Many year ago my doctor gave me a diagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome. I was doing an over abundance of hand sewing and was experiencing much pain and some numbness in my hand and wrist. Classic signs. I found myself obsessing over this condition which only made it worse.
Each time I would pick up a needle I would think about the proper way to hold the needle, the need to push it through the fabric with little force so as not to cause pain. What actually happened. I experienced more pain than I would have felt if I hadn't thought about any of it at all.
At that time TV watching while crafting was a nightly activity in our home. We had our favorite shows, but there were nights where we channel surfed until we found something interesting. One night we caught a show where Dr. John E. Sarno, MD was speaking. He had written a book, Healing Back Pain, The Mind-Body Connection, which I found interesting. I thought perhaps this book could help me with my wrist pain.
I purchased the book and felt relief within the first few pages. Why? The basic message of this book is, if you focus on or obsess about pain you are going to continually feel that pain. Focusing on other things rather than the pain will help the pain go away. This is an over simplified explanation, but one that works for me. I stopped reminding myself of the proper way to hold a needle, cut with a pair of scissors, lift something, etc and began focusing on other things and the pain did go away. Did I still feel pain. Occasionally. When I did feel it, I acknowledged it and forgot about it.
This book's philosophy is why I am now able to put my hands through the grueling task of making pine needle baskets. Making baskets puts a lot of stress on the hands. By not obsessing about the pain I am able to move past it and create works of art.
While Dr. Sarno focuses on back pain, I believe this book's premise can help those suffering from a wide range of chronic issues including social, emotional, and physical pain. This book doesn't remove the condition it simply changes the response to the condition providing a better quality of life.
What's New?
January through June is inventory building time. That inventory includes supplies as well as baskets. I've found a few new basket base suppliers who have provided me with some awesome bases. I've collected bases from a few whose work is consistent and enjoyable to look at. And, I'm experimenting with some new ideas of my own for bases and embellishment. Below are a few photos of baskets that will appear at shows beginning in July. Which ones do you like the best?
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| Eleven black walnut slices make up this unique basket. While a beautiful display piece because it has been sealed with polyurethane it can also be used for any of your basket needs. Measuring 10.5 x 9.25 x 2.25 inches, $85.00. |
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| A simple piece of wood and a leaf sticker combine to create this adorable little basket. Burnt orange and gold thread bring out the colors in the leaf. Measuring 5.75 x 5 x .75 inches, $30.00 |
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| Always a favorite! Gear buttons, pine needles, and nylon thread were used to create another fun basket. Measuring 8.5 x 2 inches, $55.00 |
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| My daughter has a great eye for picking out items to use for basket bases and this one is proof of that. Measuring 3.5 x 1 inch it is the perfect basket for holding jewelry, loose change, keys, etc. $25.00 |
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| Don't you just love this darling little basket? It's perfect for a camp or home in the woods! The uneven shape of the basket base creates a different shaped basket and the barrel beads in the handles add a different look as well. Measuring 4.75 x 4 x 1.5 inches, $35.00 |
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| Another trinket basket stitched with turquoise thread. Measuring 3.5 x .75 inches $25.00 |
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| The design of this basket mimics the flower in the center. Brown wrapping is patterned after the center of the flower. Ivory thread brings out the ivory flower and random V stitches in brown represent the brown markings on the flower. Measuring 5.5 x 1.25 inches, $40.00 |
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| This is one of those fun basket bases I just couldn't pass up! I think it came out quite well. Do you agree? Red stitching represents the red in the watermelon, small black wraps represent the seeds, and the white and green wrapped rows at the top represent the white and green of the skin. Measuring 7 x 1 inch, $45.00 |
Would you like to purchase one of these baskets? Please message me on Facebook/cruisincreations12 or dbabin731@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events
We are developing our schedule for 2020. Our first show will be in July in Northville, NY. Keep checking our events list to keep up to date on upcoming events.
Until Next Time...
Diane
