Monthly Archives: September 2017

art, CCAC, Cattaraugus County, basket making, Travels

Eel Trap Basket at Seneca Fall Festival 2017

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The fall brought us together as a community at the Seneca Fall Festival 2017 on the Cattaraugus Territory. Under the Cultural Arts Tent we had fellow artists from across the territories, carvers, quill work, bead work, pottery and traditional basketry.

I worked with a fellow basket maker, Tonia from Mohawk country on a eel trap basket. It was rough splint, no need for a pretty basket in the waters. The technique was new for me and proved a challenge in some regards but finished it by the end of the weekend. We shared with the public and talked of both the fish trap and eel trap. The double wall and the sharp ends – (which prevented them from leaving the trap) was a new one on me. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the learning a new basket and story. I have a few shots to share.

I also rounded up a class with some fellow ladies for their corn wash baskets. They all enjoyed and now know the technique and what needs to go into the making of a basket from step one.

I’ve got other events coming up and will post them soon. Maybe you can stop by and say hello. Always busy, always learning. 

Travels

A pleasant surprise

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I sent my chip/popcorn bowl basket up to the NYS Fair in Syracuse, NY with a friend to be entered into the Indian Village Art Show – I won a first place ribbon in contemporary baskets. I also sent a fan – round with splint and sweet grass, I had been actually using it because the sweet grass smelled so good. They made the journey home through another friend but still got back to me, thankfully. I was pleasantly surprised when I got them both back with the blue ribbon. Feeling accomplished.

I made a backpack basket for my friend and her doggie, for them to take hikes together. Rather busy with school but I hope it all works out. I thought it turned out rather cute. Can’t wait for her to share pictures!

I began a larger basket but it’s hard on my hands – splints are heavy. It’s a laundry basket. I did a repair for my friend from up North and she wants me to copy the pattern of the basket, it’s quite nice. I will post probably some time next week.

I’m going to be under the Seneca Fall Festival Artists Tent working with a fellow basket from Mohawk territory, Tonia, we (Richie and I) will be working on an eel basket. We will be demonstrating and working on the basket both days, Sept. 10 & 11, Saturday and Sunday from 11-5 – if you get a chance, stop by and say hello. More soon, always busy. Enjoy.