserted into the painted wooden head. Add a felt jacket (pre-sewn and available in 5 different colors) after adding arms to carry a mini bunny. Then weave a mini Easter basket to fill with special treats.

Susan Reed - Fanfoni is now designing a new line of baskets with pockets. Visit her new Website to check these out! This "Pocketful of Seeds" will be great to hold your seed catalogues as they arrive. Decorated with 3 garden tools and gloves, the pocket can hold your flower or vegetable seeds.

I am getting use to my new Dell computer which I received during the Holidays. Changing over all my files from the old one and adding all the programs has taken much longer that I anticipated, so this Issue might arrive a little later than planned.

Now everything on this computer seems to be up and running much faster. The Days are already starting to get longer. I am enjoying the crisp, sunny days of winter, but look forward to the warmth of spring days! Hope you enjoy the seasons changing too! … Happy Spring!!

Weaving Wishes!

P.S.- If your mailing label on the back cover reads SP2005, then this is your last Issue and it is time to renew your Subscription. Please use the form in this Issue to renew. Thank You!