Note: These questions were meant for last Friday but we forgot that it was Friday. Days are just rolling into each other and time seems to be going by so fast!
Here’s the next five questions, asked by Eric’s students. But before I list them, I need to change their name. They weren’t happy with the title I gave them last week (and I agree who wants to be called the Toilet Paper Ladies?? LOL).
So their new name: ‘Over the Top Ladies’ (OTTL) and I agree. I heard they had many interesting conversations that had nothing to do with toilet paper 🙂 AND they made their way here, safely, to make baskets and keep Eric’s livelihood going during these times. And that is Over the Top in my book any day!
Q from “OTTL”: How long did it take you to set up your workshop here in Tennessee?
Good question. A complicated question. It took years before I felt that I was pleased with my shop. Seriously, this is the first time in my whole career of basket making that I am proud of my shop. When we moved to Tennessee, we had to create a “home” inside the industrial building that would be livable, so the shop was secondary. It was a balancing act for the first 3 or 4 or 5 years— work on the home then a little on the workshop. It was back and forth. I worked on the shop based on what would make things easier work wise and more efficient for me, but our home needed so much work and my time. A happy wife is a happy life, right? Lynne has had to put up with a lot.
(Lynne: I don’t like that saying! LOL)
Q from “OTTL”: How long does it take to get your workshop back in order after a group has been here?
Eric: Not that long at all since the shop is so organized now. It’s been over seven years now and I my shop is where it should be and I’m happy with. Of course improvements will continue over the years.
Q from “OTTL” : Would you ever consider taking on an apprentice to pass on your talent?
Eric: This is a difficult one. It would have to be the right, right, right person. A true apprenticeship would be at least one year. Honestly, I don’t think that is enough, it should be two to three years. I haven’t been approached by anyone with this issue. If I did have someone ask, I would ask them why would you ever want this as your career? I don’t see millielails making baskets.
Q from “OTTL”: What are the 3 things you hate to hear from students? What are 3 things you like to hear from students? And can you explain?
Eric: I don’t know if I can answer 3 for each but I can say that I enjoy hearing that they are really happy with their basket and pleased. That really means a lot to me. What I don’t want to hear is “Oh Sh&t!” You never want to hear that.
Q: What aggravated you (or made you happy) this week?
Eric: I’m happy I celebrated your birthday with you today.
Thank you again ladies! I enjoyed the LIVE questions and answers session. And next week, I want to post one of the questions you asked Friday night about How Eric decided to make baskets since he had a very long answer/story about this that I found interesting. I knew some parts but not how they all tied together. And it will be good to share.
