Five years in the making, this monumental, freeform handled basket is a true statement of New England woodland artistry. Slowly woven between 2021 and 2026, this substantial piece is crafted predominantly from thick, rich dark Connecticut grapevine and finished with a protective gloss varnish that brings out the warm, natural luster of the wood.
Shaped by Hand for Year-Round Beauty:
Woven completely freeform without molds or frames, this basket features a bold, braided arch handle built to carry real weight rather than serve merely as decoration. Its generous basin and sturdy design make it endlessly versatile throughout the seasons—whether filled with autumn apples and winter greenery, styled as an heirloom Easter centerpiece, used as a cozy napping spot for a beloved cat, or hung outdoors with a seed plate inside as a woodland bird feeder. (Before leaving my studio, I will weave in a final touch of fresh vine to complete its journey.)
Built to Last Generations:
Over decades of weaving, I have learned that the curve where a basket's base turns upward into its walls is usually the first area to weaken over time. To make sure my sculptures endure, every piece is cross-woven in all directions to lock that curve into lasting structural strength.
Each vine is personally wild-harvested, prepared, and cured across multiple seasons so the natural drying cycle strengthens the wood from the inside out. With proper care, these functional sculptures last for generations—I still have the very first basket I made for my mother in the 1980s, and it remains just as sturdy today.
Nature's Audience:
Because I weave outdoors surrounded by nature, wild songbirds often gather in nearby branches to watch me work. I always wonder if they are offering their professional opinions or simply marveling at a human weaving a giant nest!
Approximate Dimensions: 18" x 16 ½" x 6" basin (5 ½" interior depth); 21" overall height to the top of the handle. All dimensions are approximate as each piece is an organic, hand-formed sculpture.
Signed Provenance: Accompanied by a hand-signed studio tag documenting the 2021–2026 creation dates from Portraits by ShawnaLee.
Local Studio Pickup Only: Available for local pickup at my Middlebury, CT studio. Once your order is placed online, I will reach out directly to coordinate a convenient studio pickup time.
Five years in the making, this monumental, freeform handled basket is a true statement of New England woodland artistry. Slowly woven between 2021 and 2026, this substantial piece is crafted predominantly from thick, rich dark Connecticut grapevine and finished with a protective gloss varnish that brings out the warm, natural luster of the wood.
Shaped by Hand for Year-Round Beauty:
Woven completely freeform without molds or frames, this basket features a bold, braided arch handle built to carry real weight rather than serve merely as decoration. Its generous basin and sturdy design make it endlessly versatile throughout the seasons—whether filled with autumn apples and winter greenery, styled as an heirloom Easter centerpiece, used as a cozy napping spot for a beloved cat, or hung outdoors with a seed plate inside as a woodland bird feeder. (Before leaving my studio, I will weave in a final touch of fresh vine to complete its journey.)
Built to Last Generations:
Over decades of weaving, I have learned that the curve where a basket's base turns upward into its walls is usually the first area to weaken over time. To make sure my sculptures endure, every piece is cross-woven in all directions to lock that curve into lasting structural strength.
Each vine is personally wild-harvested, prepared, and cured across multiple seasons so the natural drying cycle strengthens the wood from the inside out. With proper care, these functional sculptures last for generations—I still have the very first basket I made for my mother in the 1980s, and it remains just as sturdy today.
Nature's Audience:
Because I weave outdoors surrounded by nature, wild songbirds often gather in nearby branches to watch me work. I always wonder if they are offering their professional opinions or simply marveling at a human weaving a giant nest!
Approximate Dimensions: 18" x 16 ½" x 6" basin (5 ½" interior depth); 21" overall height to the top of the handle. All dimensions are approximate as each piece is an organic, hand-formed sculpture.
Signed Provenance: Accompanied by a hand-signed studio tag documenting the 2021–2026 creation dates from Portraits by ShawnaLee.
Local Studio Pickup Only: Available for local pickup at my Middlebury, CT studio. Once your order is placed online, I will reach out directly to coordinate a convenient studio pickup time.
