Antler Basket - Ribbed Appalachian Style

Description

Antler baskets are woven intuitively - I don't know the exact form it will take when I start, but I know it will be large and great looking and that it will take me around 10 hours to complete. I give them a thick rim with extra stout reinforcement at the rim - these antlers are 4-5 times heavier than the actual basket.

Ribs are added all over the place - giving the basket very firm structure. Once the basket is done, it has to be decided how to keep it from falling over by the weight of the antlers - for this basket, wooden rings have been tied on after wrapping them with suede. They look like feet - adding a touch of whimsy and they allow the basket to sit well.

Reed is used for the basket and cane for the lashings. This one is woven in natural reed and a generous helping of space-dyed reed in Burgundy, gold and green.

Measurements are estimated:
Height (including handle) - 16"
Width - 16"
Length - 21"

Note - I use only naturally shed antlers, gathered legally in Oregon.

Added on Nov 27, 2009