Our Nantucket Baskets are made using the traditional methods, but we tend to use different materials. The Staves are made of hardwood veneer for more contrast and strength. We sometimes weave with fishing line (monofillament) for the shimmer and transparency. Rick makes all of the wood parts by hand, which allows him to make interesting handles as well.
Basketry at Reis Renditions
Basketry is the craft that we can build together. We are partial to Nantucket style baskets because that is where we went for our honeymoon. On our third trip to Nantucket in 1999, we observed a basket maker at work and decided to give it a try. We bought all of the materials, some molds and a book, and went to work experimenting with the media.
Rick does all of the woodworking by hand. The woodworking involves making the bases on a lathe, cutting staves (vertical weavers), fitting rims and fixings, and cutting and bending the handles. Rick uses different woods, including walnut, cherry, mahogany and oak.
The staves must be placed around the base when wet, and bent to fit the mold before drying. After the weaving, the rims are attached to the top of the staves, and finishing cane is woven around the rim. The handle is made by bending wet wood around a different mold before drying. Then the handle is attached. Rick has quite a large collection of clamps to help with these jobs.
The weaving is done by Deb. For the more traditional Nantucket style, strand cane is used for the horizontal weaving. For an unusual style, translucent fishing line is used that catches the light and is extremely durable. She also adds a variation to the pattern by weaving in a spiral design around the basket. We also sometimes put Rick’s lapidary artwork in the inside base.
Basketry at Reis Renditions
Basketry is the craft that we can build together. We are partial to Nantucket style baskets because that is where we went for our honeymoon. On our third trip to Nantucket in 1999, we observed a basket maker at work and decided to give it a try. We bought all of the materials, some molds and a book, and went to work experimenting with the media.
Rick does all of the woodworking by hand. The woodworking involves making the bases on a lathe, cutting staves (vertical weavers), fitting rims and fixings, and cutting and bending the handles. Rick uses different woods, including walnut, cherry, mahogany and oak.
The staves must be placed around the base when wet, and bent to fit the mold before drying. After the weaving, the rims are attached to the top of the staves, and finishing cane is woven around the rim. The handle is made by bending wet wood around a different mold before drying. Then the handle is attached. Rick has quite a large collection of clamps to help with these jobs.
The weaving is done by Deb. For the more traditional Nantucket style, strand cane is used for the horizontal weaving. For an unusual style, translucent fishing line is used that catches the light and is extremely durable. She also adds a variation to the pattern by weaving in a spiral design around the basket. We also sometimes put Rick’s lapidary artwork in the inside base.