fiber arts · handmade baskets

New Basket Listings!!!!

This set of two cuties is now available here on my website. This set of Brightly colored baskets will be perfect to add some spring and summer color to your decor. Add them to your tier tray, or any small space that needs some instant color I decided on the colors based on customer response on my IG page @bouquetofbaskets. Visit me there if you haven’t already for up-to-date content.

Below is a photo of available colors, you can specify on the order page. Current colors are Pink, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple, Yellow, Red or White

Spring & summer colors available now!!!

Much goes into producing these little guys. I first weave the basket. I use 1/2′ flat for the spokes, twine the base with #3 round reed and then weave the sides with 3/16″ flat oval reed. The top itself is 3 different materials The rim is two pieces of 5/8″ flat reed, the filler is seagrass and then the lashing to hold the whole thing together is 3/16″ flat oval reed. I stain the basket with one of my new water-based stains, Mocha, and then finish by painting with the desired color(s) Hoped you liked learning a little about my process.

Below our furry friends, you can find another new listing added to my website. A new style of a basket with legs. I have an Oval Basket with legs already, so I have added a round one as well. This is a popular basket due to its unique legs. These guys will give you a clue as to what the original design was based on……..

sheep standing in enclosure in farmland
Photo by Beyza Efe on Pexels.com

So… the design this basket is based on is a Wool Drying Basket. The legs are to keep the wool off the ground when its drying, but these days most of these baskets are used for flowers, kindling towels and even extra toilet paper in the bathroom. I will say, I do sell many of these in a larger version at the New York State Fair for their intended purpose. Hope you like it!!!

handmade baskets

A New Idea

Some of the best ideas come directly from my customers. I had one ask me about making a bell. Well I didn’t see any patterns I liked so I just tried a freehand version. Here it is.

At first , there wasn’t enough “flare”, so I tightened up the top. I think it’s something I may be offering in a week or so. Stay tuned.

handmade baskets

Busy weekend !!!

Just recovering from quite a busy weekend. Two of my sisters were in from out of town and thankfully we were able to get together a few times. Not to mention, our Grand NEICE had her graduation party so that was fun. It was fun overload.

Then there was the GARLIC !!

Toward the end of last week we picked our garlic. So by picking garlic, I mean harvested our garlic. I’m guessing around 800 plants. I spent time braiding it so that was on the list too. But it’s all done, and we’re back to the old routine. This can be both good and bad I guess. Have a wonderful week.

Garlic Waiting to be Braided in a
Small Oval Williamsburg Basket.

handmade baskets

Website Experiment

I’m doing an experiment. I have my Etsy Shop on break for a bit and I have only my website up for ordering. Etsy does push a lot of customers to my site but lately I have been pushing almost 50% from my social media sites. I have Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Facebook not so much but the other two… much more. I’m going to try this and see how it goes. I’m thinking I’ll do a trial run of one month and see what happens. Wish me luck!!!

On another note, I got an order for 4 of the same baskets. These are fun to do but can definitely be challenging to get them all the same. I only had to make 5 to get the 4 alike. Below is a photo of the 4 They will be shipping tomorrow🤩🤩🤩

And Happy Flag Day. Without this wonderful flag and this beautiful country, I wouldn’t be living the dream of owning my own business, being my own boss and doing what I love. And making money at it. ❤️🤍💙

handmade baskets

Free Shipping

Yahoo!!!!! I set my website up for free shipping. It will work perfect for 1-2 basket orders. If you are going to order more than that, please contact me. I’ll send a discount code for a multiple basket purchase. Likely around 10% off, depending where you live. We would likely be able to ship together and save some money.

Yay!!!! Free Shipping!!!
handmade baskets

It’s All In The Details…..

Every morning before I start weaving baskets, I trim and sign all the finished baskets that are shipping that day.

So let’s go back a few days. Before the baskets are stained, my partner in crime, ie. my husband, uses a small torch on them to remove all of the “hairs” from the reed. Then we stain them. After they dry for a few days, I do the final trim and initial and date the bottom.

I’m sure I notice the little “hairs” on the baskets more than my customers would but I wouldn’t let them ship without this final step. I sign with my initials JB, and the date.

And on an unrelated note, we have bluebirds nesting in one of our birdhouses along our garden. They are absolutely gorgeous.

Hope you are having a great week.

handmade baskets

Market Baskets

Happy New Week. 🌺🥰

I have a new design alert. This is a Small Market Basket. This little cutie only measures around 10” long. The uses are endless around your house, wherever you might need to corral a few things.

I was able to secure these little square hoops that I’m using for the handle, on sale, so I can offer a good price for this one. Available on my Etsy Site

New Design of a Market Basket

Next is one of the larger Market Baskets I offer. You would be able to take this one to the actual market and carry your produce. These guys are quite popular this time of year.

The old standby Full Size Market Basket

Here’s another smaller one. It is perfect to hold those smaller, boutique sizes of flavored oil and vinegar. Makes a cute gift

Olive Oil and Vinegar Basket

And these are only a few of the market Baskets I’ve done. They are so versatile and the designs are endless. Love your Market Basket.