From Sheri’s Studio….

 Fall is here, the leaves are still ablaze with color. The never ending summer in Michigan has turned to a beautiful fall with spectacular long lasting colors in foliage. 

In October I traveled on a bus trip to the Longaberger Company in Dresden, Ohio. This has always been on my to-do list, but the timing has never seemed to work out. Most of the bus included serious collectors as well as 3 consultants. Touring this basket makers’ humble beginnings in a replica family home and workshop and touring the factory after weaving a basket was overwhelming. This factory area is 17 times a football field; but the history and education of how baskets are made touched me the most. Totally a great trip to take!

 My “Jingle All the Way” is an adorable heart shaped sleigh with a festive 2 tone braid and Christmas colored beads. This one will make up quickly as an adorable centerpiece holding a mini poinsettia or Santa or a container of dip for a food tray.

 My “Birch Bark Ornaments” are cut into 2 basic shapes-the evergreen and the heart.  Make them 2-D to hang on the tree or in a wreath or create them 3-D so they can stand alone. Play with the birch bark- one of my personal favorites to show the beauty of this tree in a Scandinavian style ornament.

 My “Holiday Fingertip Basket” is woven first and then a holiday wreath is shaped and held in place with a colorful reed bow. A stoneware handle created from Ronda Brugh of “The Loft” completes this Holiday gift basket; add a towel and soap for a super hostess present. 

“Peppermint Swirl” is my wonderful exercise in round reed. I am always challenged by weavers who love round reed and 2 great teachers, Lorraine Otto and Flo Hoppe who encourage others and myself to weave entirely in round reed. The red and natural reed play a “swirl” around this basket with a checkered board twining technique that plays with color; it is completed with a braided border. Leather holly leaves and wooden berries are a perfect addition for this festive season.

 My “Christmas Carrier” will hold a pie or anything else that you need to “carry” to your holiday festivities.  Capturing the Holiday Spirit in reds and greens; curls are added, pine boughs and holly are painted in the wide ash band and handle.  This decorative technique is simple enough even if you are not an experienced painter.

 Sharon Klusmann’s “Large and Small Santa” in both sizes are so adorable.  This face is hand painted on a wooden grooved base ready for you to weave in dyed red and natural along with puffy white Chenille yarn adding to Santa’s beard.  A candy cane, berries and snowflake evergreens held together with a red wire bow complete this festive tray. 

Enjoy family and friends as you gather for the Holidays.  Blessings to you and yours!

 Weaving Wishes!