Longaberger Ware Baskets: Really Unusual Weave!

Speaking of unusual basket weaves, check out these metal splints added to the Ware Baskets!  An inverted-bottom basket is strong, when you think of the weight it would take to push that bottom back out, and then you add metal strips and it should be very strong.

These big Ware Baskets were originally woven to carry greenware to be decorated and fired in the busy potteries of Ohio, where the Longabergers were located.  These "reproductions" were offered to hostesses in 2013.  I was greedy and had to have two, and I haven't done much with them but admire them since.  

An Unusual Longaberger Basket Weave for Spring

Longaberger Baskets are "splinted" baskets, woven around a wooden form, and one possible variation is using different weave styles with those wooden splints. Of course, Longaberger has used many, many shapes, colors, sizes, and finishing touches to give incredible variation to the baskets over the years.  

The Spring Weave is an example of a different weave that is over 3, under 3, aside from the narrow shoestring weave that makes the pretty curve at the bottom.  The traditional weave is over 1 and under 1, and you may have to look closely at the picture and not be distracted by the pretty colors to see the over 3, under 3.  




This unique weave would be striking in the solid stains (Pewter, Vintage, or Warm Brown) where the weave would probably stand out even more, but I happen to have the pretty springy-colored Forever Spring weave as a sample.  





The basket also has a kerf bottom, which has the splints inserted into it and is very smooth and strong.  Spring Weave is available in limited baskets in April and then will be gone--visit my website using the link on the right to see the Low Bowl Basket (pictured here), Oval Bowl Basket, and Vase Basket before they're gone.  There are also a few past Spring Weave Baskets in Past Features in the menu on the left.

Probably Time to Pack Up E Bunny

Much as I love my spring and Easter decor, it's probably time for Mr. Bunny to head back to his basement home until next year.  Isn't he pretty?  Nice how well he holds a Longaberger Easter Basket, too, with wooden Longaberger eggs.  I dared to buy Mr. Bunny about 28 years ago out of a Sears catalog when we were newlyweds and way too poor to be buying big bunnies!

  

Longaberger Spring in Missouri

Recognize any Longaberger in my lighted cabinet? Having trouble seeing it?

Let's try opening the doors.  :)  The 2010 Summertime Stripe Spring Basket, next to the Bunny Pitcher, has a divided protector and handily holds silverware and napkins at spring gatherings.  The Peeps Basket and Collectors Club 2013 Miniature Sweets Peeps and 2012 Chocolate Egg are there too.  Did you know the Collectors Club has a new miniature series for 2016?

Return of the Longaberger . . . ?

One of the many fun "perks" of a Longaberger career is earning samples of upcoming products free.  This means I get to keep the commission made reaching the sales level and get my upcoming feature basket too!  This basket that consultants earned with $1000 in February sales is one of my all-time, top 10 favorites that was retired for "improvement" by Longaberger a few years ago.  Here it is again in eye-popping color . . . 

ta-da!  The traditional favorite Medium Gathering Basket in technicolor Brick Red!  It will be available to all in May, also in other fun colored stains or Longaberger's regular stains.  You need this basket for your summer activities and trips to the farmers' market--it will make you happy, too.