Materials, Colors & Finishes

Weaving Materials

The major component of our hand woven baskets is reed, (also know as “center cane” or “pulp cane”), which comes from the inner core of the rattan palm tree. It is a vine that thrives in the steamy jungles of Asia and Africa. With its outer prickly bark, it climbs and hangs from tree to tree, rapidly growing two to three feet per day. The plant is harvested and the outer bark peeled away. Underneath is another layer of bark commonly used for chair caning. Inside this layer is the meaty core of reed. It is processed into a variety of sizes and shapes and is used in an unlimited number of ways – basket weaving being our favorite!

Our basket handles are either molded hardwoods, wire with wooden bales or beads, riveted leather strapping, or cotton webbing. Some sea grass, tulip poplar, and/or maple strips are also found in the construction of certain baskets.

Accent Colors

Any baskets shown with woven color strips or embellishments may be made with your choice of the following colors: Cocoa Brown, Denim Blue, Hunter Green, Cranberry Red, Dusty Mauve, or Grape Lavender.*

Cocoa Brown

Denim Blue

Hunter Green

Cranberry Red

Dusty Mauve

Grape Lavender

Overall Stain Options

After the basket is woven it then is finished with your selection of woodworking oil stain: Black Walnut, Chestnut Brown, Golden Oak, or Pickling Whitewash.*

Black Walnut

Chestnut Brown

Golden Oak

Pickling Whitewash

Paint Finishes

Many of the baskets can be finished in our three-step distressed paint finish. The basket is first dipped in medium walnut oil stain. When that is dry it is then painted with one of the following colors. While the paint is still wet, the basket is rubbed with a cloth dipped in boiled linseed oil giving the appearance of being aged and weathered.

Paint Options: Antiqued Mustard, Black Grungy, Colonial Red, Heritage Green, Shabby Chic Ivory, or Williamsburg Blue.*