Beginner Baskets | joannkellycatsos

Beginner Basketry Kits

Each basketry kit contains the pattern and all of the parts (black ash weavers, rims, handles, etc.) required to make the basket. The mold is not included in the kit, but most molds are used to create several different baskets. Click here to see the molds for sale.

Generally, kits are arranged on this page from easier to more difficult.

To place an order: complete the order form and mail it with a check to JoAnn Kelly Catsos, 29 Kellys Maple Ridge, Halcott Center, New York, 12430. Orders of splint and catalog items may be combined on the same order form. Contact JoAnn with questions.

Country Bread Basket

This is the perfect basket for beginning black ash basketmakers. It is a low version of the traditional Shaker cathead form and made of heavyweight splint. Students will learn to chase-weave over a wooden mold, form the classic cathead shape, and lash the hardwood rims.

Dimensions: 6 1/2" diameter x 3" deep
This basket uses the 6" cathead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $65

Pattern: $4

Rims: $10

Country Cathead Basket

Based upon the traditional Shaker cathead form and made of heavyweight splint, this sturdy basket is constructed of the same size material as the Country Bread Basket, with the baskets woven taller and the addition of a hoop handle. Good for beginners.

Dimensions: 6 1/2" diameter x 8 1/2" tall with handle.
This basket uses the 6" cathead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $80

Pattern: $4

Rims and handle: $18

Small Country Bread Basket

This little basket was originally designed to introduce basketweavers to mold weaving with black ash splint. Simple, yet classic, it is chase-woven on a cathead mold and completed with ash ear handles and a hardwood rim.

Dimensions: 4" diameter x 2" tall
This basket uses the 4" cathead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $60

Pattern: $4

Rims and handles: $16

Shorty Cat

Another low version of the Shaker cathead basket, this basket is constructed of finer material than it's counterpart, the Country Bread Basket

Dimensions: 6 1/2" diameter x 2 1/2" deep
This basket uses the 6" cathead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $65

Pattern: $4

Rims: $10

Business Card Basket

This useful little basket is just the right size to display business cards and has hardwood rims that are double lashed.

Dimensions: 4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" deep
This basket uses the 4" knife mold

Complete Basket Kit: $45

Pattern: $4

Rims: $8

Berkshire Bracelets

Made of natural and dyed black ash splint, this cuff bracelet is woven on an aluminum bracelet blank that is adjustable to any size wrist. Several twill patterns are possible. Each kit makes one bracelet. Choice of blue, green, or wine.

Dimensions: 1/2" wide
No mold required.

Complete Bracelet Kit: $20

Pattern: $3

Bracelet blank: $1

Cuff Bracelet with Braid

Woven of natural and dyed black ash splint, this bracelet is made over an aluminum bracelet blank that is adjustable to any size wrist. Each kit makes one bracelet. Choice of blue, green or wine.

Dimensions: 1/2" wide
No mold required.

Complete Bracelet Kit: $20

Pattern: $3

Bracelet blank: $1

Twilled Ash Cuff Bracelet

Woven of natural and dyed black ash splint, this bracelet is made over an aluminum bracelet blank that is adjustable to any size wrist. An assortment of twill patterns are possible. Each kit makes one bracelet. Choice of blue, green or wine.

Dimensions: 1" wide
No mold required.

Complete Bracelet Kit: $25

Pattern: $3

Bracelet blank: $1

Friendship Basket

The eye-catching brown stripe on this low cathead basket is the inner bark of the American Elm tree, while the body of the basket is black ash splint. It was originally designed as a thankyou gift for friends who allowed us to harvest trees on their property

Dimensions: 6 1/2" in diameter x 3" deep
This basket uses the 6" cathead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $70

Pattern: $4

Rims: $10

Tomato Pincushion Basket

This shallow cathead basket is fitted with a classic red tomato pincushion (made of recycled wool fabric that is filled with wool fleece). It utilizes basic black ash splint basketry techniques like chase-weaving, forming the cathead shape and lashing a hardwood rim.

Dimensions: 4 1/4" in diameter x 1 1/2" deep (3" deep with cushion
This basket uses the 4" cathead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $70

Pattern: $4

Rims: $8

Extra Red Tomato Pincushion: $20

Shaker Kittenhead

This Shaker Kittenhead is based upon as antique Shaker basket, and is smaller version of a cathead. Made using the same basketry techniques, patience is suggested due to the small size.

Dimensions: 2 3/4" in diameter x 3" tall with handle
This basket uses the 2 1/2" kittenhead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $50

Pattern: $4

Rims and Handle: $14

Kittenhead Pincushion with Sawtooth Rim

This useful basket was inspired by an antique Shaker pincushion found at the Shaker Museum in Old Chatham, NY. It features a stylish sawtooth rim treatment and is woven over a wooden mold like the Shaker Kittenhead. Wool fleece and velour fabric are supplied to fashion your own cushion. The small size will require some patience. Choice of blue, red, wine, teal or green fabric

Dimensions: 2 3/4" in diameter x 1 3/4" deep (2 1/2" with cushion)
This basket uses the 2 1/2" kittenhead mold

Complete Basket Kit: $45

Pattern: $4

Velour Fabric and Wool Fleece: $6

Rims: $5

God's Eye earrings and Ornament

Woven of black ash splint over cherry sticks, the God's Eye , or four point lashing is a form recognized by basketmakers everywhere. Kit contains materials for one set of earrings and one ornament. Ear wires included.

Dimensions: earrings - 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"; ornament - 3" x 3"

Complete Kit: $30

Pattern: $3