Spring is in full bloom around West Michigan now. I enjoy seeing colorful tulips everywhere I go. I love this change of seasons which also means another school year is drawing to an end. My daughter, Sarah, and nephew, Grant, are graduating together from High School and my niece, Natalie, is graduating from 8th grade. Where does time go?

With graduations here, weddings cannot be far behind. I have one niece, Crystal being married this June; she is the first of 13 Grandchildren (we call them Grandpa and Grandma Veurink's--baker's dozen) to be wed. On my husband's side, a great niece, Erin will be married the following week in California. So I look forward to school days, open houses, showers, and weddings, some of which I used as the themes in this Issue.

My "Wedding Bell Blues" is a beautiful handled basket with a wooden "fretwork" cutout of two elegant wedding bells. Accent your basket with the bride's colors in the braided border and painted wooden ribbon. Use as a card basket or to pass out mini bubble bottles, rice, or birdseed bags to toss at the new bride and groom. This could also be an Anniversary Basket, have guests sign the wide band and then use later as a card basket from the special celebration.

Amy De Smet's "Patriotic Double Wall Basket" is actually two baskets in one. If you have never woven a double wall or enjoy the extra time weaving, this sturdy basket is for you. The inner basket is woven first with its beautiful twill design and serves as a mold for the outer basket. The red, white, and blue basket is finished off with wooden stars and beaded wire handles.

The "Holiday Curl Baskets" are also designed by Amy De Smet and can be woven in different colors for the holidays: red and blue for Americana, pastels for Easter, or red and green for Christmas. Accent your basket with complimentary beads and finish with a wire handle and dyed curls.

My "May Day Basket" is super to use as a magnet or place card for your dinner or shower guests. Add your favorite color ribbon to accent this mini basket while using all your scrap pieces. Great to make for scouts, camps, or Bible school this summer!

Elizabeth Wheeler Clark's "Cap and Diploma" is the perfect centerpiece for Kindergarten, 8th Grade, high school, college graduation, or grad school celebration. Honor your special graduate, adding their own school's colors with this unique design.

"Carpenter's Blues" is also designed by Elizabeth Wheeler Clark. Weave this tool time project for the favorite guy in your life. This pair of jeans is great for Dad's birthday or Father's Day. These woven projects are taken from Elizabeth's second book "Addicted Through the Year" featuring 40 projects to celebrate the year. A great pattern and reference weaving book to own!

However you spend your summer, I hope that you will have fun in the sun! Hopefully after all my family festivities, I will be able to head to the marina and weave by the pool! I can't wait!

Weaving Wishes!