White oak forms the basis for all my baskets. Like the early American Pioneers, I go to the woods and carefully select the tree that is suitable for basket material. The tree (app. 4 to 6 inches in diameter) needs to be straight grained and free from knots. Once the tree is cut down, a 4 to 6 foot log is taken from the base of the tree and carried out of the woods, then split into eights with hand tools such as an axe, wedges, froe and mallet. A knife and/or drawknife is then used to make the weaving splits. White oak makes some of the strongest and most durable splits found anywhere in the world. All of my baskets are formed without use of machines or glue. Therefore, although they may look similar, will never be identical. Handles, bands and ribs are hand carved from the heart wood of the white oak. Our baskets are functional and/or decorative. With care they will last for generations.
On the left is an example of an egg (gizzard, fanny) basket. Shown on the right is some of the tools used in basket making.
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