This morning I was able to complete the basket I had started earlier in the week.  I'm really pleased with the results.  I decided not to put cowrie shells on the top because I like the clean, elegant lines the basket creates without the embellishment (with the exception of the lid that has a button and some beads as it's top handle.

I took a break from basket making and decided to work on an idea that popped into my head the other day.  I have been trimming the hemmed edges from strips of silk and realized that I could turn them into recycled silk yarn.  I took the longest pieces and hand sewed them end-to-end until I was able to create a ball of yarn.  Once I had a length of yarn, I began to crochet a piece that will eventually be a small purse.  I'm presently working on the sides and will make a circular bottom that I will attach the sides to it, put a lining in it ( I found two pieces of satin at a thrift store that I can use as lining) and make corded straps to go around it to make it easy to carry.

I've been working on a new basket design for the past week.  This basket is quite a bit larger than the usual designs that I create.  As you can see, this basket will have a top and I have yet to put the handles on it as well as complete the top.  Please note that this is certainly a work in progress. I have to re-make the  top's outer portion so that it will fit properly and I must create a handle for it to make putting it on and taking it off easy.

This past weekend was a productive one.  I was able to complete a total of six waterfall vests (two blue, two purple, one gold/red, and one red) and put the facing on a top that now needs to be hemmed.  I also applied to participate in the May 2nd Los Alamos Arts Council Arts and Crafts spring fair that is held on the lawn next to Fuller Lodge.  I'll be working on some more baskets and new jackets in the coming weeks.

I've finally finished several baskets that needed handles and embellishment put on them.  I hope to complete more within the next few weeks.  I'm also working on some new products for my new label Turquoise Moon which I hope to post within the next week.

On Saturday evening February 7th, I attended a tribute to Nelson Mandela sponsored by Afreeka Santa Fe at El Museo.  There was an art exhibit curated by my friend Issa Nyaphaga, former contributing cartoonist with Charlie Hebdo Magazine.  As a former community organizer and activist, and now as an artist activist, I appreciate the work that continues to be done on behalf of oppressed peoples all over the world.

On the request of Fuller Lodge Gift Shop located in Los Alamos, NM, I delivered 8 discharged tie-dye shawls/scarves for sale in the shop.