No Raaaaace! But there is Free Stuff Friday! And basketweaving. No, really!
No Race and the Amazing Philimanator last night, due to Country Music Awards.
But the Free Stuff Friday contest will go on! To win a free book from my website bookshelf, just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Free stuff? Seriously?” in the subject line. I will draw one winner and announce there here in Friday’s blog. Good luck!
As many of you know, I am launching my new Hot Scot trilogy on May 25 with the release of SOME LIKE IT SCOT. (Followed by OFF KILTER, end of this year.) What you might not know is that the common thread that ties the books together is basket weaving. Specifically, a very special form of weaving that uses waxed linen thread. Never one to pass up an opportunity to play with new stuff–er, do in depth, hands on research, I found a couple of willing teachers to help me learn about this beautiful, traditional craft. (Thank you Joanne Howard and Linda Hovermale!) I’ve been dabbling since last fall and so far, I don’t completely suck! (I take this as a huge compliment.)
So I thought I would share with you some photos of my ongoing immersion into this world. Here is my first completed woven linen tray. The black diagonal patterns on the sides are actually delica beads!
I am very excited that the series is finally coming to a bookstore near you! SOME LIKE IT SCOT deals with the craft in a more over-view kind of way. You’ll get a closer look in OFF KILTER, then in book three (still to be titled), the heroine, Kira, is, herself a weaver so the trilogy will culminate with a much closer involvement of the craft itself. I am getting ready to dive into her book next, so I hope my education keeps pace!
Here is my current work in progress:
Pretty amazing, huh? I can’t believe I’m doing this and it doesn’t look like a six year old made it. Mostly. Of course, this is rank beginner stuff. Next time I will share some shots of world renowned artisans whose pieces will boggle your mind! (And, if you find weaving is interesting, wait until I take you along on my next research adventure….learning everything there is about baking cupcakes like a pastry chef! Beginning this fall….)
Good luck with the contest! And tune in tomorrow for some DWTS dish!
Wow, Donna! Those baskets are COOL! Thanks for sharing this new past time of yours with us!
I can’t wait! I’m excited about the books to come and the basketweaving is pretty nifty, too!
You have talent girl!! The basket that you completed is beautiful and the one you are working on looks like it will be also.
Can’t wait unitl this next series hits the shelves.
Very impressive!
That woven bowl is really neat. I made a woven waxed linen necklace one time.
Awesome Job!
Nancy
I love the basket that you completed, Donna. Basketweaving always did interest me, but I haven’t taken time to try my hand at it. Thanks for sharing with us what you learned.