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The Nantucket basket, the wooden bottomed, finely made rattan basket, often called a “Lightship Basket”, evolved from the oldest of crafts.  A great variety of baskets were used by white settlers in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and the Native American’s made and used baskets for storage and the transport of household goods. Early baskets were made with materials that were readily available at the time, namely ash, oak, or hickory. In the early eighteenth century, as whaling ships had to travel further into the Pacific Ocean, they brought back a material called rattan. The introduction of rattan into the weaving process is one of the key elements that create the distinctive look of a Nantucket basket. Other elements are a turned flat wood bottom and the use of a mold.
As maritime traffic increased, the demand for safer navigation became louder. The United States government authorized and commissioned lightships to mark coastlines and noted dangers. The first Nantucket lightship was built in 1853, called Nantucket South Shoal, it was anchored off the Davis South Shoal. The crew was divided into two watches and they divided work evenly. To occupy their free time and to make extra money, sailors took basket making materials on board. It was in 1856 that the first record of bringing basket molds on board was recorded. For the next fifty years, lightships were anchored off Nantucket. The year 1905 saw the end of service by the Nantucket islanders. It is from this era that the basket received the “Lightship Basket” moniker.
 Picture6" Basket with Bail Handle
Basket with Bail Handle

​​Coming Soon!
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​​Come take this four session class and learn how to weave this traditional basket. Our design is based on elements found on early Nantucket baskets. The base and handle are made of cherry and the staves and rim are natural reed. The handle is attached to the rim with bone knobs and brass rivets. This class will introduce you to the entire method of basket making. The skills you develop in this class can be applied to other Nantucket basket forms.
6" diameter x 6" high at rim.
Note: Homework will include tapering staves and weaving.
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Bracelet with Ebony End Caps.
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Bracelet with Cherry End Caps
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Bracelet with Holly End Caps
Nantucket Basket Bracelets
Spend a fun filled day in our workshop and create these elegant Nantucket Basket Bracelets. In this class, you will cut and shape the metal cuff to your desired size (S, M, L, XL). Using 1/4" rattan staves and 1.50 mm cane, you will weave the cane between the staves and around the back of the cuff. End caps made of either holly, ebony, walnut or cherry, will be shaped, sanded and installed. At the end of the day you will have a wearable work of art that you can proudly wear for special occasions or everyday use.
Picture1/4" & 1/2" Bracelets with Cherry, Holly and Walnut End Caps.
Nantucket Basket Bracelet
​1/4" Wide & 1/2" Wide
Saturday 
October 19th
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $120
Materials: $25​
​Click on the photo to register.
Students will make (1) 1/4" bracelet & (1) 1/2" bracelet.
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Nantucket Basket Bangle
​1/4" Wide
Coming Soon!
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Nantucket Basket Bracelet
​3/4" Wide
​Saturday 
May 4th
9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $120
Materials: $25
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Students will make (1) 3/4' bracelet.
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Nantucket Basket Keychain
​3/4" Wide
Saturday 
May 18th
9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $50
Materials: $30​
​Closed
Students will make (1) 3/4: wide x 3-1/2" long keychain.
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