June "Snack and Weave" Minutes

Seventeen members attended the guild's annual Snack and Weave on June 5th. I think everyone would agree that with the variety and caliber of foods available it was really more of a "Feast and Weave". I will post some of the recipes soon.

There were no changes or comments about the May minutes and no checks have been written so the balance remains at $376.14.Old Business
Darleen and Sue went over a few tips on the weaving of the nature basket. Members were reminded to look for interesting things to weave into their baskets in September.

Members were reminded that we will again be weaving baskets to donate to the church in October.

Ann brought her large box of gourds so members could select one for our Gourd Fun night in October. If you still don't have one, contact Ann directly over the summer. Members were reminded the gourds must be CLEANED, CUT, DUG OUT, HOLES DRILLED AND FINISH ON BEFORE WE WEAVE ON THEM.

SO.....TO PREPARE GOURDS FOR WEAVING
Purchase a metal scrubber for pots and pans and dust mask/respirator if you don't have any
Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

1.Place the gourd in a large tub containing warm water mixed with a little dish detergent and small amount of bleach.
2. Allow gourd to soak. Placing a plate or something heavy over the gourd will help keep it submerged.
3. Using any tool that can be used on metal pots and pans, scrub the gourd.
4. Using an exacto knife or small saw cut an opening in the gourd as desired.
5. Wearing dust mask/respirator and rubber gloves, scrape out the inside fibers of the gourd. Work in well ventilated area and do not breath the fibrous material inside the gourd. Sand edge of gourd if needed.
6. Set aside to dry.
7. When dry, drill holes. If planning to twine, number of holes should be divisible by 3. Graph paper helps to get the holes even.
8. Finish outer surface of gourd with basket stain or regular stain. Surface must be stained before weaving.
New Business
The guild will be meeting again over the summer at Stephanie's house. Plan on meeting July 10th at 6:30 (note that is the 2nd Thursday of the month). Bring a project to work on and if desired a snack.

The guild also decided to have a Saturday Fall Workshop in October. The date will be determined later this summer, probably by email and phone calls. Judy and Stephanie volunteered to teach the workshop and again will offer 2 baskets. Judy agreed to teach "Zeus" which featured a wooden base and gorgeous twill pattern. The other basket talked about was a larger tote type basket with pockets.

Many beautiful items were brought for show and tell in a wide range of materials. Everything from gourds, to hand marbled reed, to tricky twills were admired.