LONI LABAK - Rockford, Illinois

Loni has been weaving and beading for 15 years.  She is the owner of Beads and Reeds located in Rockford, Illinois.  Loni teaches classes at her shop and conferences in Illinois and the surrounding area.  Be sure to visit www.beadsandreeds.com

MARLENE MEYER - Hudson, WI

Marlene is a full time studio artist, teacher and sells her work at galleries and juried art shows throughout the region.  Inspiration for her work comes from nature and the natural textures of the materials used to embellish her baskets.  The challenge of basketry with its different shapes and materials is still exciting after 27 years.

PHYLLIS SCARBROUGH -

Phyllis has been weaving custom basketry for 20+ years from the east coast to the west coast and in between.  Coming from a creative background of many artistic family members she has experimented and taught many quality crafts over the years.  In 1987 while living in Northern NY State, she took several basket classes from Basket Weaver Lisa Nortz, loved it and the rest is history.  She has woven over 3,000 baskets and taught over 1,500 people the fine art of basketry from 5-92 years of age.  Phyllis says the great thing about basket making is that you never get bored, the possibilities are endless. 

Phyllis has been married for 37 years, has too many cats and loves nature and creating.  Background: Show organizer, speaker on the art/history of basketry, museum work, gallery shows, teaching and loving the art of creating.

MARY SMITH-STOKES - Battle Creek, MI

Born in Wakefield, RI and now residing in Battle Creek MI  Mary has been weaving since 1984 and teaching since 1985   She feels that Welcome Wagon should get some credit for getting her started with basket weaving.  With a background in Home Economics ,she volunteered as chairperson for the crafters within in the group and was looking for new ideas to share.   When asked what she enjoys most about basketry, she will tell you, "The look of accomplishment and sometimes disbelief on her student’s faces when they have finished weaving or learn a new technique

Mary has written and published over three dozen patterns.  She teaches not only in her home state of Michigan, but also in 15 other states and in Japan.  She was most recently selected to be among the weavers joining the MSU Museum, Great Lakes Heritage of Basketry Project where she has three baskets in permanent residence.  Mary's trained teaching skills have been used teaching basketry through community education, Girl and Boy Scout troops, church organizations , and groups of friends who want to learn the art of basket weaving ....and have fun.

The great thing about the art of basketry, you never get bored, the possibilities are endless. 

KAREN KOTECKI - Ottawa, WI

Baskets have been my passion for about 10 years now.  I love weaving them, designing them, and teaching them.  But I am most grateful for what baskets have taught me.  They have taken me on journeys of culture and history as I research the weaver, the pattern, the material or the distinct style of the basket.  They have taken me into museums and galleries as I visit the works of basketmakers across the ages.  And baskets have taken me to workshops and conventions like this one, where I can connect with old friends, meet new ones, pass along my skills, and be informed and challenged by the work of others.  Lake Country Basket Guild in Pewaukee, WI, is my home guild and East Troy Basketry in East Troy, WO, is my weaving home.  Thanks again for your interest in my work.

KAREN ZANE -  Anderson, IN

I started weaving in 1991 and have been teaching since 1999.  I studied under Judy Wilson for two years to teach her 36 rib basket.  Rib baskets are my specialty.  I teach several types of rib styles and antler baskets.  I have taught in several states at conventions and for single groups.  Check my website at www.karensbaskets.com