I love making custom baskets. They’re my instinctive gift—the one I return to again and again. I start with a spark of inspiration, then build from there, choosing each item by color, tone, or theme.
I browse the aisles looking for unexpected items—something like a bookend shaped like the first letter of their name, or a quirky object that makes me smile. I’m particular about baskets, so when I find affordable, well-made ones, I stock up. Keeping the cost minimal matters to me, and having baskets on hand means I’m never scrambling when I need one. I gravitate toward rattan baskets with metal handles. They feel warm yet contemporary and work with nearly any décor.
Sometimes I make a basket for someone I don’t know well—like a hosting gift—and a kitchen theme makes that easier. Coffee cups almost always make the cut. They’re practical, personal enough, and universally welcome. I always check the clearance section, where the most interesting finds tend to appear—quirky, cute, classic. The savings help, but wandering (especially with a tea or coffee), pairing, and assembling everything is genuine, creative fun for me.
I enjoy giving baskets because of their scale. Walking in with—or handing over—a basket that’s large and grand feels celebratory. It’s useful, yes, but it also feels special.
After I fill the basket, I create a homemade card—poetic in spirit, and sometimes a bit sappy in hindsight—using a picture frame. I give each item a line of meaning, print it on 4 × 6 photo paper, and place it in the frame. Later, it can hold a favorite photo and continue to be used. In that way, the card becomes part of the gift itself.
I keep baskets artfully stacked in my studio and the collected treasures on a shelf in the hall closet. When I need to make something, I simply go shopping just down the hall. Wandering and creating takes time, and sometimes a basket needs to come together quickly.
I know the basket is complete when I feel it—when my stomach gives that familiar swirl and my gut says, yes, this is right.
Here are a few baskets I’ve made over the years. My style has evolved—though I’ll admit, I usually forget to take photos.
