Hands on History

Inspiring creativity through historic crafts

If you want to purchase a basket....

I would be happy to make any of these custom baskets for the prices listed. 
Contact Niki for more information or to order. 

**If you're coming to a class, we accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards (Visa & Master Card).** 

Woven Bottom Baskets

** Indicates 2 baskets will be made during the class. 
B = Beginner level baskets
I = Intermediate level baskets
A= Advanced level baskets

APPLE DRYING BASKET $40.00 (B)

This large 10" x 18" x 4" rectangular basket was traditionally used to dry apple slices for a sweet snack.  It can also be used to transport 2 dozen cupcakes or just hung on a wall for decoration.

**BISCUIT BASKETS $28.00 (B) 

Students will produce 2 baskets complete with seagrass accents and self-handles.  This is a small version of the bread basket. 

BREAD BASKET $24.00 (B)

This 8" x 10" seagrass accented basket is a great beginner project as it incorporates weaving and twining methods. 
**CANDLE BASKETS $24.00 (B)

These baskets were traditionally used to store candles or kitchen utensils.  The 4" x 4" x 8"  size and seagrass accents make these very easy projects. 

CAT BED $60.00 (I) 

Finally - the perfect cat bed. It is about 20" around and has an attached hood.  You just need to make a comfy pillow and your cat will be living in the lap of luxury.  Allow two classes to complete this very large project. 
CELEBRATION BASKET $34.00 (B)

This 4" x 8" x 10" oval basket makes a wonderful wedding or hostess gift when filled with a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, two glasses, cheese, crackers, or any other party treats.
COOKBOOK BASKET $36.00 (B)

This basket incorporates two 8" x 10" handles and is18" long.  A perfect addition to any kitchen.
DOLL BASKET $60.00 (B) 

This large oval basket has double swing wooden handles.  It is perfect for a girl's favorite 18" historical doll. 
 ELBOW BASKET $15.00

This unusual heart shaped basket can be hung on a front door and filled with seasonal dried or silk flowers, or holiday greens. 
FARMER'S MARKET BASKET $40.00

This deep 10" x 10" x 14" rectangular basket would be very useful for gardening or carrying home your produce from market.  It has an oak grip handle. 

FLAG BASKET $22.00 (B)

This representation of the American Flag has a handle in the back for hanging on the wall to be used for mail or a patriotic flower arrangement.

FILE FOLDER BASKET $45.00 (B)

This rectangular basket is perfect for holding at least 12 upright file folders. The slope in the front of the basket makes it easy to view the folders. A basket buckle of your choice is included in the price.
 FIELD BASKET $55.00 (I) 

This very large 12" x 24" round basket with heavy duty handles was traditionally used to pick produce in the field. 

THE GIANT GEORGE BASKET $95.00  (I)

This super-sized basket was designed by these two ladies, one for blankets and the other for lots of yarn.  It is approximately 26” x 26” x 18” high and has beautiful square-top bushel basket handles. 

(Would also make a great toy basket.)  It will take at least three hours to complete because of it’s very large size.

GLOVE BASKET $32.00 (B) 

Weave this 12" x 4" x 8" basket, hang it on the wall, and never again will you be looking for lost gardening or winter gloves.

HEART BASKET WITH HANDLE   $27.00 (B)

This 10" heart shaped basket with twisted handle is perfect for weddings or any occasion. 

HEARTH BASKET (Large) $45.00,  (Small) $40.00 (B) 

This sloping side basket, (large 14" x 24", small 8" x 16") is great for flower arrangements or vegetable gathering.

HERB GATHERING BASKET $48.00 (B)

This rectangular 10" x 18" basket includes a cup

 holder for your favorite beverage and a scissors holder.

HOLLY WALL BASKET $18.00 (B) 
          This 4"x 6" wall basket is great for holiday cards, an arrangement of holiday greens, or just as a small mail basket to be used year round.

INDIAN STYLE STORAGE BASKET $48.00 (I) 

This large 12" x 16" rectangular storage basket which is a copy of an antique basket is woven with thin reed for added texture and has bushel basket handles.

IVY WINDOWSILL BASKET  $28.00 (B)

This rectangular basket can be used as a tank top organizer or for plants.  You can choose to weave in a stencil strip and/or seagrass accents.

**JELLY JAR BASKETS $28.00 (B)
 

These  4" x 4" x 8" rectangular, wire and wood grip handled baskets fit one large or three small jars of jelly.  They make great gifts. 

KRISTA'S OVAL $30.00 (B) 

This seagrass accented, oval basket incorporates an unusual wrapped handle technique to complete  this useful basket. It is 8" across x 10"x 8"high. 

MARKET BASKET sm. $40.00,  lg. $45.00 (B)

This very basic rectangular basket can be made in an 8" width and 12" long  or 12" width and 20" long and woven with color and/or a stencil strip to suit your needs

**MINI WINDOWSILL BASKET  $26.00 (B)

Students will create two 10" x 3" mini windowsill baskets with little feet.  Each will fit four 2" pots of herbs. 
**NESTING HEART BASKETS $27.00 (B) 

Two heart shaped baskets will be completed in this workshop.  They look nice hung side by side on a wall or can be stored, one inside the other until needed for gift giving or serving.
**NEW GIFT BASKET $25.00 (B)

Create two of these practical baskets in one class. These 6" square baskets have a reed "ribbon" woven through them with a reed bow. This is a great basket to fill with your favorite candy or cookies
PINE BARREN PACK BASKET $75.00 (I) 

This basket is ideal for a day at the beach or a hike in the woods.  It comes complete with feet and a wooden handle so it can be hung on the wall. To use the basket as a back pack, you can purchase heavy-duty web straps for  an extra $27.00.
**PENCIL AND PAD BASKET (B) $24.00

Make three of these tiny wall baskets in one class.  Each basket has a  small wire shaped handle and fits a small pad of paper inside and a pencil in the special woven holder. 
SCRAP BASKET $65.00 (B)

This large oval basket is 12" wide x 24" long x 11" high and is perfect for keeping fabric scraps or yarn projects.  It has two wooden swing handles.
SHAKER PEG or HOOK BASKET
$25.00 sm.  $27.00 lg. (B)


The Shakers were very meticulous and organized people.  They even used to hang their chairs on the wall with wooden Shaker pegs.  This unique wall basket has Shaker pegs incorporated in the bottom of the handle, or brass hooks for hanging keys or dried flowers. Please specify pegs or hooks. 
SHAKER STYLE BREAD BASKET  $30.00 (I)  
   
The bottom or this basket is woven in a six sided open weave as the cheese basket.  The sides are woven in 1/4" reed.  An 8" wooden grip handle makes this a very handy basket. 
SHAKER STYLE BOWL BASKET   $30.00 (B) 
SHAKER STYLE DARNING BASKET    $45.00 (I)
 

Both of these baskets sit on four corners so when turned upside down they resemble a cat's head with ears.   The darning basket has bushel basket handles, the bowl does not.  The bowl is nice for fruit or small needle work projects.  The darning basket was traditionally used for a whole Shaker Community's darning.

SHAKER STYLE CHEESE BASKET  sm $22.00 lg $30.00 (A)
 

This basket should only be attempted by experienced basket makers.  Traditionally it was lined with cheese cloth and used to separate the curds and whey.  The cheese was then aged in                                                 this six-sided basket. 

STATIONARY BASKET $28.00

Use this handy compartmented basket for all your writing supplies. There is a place for paper, envelopes, stamps, and even a pen. With all your supplies organized, you only need to find the time to write.
SUNDAY GOIN' TO MEETIN' BASKET
$30.00 (I)
 

A fancy braided -style handle added to this 8" round basket will give you a source of pride to fill with home baked goods and take to any Sunday meetin'. 
TISSUE BOX BASKET $15.00 (B)

This is a perfect accessory basket to a bathroom.   It hangs on a wall and fits a square tissue box.

TOTE BASKET $40.00 (B) 

A perfect basket for magazines, file folders, or books. It is 8" x 15" x 15". 

TOTE WITH LEATHER HANDLES BASKET $42.00 (B)

This 12" long x 11" high x 6" wide basket is a very sturdy, practical basket for carrying anything from books to needlework projects.
TOTE WITH WEBBED HANDLES BASKET $50.00 (B)

A must for the beach! The handle for this basket wraps all the way around the basket for extra strength and durability. It is 14" long x 12" high x 8" wide. 
TOWEL BASKET  $22.00 sm $25.00 lg (B) 

This basket which hangs on the wall has an attached towel bar and can be woven with accent colors to match your bathroom. 
VEGETABLE BASKET $35.00 sm. $45.00 lg. (I) 

This sloping sided basket has a square swing handle and is perfect for filling with onions and potatoes. 
WEED POUCH $20.00 (B) 

This 16" high, flat basket with seagrass accents may be hung on a wall or front door, embellished with dried or silk flowers. 
WILLIAMSBURG BASKET  sm $30.00, lg $35.00 (B) 

This 8" or 12" round basket with an unusually shaped handle originated in Williamsburg. 
WILLIAMSBURG NEEDLEWORK BASKET sm $32.00, lg $37.00 (B)
 
A dowel fastened to the handle will be ready to hold your favorite thread for easy access.   The body of the basket can be used to hold the rest of your sewing supplies. Instructions will be given for you to complete a padded lid at home.

WOOL DRYING BASKET $42.00 (B) 

Traditionally this basket was filled with sheep wool and sunk in a shallow swiftly moving stream to clean the wool, then put in the sun to dry.  Notched handles and legs make this a useful knitting basket. 
WRAPPING PAPER STORAGE BASKET   $70.00 (B)

This large basket can hold at least 20 rolls of wrapping paper. It has wooden bushel basket style handles.

Twined or Solid Bottom Baskets

ACCESSORY BASKET $30.00 (I)

An 8" hoop on the inside of the lid keeps the lid fitting well on the top of the basket.

AMERICANA BUCKET $40.00 (B)
 

Woven in a red white and blue patriotic theme and then hand painted with stars, completes this wire and wooden grip handled basket.

APPLE BASKET $42.00 (B) 

A stencil strip, hand-painted with apples, and two bushel basket handles makes this 12" round basket perfect for apple picking or just as a cheerful addition for decorating. 
BEAN POT BASKET $35.00 (I) 

This twined bottomed basket incorporates a weave and chase method.  Its unusual shape and wire handle makes this a great basket for any collection.
**CRANBERRY GATHERING BASKET $15.00 (B)
        
  This 6" round basket includes a stencil strip that cranberries, or any other favorite decorative accent can be painted. Two can be made in one class.
EASTER BASKET sm $30.00, med $35.00, lg $38.00  (B)

This round twined bottom basket can be woven with color accents in an 8" or 10" or 12" size. A stencil strip can also be woven in to paint with an Easter motif. 
EVERGREEN BASKET  $35.00

This twined bottom basket is 12" across and has a handle that runs all the way through it.  The pine tree accents are woven in separately after the basket is completed. 
FRUIT BASKET $28.00 (B)

There are many variations to this round basket.   A stencil strip and color strips can be woven in to match your decor.   It has two bushel basket style handles.
KNIFE FORK AND SPOON BASKET $22.00 (B)
 

Three baskets lashed together with an added handle makes this a needed addition to any barbecue for the organization of all your plastic eating utensils.
LAMP BASKET $28.00 (B)
(Plus $15 for us to stain and wire the lamp if you wish)

A heavy drilled wooden handle is all that is needed for this basket to be transformed into a lamp. Color accents or a stencil strip can be painted to suit your decor. The basket itself can be filled with pine cones, potpourri or even the TV remote control. You just need to purchase a lamp shade. 
OVAL BLUEBERRY BASKET $30.00 (B)
       
This is a 12" x 6"x 4"oval basket that
 is perfect for serving blueberry muffins.
OVAL FOOTED BASKET $42.00 (I)

A wooden swing handle, and study wooden feet makes this a great project basket. 

OVAL SERVING BASKET $30.00 (I)

Twine the bottom of this 10" x 14" oval basket.  Weave up the sides and attach two wire and wood grip handles and you will have a perfect serving tray.

PIE BASKET $30.00 (I)

This 11" round twined bottom basket is perfect for carrying 
a pie or as a gift with a pie plate, serving knife and recipe in it. 
PEANUT BASKET  $25.00 (I) 

This double basket is designed to hold peanuts in one side and the shells in the other.  When filled with peanuts or pistachios it makes a great gift for a special man in your life.
PLANT BASKET $25.00 (I)
 

A perfect basket for an 8" potted plant.  The seagrass accent makes it suitable for any decor.
QUILT BASKET $80.00 (I)

This very large round, footed basket is perfect for storing a quilt, finished or in progress. 
        SHOREBIRD BASKET $45.00 (B)

          After weaving this basket with a blank stencil strip you can create your own hand-painted design at home. This is an 8" round basket, 12 inches high.
**   STRAWBERRY BASKETS $28.00 (B) 

Students will complete two 4" x 8" round baskets perfect for strawberry-picking or gift-giving.  They have wire and wood grip handles. 
STURBRIDGE BASKET $30.00 (I) 

This round 10" basket is commonly made by the Sturbridge Village basket makers.  Its carved notched handle makes this a very sturdy functional basket.
TOILET TISSUE STORAGE BASKET   $35.00 (I) 

This basket stores 3 rolls of toilet tissue. The woven ridge on the bottom lifts this basket slightly off of the floor. It comes complete with a ceramic, glass, or metal pull knob which is attached to the lid. 
WASTE BASKET $30.00 (B) 

Perfect for a bathroom or bedroom, this 14" tall basket 
has a twined bottom, woven sides and a woven ridge
 on the base to avoid wear to the bottom of the basket. 

Wooden Base Baskets

These solid wooden bases are slotted to insert spokes.  They make a very sturdy basket that is beautiful and utilitarian.  Twining the spokes in place adds to the strength of the basket base. 

BLUEBERRY BASKET (Make 2) (B)

$30

     Participants will weave two 6" round baskets with wooden center handles.  One can be kept and the other given away.  It makes a perfect gift when filled with baked goods, or soaps, or candles. 

COOKIE BASKET (I)

$30


Create a 10” round cookie gift basket with colorful accents.

DEVILED EGG BASKET (I) $35.00


    This round basket with a sturdy wooden bottom will hold 24 deviled eggs.  The basket includes a molded egg insert for your serving pleasure. 

S'MORE BASKET (I)
$35

This 12 inch tote can carry all the fixin's for s'mores, or can keep many nick-nacks organized. 

CRANBERRY ORANGE MUFFIN BASKET (I) $30

 Students will create an oval serving basket with side handles using an oval slotted wooden base perfect for serving cranberry orange muffins. 10 x 8 inch oval.

WOVEN CHRISTMAS TREE (B) $30


Using an 8” wooden base and upright spokes, students will create a woven Christmas tree which can be be decorated to your liking.

PUMPKIN ROLL BASKET (I) $35


  This round basket, has a wooden bottom and lid which can be woven with orange reed to serve your fall treats.

UMBRELLA STAND BASKET (I)

$50


This 24 inch basket with a sturdy wooden bottom is perfect for holding umbrellas.

Framed Baskets

KEY BASKET  sm(8") $25.00  lg.(12") $30.00 (I) 

Using basically the same method as the melon basket. this basket can be hung flat on a wall to store keys or a dried or silk flower arrangement. 
MELON BASKET $35.00 (I) 

This basket is made from two 8" round hoops lashed together with a "God's eye" technique; a frame makes the desired shape and is then woven.

SPLINT WOVEN STOOL $45.00 (I)

Each student will receive an oak stool frame 11" x 11" x 13" and will be taught to do a twill weave pattern.  Once mastered, this method can be used on any chair or stool. 

Clutter Buster Baskets

Anyone who has seen the television shows on organization or just looked around our own homes, realizes that we just have too much stuff.

We all need some help finding places to systematically rearrange our belongings which ultimately will save time and money.

We at Swan Bay Folk Art Center, also needing to find a solution to this problem, have decided to become proactive and make it possible for you to

design and create your own custom-made organization baskets which we call CLUTTER BUSTERS.

This is how it works:

  • Find a space in your home where clutter has become overwhelming, or a certain area of interest has taken over a space;
  • Pick a date that you would like to come from the contact form;
  • measure the space you have, and
  • call or email your measurements to Niki.
    Phone (609)652-0366 or Email.

When you come to weave the basket you can choose to weave it with colored reed or seagrass accents, in a variety of widths of reed.

Result: A custom-designed organizational Clutter Buster basket and a happier, more organized life.

Used individually, Clutter Busters are an attractive, all-purpose, portable way to store & transport items, and return them to their proper place.

A collection of Clutter Busters can turn ordinary shelving into a unique, one-of-a-kind storage unit.

























Design your custom-fit basket for any space.  Prices will vary depending on size and materials.