Underwater Basket Weaving Merit Badge

So have you heard the one about the college course in underwater basket weaving? Yeah, it is an old wife's tale, folk lore, urban legend, or whatever you want to call it. As a basket maker I have had people ask me about it with a wink and a smile, though I think the ask-er actually thinks it is a real thing. Anyway, like the Shakers, Quakers or Bushwhackers, I am taking back the derogatory moniker. I am now going to proudly display my Boy Scout's merit badge in underwater basket weaving. I think after all of the baskets I have made that I have earned it.

By the way, if you didn't already know, this is a joke. It is a real patch, it just isn't one that the real Boy Scouts will be awarding anyone. I will be sewing it onto the apron I wear when I do conventions. I am sure it will be a conversation starter.

2016 Eric Taylor Workshop

Eric Taylor will be back in St. Louis again this May to teach two great classes. Eric Taylor has been making traditional baskets and Shaker boxes since 1983. His love for working with wood and the black ash trees inspired him to experiment further in the art which lead to creating his own contemporary designs that combined the elements of the Shaker and Nantucket baskets. Eric has taught the art of basketry, nationally, for over twenty years.

Saturday - Sunday, May 14-15, 2016

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Boxcar #4

10" L x 7.5" w x 10" H
 

The Boxcar #4, like the train car this design is named after, is suitable for moving a heavy load. The tall straight sides, and sturdy cherry rims and handle are matched with skates that lift the basket and reinforce the woven black ash base.

AND 

Birds Nest

4" Dia. x 3" H

Two rows of curls separated by a wide band add a new twist to one of Eric’s unique baskets. Woven of hand pounded black ash, this little basket is accented with a cherry base, rims and flared side handles.

$305 (includes both baskets)

Monday, May 16, 2016

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cottage Garden #2

12" L x 7.5" W x 7.5" H

This is the second basket in the Cottage Garden set. Nest this gem inside the Cottage Garden #3 we made in 2014. Woven of black ash with cherry rims and handle, and cherry skates that act to lift the basket and give it a firm stature.

$180 

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cottage Bun

15" L x 5" W x 4" H

A new basket for 2016, the Cottage Bun is the little cousin of Eric’s Cottage French Bread. Woven of hand pounded black ash, it features a cherry base, flared side handles and rims that curve into a graceful oval.

$165 

Class fee includes all materials, handouts and use of mold, weaving stand and
basic tools (if you have particular tools you like, please feel free to bring them).

Level: Intermediate
Contact: Tony Stubblefield
if you would like to receive registration information

Tiered Stands

So I saw these on some DIY blogs so had to give them a try. They are made from old pie tins and enamelware plates, and table legs. As these "simple" projects you find on Pinterest go these were a bit more tricky than I expected. You wouldn't think it would be that hard to find the exact center of a plate, but when you are as much of a perfectionist as I am it can be. Also taking a table leg and sectioning it by making perfectly perpendicular cuts is really challenging. I know I said I was a perfectionist, but making these cuts just right was crucial otherwise your tires end up at wonky angles, like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. I did have to do a bit of sanding to get them just right, but cutting as close to level as possible to begin with really helped.

I was really pleased with how they turned out and I have supplies to make more. I just need to find the time to do it (famous last words, right?)