By Kathy Charron and Rex Wood
Featuring Unique Designs + Exotic Hardwoods

Nantucket baskets were originally made by lightship keepers in the mid 1800's. These men would be out at sea for months on end. The duty was bleak and the crew was paid minimally for months at sea. Since the crew was divided into two watches, there was ample free time to turn to handwork to make extra money. Baskets were made and then sold in a number of stores on the islands between Nantucket and New York. The baskets were sold individually or in "nests" of five or eight.

Since the late 1800's these baskets have been made on land and sea. The tradition of making them has been handed down from one generation to the next. Anyone who has visited or lived n the island of Nantucket knows their history and most likely has at least one of them at home. And even though it didn't come about until the mid 1900's, one of the most coveted items is the Nantucket Purse or "Nantucket Bucket."

The Nantucket Basket is made entirely of hardwoods and varying widths of cane. They may be enhanced with bone or ivory enclosures. They are very sturdy and durable, made to last a lifetime with proper care. Some people who are familiar with these baskets have chosen to collect them. In 1994 a nest of six labeled baskets sold at Sotheby's for $118,000.

The early baskets seem to be made mostly of oak, cherry and ash. We make the traditional baskets with these woods. We have also found some of the more unique hardwoods such as Black Walnut, Purple Heart, Bloodwood, Koa, and Zebrawood are extremely beautiful when mixed with the weaving of these baskets. We have taken creative liberties in some of our designs. Each basket is carefully handcrafted, from the making of the hardwood bases, staves (ribs), handles and lids, to the weaving and finishing of the cane and any decorative touches. Creating these baskets is our passion. We remember each piece we've made, as each one is a unique and individual creation.

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