handmade in Pittsburgh
my inspiration for weaving started after learning about my great-grandmother, Mary Mitchell Gabriel was a master of the craft, and awarded the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts for her incredible Passamaquoddy baskets. Never having the chance to meet her, I am inspired by her skill and that of the long line of Gabriel women basketmakers.
I am a self-taught weaver who builds free-shaped baskets from rattan (reed) from my basement studio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I incorporate a mix of materials, such as cowhide leather, seagrass, waxed thread, and hardwood. I dye reed into a rainbow of colors and love to experiment with different patterns and shapes.
these baskets are not perfect
expect some handmade uniqueness + imperfections to each one
dyed reed will fade over time + natural reed tends to darken with age.
store baskets in a cool + dry place
to clean baskets, dust with a lint-free cloth
due to the natural materials, baskets can grow mildew or become brittle if kept in harsh conditions