Weaving until it hurts!

Not that weaving hurts, but when fingers aren't typically being used like this, they tend to cramp a bit.

Last Saturday, granddaughter Julia and I took Weaving 101. Turned out we were the only ones who signed up so we received individual tutoring.  Nice - especially when neither of us has experience in this craft. Kasia, our teacher, showed examples of a few techniques and we decided to try the twining first.  Using pipe cleaners, we began to weave baskets.  These photos show the start. Looks quite complicated, but as long as you remember which colors are the "spokes" and which are the "weavers", it was not difficult.  I chose blue and green for my weavers;

while Julia started with orange and pink weavers then decided to add some other colors.




The spokes aren't supposed to show through when finished, but as you can see from the next photo, I wasn't too successful in hiding them.  I think they add character to the basket though - don't you?

Twining with pipe cleaners

Next we decided to try coiling. Kasia instructed us in what I found out later is "open coiling".  We used some felt scraps and yarn.  While we did it, the result wasn't very good. In fact the one I made in class has already hit the circular file.

Still interested in the technique though, I researched the website Kasia talked about as well as others, and decided to try my hand at home using the "closed coiling" technique.  Much better results!  On Pinterest I found videos and directions on how to use plastic bags, grocery-store type, instead of fabric or clothes line. I decided to use up cording left over from another craft instead of yarn.  I think the stiffness of the cord is what made my fingers cramp up.  Next time I'll use yarn.

Coiling with plastic grocery bags & cording

This took about five hours, but is something that can be done while watching TV so it seemed to go fast. I used about 7 or 8 bags, and a lot more cording than I expected to.  I ran out of blue after weaving the bottom, so built up the sides with gold. Ended up looking like Marquette or Brewer colors.

Julia seemed to enjoy the challenge and took home lots of supplies to work on at home.  I hope she doesn't drive her parents nutty though as weaving is not as easy and I thought it would be.

In December we are taking more classes with Kasia - making Polish Christmas Ornaments.  Watch for those results.

Instructor:  Kasia Drake-Hames:  www.kdhartstudio.com
Carol's "Crafty Stuff" board on Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/carolbanach/crafty-stuff/

Washer Jewelry

Early in October I joined the Hart Park Senior Community Center because they offer a weekly Craft Club. The first craft we worked on is "Washer" jewelry.  Not too difficult - just purchase some metal washers from a hardware store; cut and glue paper to them; file to make the edges smooth; add mod podge to set them.  Attach them to a chain, or cord and voila!  A beautiful necklace.

I don't wear necklaces much and found this idea on Pinterest.  It makes a nice Christmas ornament!

Because this craft is supposed to last for three weeks, I made a few more.  After several attempts I gave up on the paper/glue/filing steps and decided to try nail polish instead.  I like the results much better.

Some of the other ladies in the club added beads and charms which really dressed them up. I'd like to learn more about making jewelry, perhaps I'll take a class at Jo-Ann's or Michael's.

Next up at craft club is a paper wreath, then a rosette Christmas Tree.  If they turn out I'll share the results.

Old World Wisconsin

My new favorite place for photography is Old World Wisconsin in Eagle.  I recall going there as a grade school chaperon more than 20 years ago. I've always thought about going back, but only recently made the trip. So far I've been there two times since Labor Day.

 It truly is the place to travel back in time.  There are re-created settlements dating back to the 19th and early 20th century and organized by a variety of immigrants who settled in Wisconsin.  I've briefly explored most of them:  German, Polish, Norwegian, Danish and Finnish areas.  What I really enjoy are the "interpreters".  Men and women are hired to portray the people of the times.  They wear the clothing of their time period, and spend their days doing the things that would have been done at the time.  The hours are limited for the rest of the year, but will re-open daily next May.  I expect to be visiting the location again and again....

Here are a few of my favorite photos...more can be found by exploring my flickr set "Old World Wisconsin".

It was delivered today!

No, not our grandson, but my birthday camera!  I took it outside for a few quick shots before opening up the "how-to" manual and was quite pleased with the results!

Tomorrow I'll test drive it around town.  It's "Doors Open Milwaukee" weekend!  More photos to come.

UPDATE!  Click on this link to see the Doors Open photos.  I had a lot of blurry photos, due to my learning curve with the new camera.  And, I wore my cool boots while walking around today - resulting in a nasty blister after three hours.  Only hit four places so I'll be returning next year wearing my walking shoes!

Name Guessing

Three and half weeks to our grandson's due date and I've been thinking hard what his parents will name him. Albert seems to run in both sides of the family, but I doubt they'll use that one.  But there are lots of variations, like Alan, Alberto, Alfie and my favorite Alistair.

On the other hand, "J"'s seem to be popular for our grandchildren...we already have a Julia and a Jacob so perhaps Jameson, Jesse, or Joshua?  

Royally; William, Harry or George could work.  I do like Anthony too - having a "Tony" in the family would be a lot of fun!  Cooper is fun to say, but I think the kids at school will probably give him a nickname that rhymes with that one.

Whatever his name is, I know I'm going to love it!

PS:  Too bad "Gilbert" is already taken.