The calendar finally says, "A Little Studio Time". While we had a blast in 2016, we were both really looking forward to some time at home. Since the last blog, we held an event here in Summerfield in our studio and shop, then went to the Deer Creek Guild in Abingdon, MD.
The event here was one of the HNCB Nantucket Workshops that Joni and I put on ourselves. This was a lot of fun. It was during this event that Andy Ash, husband of one of the weavers, Mary Ash, brought over his restored 1960 Triumph TR3. Many of you probably know that I am in the process of (very slowly) restoring one of these myself, and it was great to be able to see (and drive!) one that is fully restored (Wow! A roadster with the top down is a really really fun to drive!!) We held three of the HNCB Nantucket Workshops in Summerfield this year, and will bump it up to six in 2017. One of these is a private event, and some others are starting to fill up, but there are still slots open. Take a look at the website for available dates. If you are interested in attending, call Joni or submit a workshop form. These events are limited in size (8-10 maximum so that everyone gets personal attention) and all food is provided (except Saturday dinner). We also have full access to our own shop and studio, so most projects can be completely finished in the 4-day event.
The Deer Creek Guild once again hosted us at their meeting place at the Issac Walton League Clubhouse in Abingdon, MD. I believe we had as many as 17 total people during the event, although individual projects were spaced out nicely over the 4 days. The hospitality is always great, the food was fantastic, and Joni and I really enjoyed being there. That being said, it was with light (albeit tired) hearts that we headed home for Thanksgiving and the month of December. The last bit of excitement occurred as we were heading out I-70 at about 9:30 PM in 33 degree temperatures. A vehicle pulled up next to us with a passenger hanging out the window gesticulating wildly at us with a look of horror on his face. Apparently we had blown a tire on the trailer a few miles back and had worn the rubber completely down to the rim, on which we were merrily rolling along. Thanks to this unknown good Samaritan, we were able to pull over and change to the spare tire before bedding down for the night.
Since we have been home, we have spent time with the family (including both of our kids and the three grandchildren and Cooper), taken Kamaya-Dee to the Nutcracker Tea at the O'Henry Hotel in Greensboro, seen the the Christmas tree lighting in downtown Greensboro, decorated the house for the holidays, finished up multiple basket projects (and shipped them off for Christmas - we should get the rest done this week), and spent some time updating the website.
Speaking of the website, we have made a number of additions, including:
1. Updated the photos section with new pictures,
2. Added two new How-To videos to the "Downloads, Videos and Demonstrations" page, including "How to attach a handle to a Nantucket basket", and "How to insert the plug in the base of a nantucket basket),
3. Added a page and submission form for people to purchase gift certificates to Handmade North Carolina Baskets for friends and family, and
4. Squashed a few bugs and made a number of other fixes.
Please take a look and tell us what you think, we always appreciate your feedback. Feel free to send the links for the website and blog to basket friends or members of your guilds.
That's it for today.....Remember, Its a Beautiful Day, don't let it slip away.....
ps - Oh and by the way, GO TIGERS!....ACC Champs 2016!!!
If we don't see or talk to you before the end of the year, we wish you Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas, or Happy Hanukkah, a Safe Saturnalia, a Wonderful Kwanzaa, a Merry Yuletide or a Happy Whichever Winter Holiday you celebrate.......and a Happy New Year!!!
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