“How-To” Part Two is done!!!

aaarggghhhh! That’s all I can say about how long it took me to complete Part Two of Eric’s online “how-to” guide on how to finish one of his baskets at home. And this is a total shout out to JEANNE P.!!! I worked extra hard to get this done on your behalf. I know you have several baskets that need some “finishing guidance.” But you know what, you already know what to do. You’re one of Eric’s best students, clients… true supporter. You do great work!! : )

So here’s a snapshot…

So everything is there. From all the tools you need and really good instructional videos on how to finish the basket. I know. I don’t make baskets. And I edited these videos. I think I can probably make one of my husband’s baskets now without him even knowing! I can sneak in and grab a kit and do it. Seriously. He’s very detailed in these.

I also want to share something that he would never put out here… this is decades of him refining the process of making an exquisite and superior basket. (I added in the words ‘exquisite’ and ‘superior’—Eric would never say that.) But he’s literally sharing this because he cares about the craft he dedicated his life to—the craft of basketry.

It’s not about selling classes or making money on a website… none of that. He wants this craft to expand in America and hopefully some young person sees this and they pick up this craft and can pass it along. It’s so important. It really is. If you see a basket at Walmart or Pier 1 Imports… do not buy it. It’s not American made. If the basket you buy is under 30 bucks, then you are supporting a child, most likely in China, weaving a basket for 5 cents. That’s my “basketmaker’s wife two cents” added in here. But honestly. When I met Eric he schooled me on all the baskets in my home. All but two were made in America. And one, I’m ashamed to say, was used as a “catch-all” in my kitchen. Getting destroyed. And it was a valuable antique, American-Made basket. I was oblivious. And there were approx. 12 other baskets in my home I used as storage on bookshelves—and they were made off the backs of children. I never knew this.

So if you are here, watching these videos to complete one of Eric’s baskets, spread the word. Spread the craft. It’s so important to ALL American craftspeople. It’s a dying livelihood and Eric is literally in a war to reach as many people as he can to keep this millions-of-years-old craft alive! And let it thrive in America from American makers, long after he’s gone.

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