Do you prefer working with natural or dyed basketry materials? A. Natural all the way for me! B. Dyed - I love color, the more saturated the better. C. A mix, but I prefer more muted, nature-inspired color. D. It depends on the project. Don't pin me down😋 This poll is for fun - but it will also tell us what to focus on, so the more people that chime in, the better. Waffling and paragraphs of explanation are welcome - we love verbal processing around here🤔💬💬💬

Still: The Art of Noticing by Mary Jo Hoffman Quote from page 50 "You are what you do. Put another way: If you think about becoming an artist all the time, then you are a thinker. If you dream about becoming an artist, then you are a dreamer. If you read about becoming an artist, then you are a reader. If you study art, then you are a student. If you do dishes or vacuum or declutter your house in order to avoid making art, then you are a cleaning crew. But if you show up every day and make a little bit of art, however incomplete or unsatisfying or misguided or not how Georgia O'Keeffe would have done it, you are an artist." From Cheri...there is so much to recommend this book. First, I'm sure it's an antidote to stress, high blood pressure, and worry! Just looking through it will improve your day. Second, it's a visual feast for anyone interested in art, photography, foraging, natural history, color...beauty. Third, highly recommend reading the words too, as she beautifully describes her process and the evolution of her body of work. I think anyone that spends time with this book will come away more grounded in their craft and inspired to take baby steps, leaving perfectionism in the dust. PS. Not to mention that in a world where so much AI garbage is hitting the bookshelves this book is a revelation in that it took decades of work to come to fruition. You can't fake this kind of dedication!

Hi, I'm Brittany Stanton, and I want to take a moment to welcome you to Basket Weaving Collective. If you're here, you probably already know that basket weaving is more than just a craft. It's a way to slow down, work with your hands, and make something that lasts. This is your space to learn, create, and connect with basket weaving enthusiasts. A little about me: I've been practicing basketry and traditional handcrafts for over 20 years. For the last seven years, I've been teaching at guilds, festivals, art schools, and on YouTube — and I still love the moment when a technique finally clicks for someone. Here's what members can expect: - Basket courses, workshops, and new techniques are added to the library regularly - In the community, you ask questions, get feedback, and show n' tell your creations - Inspiration, project ideas, and behind-the-scenes peeks at what I'm working on Introduce yourself! Tell us about your hobbies (hobbies often intersect with basket weaving), one basket or technique you've always wanted to try. Let's get to know each other. This community grows as we share. I can't wait to see what we make together. Welcome 🧺 — Brittany