Craftsman or Artist?

  Carol Larsen of River's Edge Fiber Arts posted this quote on Facebook.  I'll admit that it did make me stop and think.  Which am I?

   I have spent the last week or two getting ready for the class I'm teaching this coming weekend.  The class came about because we are always getting request to have a weaving class on the weekend.  Those of you who weave know that you can't do it all in a weekend......OR could you????

  So, I set my parameters:  one project that could be done in a weekend (a day and a half) and I thought that a scarf in plain weave would fit the bill.  A scarf in cotton would not require a lot of fussing, and it would be forgiving....it won't felt or snag or slip around.  We're even using 8/4 carpet warp....the step-child of the weaving world!  It's strong, and it comes in lots of colors.  For weft, we'll be using cotton flake, which is soft and has lots of texture.

  I played around with the sett for the scarf:  the first one was done 10 e.p.i.  After wet finishing, it was pretty compact.  So, the next one I set at 8 e.p.i. and I liked the hand of it much better.

  Then came the fun part:  writing the handout.
Since I think of this class like a boot camp, I didn't want too much drivel.....just the facts, ma'am!

The more I typed, the more I realized that weavers have their own language and unique way of doing things.  I went through the missive and started highlighting the weaving terms, and decided that we'll just learn by doing....just like when I taught kindergarten.  (Actually...that's MY learning style!)  We'll learn as we go.

 Now....we all know that these folks will have a long way to go after they finish Sunday afternoon.  But, they will get to experience the different steps of the process.  And, except for wet finishing, they'll have a scarf finished for show & tell.  (Fringe twisting will probably be done on their own time, too!  But, we'll learn how to do it on Sunday.)  This class is not a substitute for Carol's class on Learning to Weave at the Center on Tuesdays, but it will allow folks the experience.  Then they can decide if they want to continue.
 
  As I wove the sample scarves, my mind was busy planning other projects I want to do this winter and spring, and I'm ready to get back to the rug loom for more rugs and tote bags.  There are so many things I want to weave, it's hard to prioritize the projects in my mind!  I just keep jotting down notes in my weaving notebook for future projects.
  So....what does that make me:  laborer, craftsman or artist?  Well....this weekend (and the next) I will be the teacher.  Or, maybe that should be the Sharer....I will share my love of weaving with some new folks.
What about you?
Happy Weaving, etc.......
LouAnn