Hand Crafted Baskets

Amish Baskes making is a hobby for some; but for Owen Detweiler it is also a business to support his family. For him and his family, basket making has now become a family business as well with the children and even his wife involved in the weaving, staining, signing, and marketing of the baskets. Together they work to craft beautiful, sturdy baskets and to support themselves.

The process of making a basket begins at the base. Vertical strips are tacked to the wooden bottom, and then more strips are weaved horizontally through the first strips. The weaver intertwines dyed strips throughout the basket to give it color and design. After weaving, he then adds a finishing braid around the top. Next he hand stains the piece and sets it out to dry. When the basket is dry, he adds the final touches unique to each basket: handles, lids, or lazy susan bottoms. With a flourish of the signature and date, the basket is completed. Because of their Amish heritage, the Detweilers usually hire a driver to deliver the baskets to our location in Lancaster, PA, where we sell these beautifully handcrafted Amish baskets.