Nantucket
How can you NOT Love Nantucket!Nantucket is an Island 30 miles off from Cape Cod. The cobble stone streets and quaint shops lend to the charm of this Island, rich with cultural heritage. Part of this culture was the whaling ships, which is where the Nantucket Lightship baskets were originally created. These ships were out to sea for 2-3 years before returning to Nantucket and the sailors on these ships made baskets to pass the time. The charm of Nantucket lives on as well as the cultural heritage through the Nantucket Baskets. While the baskets are still woven over molds some of the components have changed. Modern Nantucket baskets are made using hardwood bases, rims and handles being woven with cane. If you are looking to bring some of this rich heritage and charm to your home, a Nantucket Lightship basket is a perfect way to do this!
I have been making Nantucket baskets for years and never get tired of creating ideas for using this method of basket making. All of the same methods are used in my baskets so that what you get will be a sturdy basket ready to be used for storage or utility purposes just as the original baskets were created. There are 2 coats of poly applied to finished baskets which will patina over time. These baskets continue to look better as they patina with age. These baskets are truly heirloom pieces!
All components in my baskets are the very best quality available. I try to make sure that everything going into my baskets is from the United States. Most of my components come from DELS in freetown, MA the original shop carrying on this heritage.
I have made standard baskets for years but always wanted to make the Nantucket Baskets. The Nantucket are extremely labor intensive and I believe that is why I love them. The work involved in cutting and trimming staves, spacing them one the bases, weaving them and finally placing the rims on them is so rewarding when you see your final piece completed.
Items shown are the articles for sale.
If you are looking for a custom or handmade item, send me an e-mail with a description or picture. I am confident that I can make what you are looking for.
I am able to weave around any object provided as in the wooden knife block pictured above. Feel free to challenge me with your unique items. E-mail or call me with any questions.
Solid Hardwood
All of the hardwoods that I use are purchased either locally or within the United States
Reed and caning
Using only premium quality cane and reed from the United States helps to maintain other artisans involved in this craft
Ideas
It is so exciting to see Nantucket baskets woven around all type of everyday items. Everyday brings more ideas for items to incorporate in my business. One example is the knife basket that I make or the floral vases.