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 bails or beads, riveted leather strapping,
or polypropylene webbing.
Some sea grass, tulip poplar, and/or maple strips are also found in the construction of certain baskets.
We primarily purchase our bulk supplies from Gratiot Lake Basketry and recommend
them for anyone needing large amounts of weaving materials!
Any baskets shown with woven color strips or embellishments may be made with your choice of the following colors: Denim Blue, Hunter Green, Cranberry Red, Dusty Mauve, and Grape Lavender
Note: Actual colors may slightly differ from sample swatches.
Finishes
After the basket is woven it then is finished with your selection
of Danish oil stain:
Natural Oak, Chesnut Brown,
Medium Walnut, or Pickling Whitewash
