Sunday, August 26, 2012

Questions, Questions.....

If you have followed my blog for sometime, you may know that for 13 years I worked for Ohio's largest living history museum. I wore an 1860's day dress to work complete with petticoats and lace up boots. I did not work for the museum this past summer.  It was a hard decision, as I truly enjoyed every hour of working there.  I figure in 4 more years I can go back to - when my youngest is 16 and can drive himself to baseball practice!

I thought I'd share some of the questions that I was asked every day when I was working.  

Favorite Question #1 - 

"How long does it take you to weave a basket?"  

Answer -    
Depending on the basket, it might take me 45 minutes and it might take me 12 hours.  I didn't make many 12 hour baskets to sell in the museum shop!

Many people are familiar with a very famous basket factory that is also located here in Ohio.  Which leads to 
Favorite Question #2 
"I bet you wish you could work for ****** basket factory"
Answer - 
Not really - work in a factory where someone tells me what I'll be weaving, weaving as fast as possible, having no artistic input at all?

I got to thinking about Question #2 this weekend while I was weaving.  If I have several of the same basket to make, it is much easier to work assembly line style.  

Shhh....don't tell anyone I was working in MY factory!

And Favorite Question #3
"Is that your real name?"
  Prompted by reading my museum nametag

Answer - 
Yes it is my real name and I've never hidden in an attic.
(only 1 guest ever confused me with Helen Keller!).

Have a great week!
~Ann

11 comments:

  1. Like you would make up your name??? LOL! And how could they confuse you with Helen Keller?
    Your baskets are WONDERFUL!!! I love mine.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  2. Those baskets look like one of my kits. It's called Jeremiah. You may find it on your doorstep one day. I've packed it several times to send and thought - nah, I'll make it. Nah. I probably won't. But maybe. Nah. It's only been waiting for 25 years. Nah.

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  3. This is a fun post Ann!! What a great and hard decision to take a few years off. It sounds as if you miss it. Who wouldn't after 13 years? You are amazingly talented. I never even thought of basket making until I met you. Good luck with all that is happening this week. -Steph-

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  4. Hello Ann, enjoyed your post today, great. Love your baskets you make in your factory, tee hee. Blessings Francine.

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  5. The only factory I ever want to work in is my own! Love your little assembly line baskets.

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  6. Love all of your baskets! It sounds like a fun job that you had. Isn't it so nice now to work for yourself??!!Such a Blessing ;)
    Sara

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  7. I bet it was wonderful stepping back in time to work.I agree when you have to make the same thing over and over and be on a time schedule you lose that creativity.Enjoy your little home factory assembly line..smile..Warm Blessings!~Amy

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  8. Ann, I bet you where beautiful in that dress and petticoat. I loved how they dressed then. Thanks for giving us some history on your basket making. You know when I make bonnets I do the assembly line thing sometimes too. Have a great eve. hugs, Lecia

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  9. *****i agree...your basket are wonderful and beautifully made! we love ours! thanks...

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  10. I'm sure that was a really hard decision to make. Have fun working in your little factory I'm sure you'll have much enjoyment in that too! Your baskets are beautiful!
    Take Care!
    Prim Blessings
    Robin

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  11. Wow, what a talent you have! I just love your baskets. And how fun to be able to work at a living history museum! Very happy to have found your blog :)

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