Monday, November 25, 2013

My Caning Mentor - A Thankful Memory

35 years ago I took my daughter to the home of Betsy Joslin.  My family knew the family and when I had a chair to do, my mother remembered that Betsy did that type of work.  When I called her to see if she could teach me, she was thrilled.  She was winding down her business and wanted the craft to carry on.  (although she was only 85)  We spent two days together but I think that she would have made it more just to get the company and especially since my daughter was with me. Betsy would be happy to hear that she is also a fantastic caner.   She served us pea soup - a soup in which I am not fond...but tried to gulp it down the best I could so as not to hurt her feelings.  She gave me my first awl, a crock to soak the cane, and some pegs as well.  Since that time Betsy has gone home to be with the Lord.  Someday I will see her and thank her again for the start she gave me. 
Who was your Caning Mentor?

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1 comment:

  1. UnknownJune 13, 2014 at 9:31 PM

    My mom. Growing up (in the 40's in Alabama), she and her siblings caned the chairs my grandfather made at a chair factory. He would bring a dozen or so home every day, they would cane them, and he would take them back the next day. She still keeps her hand in occasionally.

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