Did I need another basket? Are you kidding? Sure. In the process of clearing out and reorganizing, baskets always come in handy, but I probably have enough to sink the proverbial ship already.
But this one I couldn't pass up. It's large. It's sturdy. It's beautiful. And it was handmade by Amopoka Atanbire in Ghana for the Blessing Basket project, an amazing project founded by an amazing person with an even more amazing story.
A friend is in the process of opening a new business in town and managed to become the first distributor of these baskets in our state. Of course, in my small way, I needed to support her, right? But, after becoming familiar with the hope this project brings to the artisans involved....I need to help support them, too.
Do I 'need' a purple basket? And maybe a green one? And I think they might come in black and white. Definitely need one of those. What about RED? A smaller one would be handy. (What do you think? would I really use a market size one??)
* * * * * * * * * * *
(Those ARE Japanese furoshiki wrapped gifts in the African basket, with a skein of British wool on the bottom -- setting in my house in the USA. A fine example of international relations.)
Love the baskets and the project!
Posted by: Chrystel | 01/30/2015 at 11:39 PM
Fantastic basket! I love to keep my projects in them! I would love to have them in every color too. :)
Posted by: Angela | 01/31/2015 at 07:47 AM
Thanks for connecting us to this inspirational story. I'll be getting a basket. Just because. Would it be better to buy on line or through your friend?
Happy Day, k
Posted by: Katrine | 01/31/2015 at 08:57 AM
I want to visit that store, not only do I want one of those baskets, I think I really need a vintage stove!
Posted by: Tracey | 01/31/2015 at 10:16 AM
I positively LOVE baskets. I don't think it is possible to have too many, especially if they are that beautiful and have such and incredible story :)
Posted by: Nicole | 01/31/2015 at 04:12 PM
I am obsessed with baskets! They are very handy - perfect to keep your stash, WIPs and other craft-related things. Yours is beautiful!
Posted by: Alina | 01/31/2015 at 05:01 PM
Baskets, my weakness. OK, everything is a weakness!! Lovely basket, need to check with my friend to see what color she has in her shop now.
Posted by: Chris | 01/31/2015 at 07:54 PM
Of course you 'needed' a basket! We all need baskets!
Posted by: Jennifer Miller | 01/31/2015 at 09:04 PM
FINE example of international relations. And, you DO need one of each... LOL! they are beautiful baskets AND for a good cause! blessings ~ tanna
Posted by: tanna | 02/01/2015 at 07:41 AM
yes you need another basket and yes you deserve another basket!! lovely colors and I love how wide and deep it is :) I hope Freddy respects baskets and doesn't nibble on them....
Posted by: karen | 02/01/2015 at 01:59 PM
I can totally see why you needed to bring this home, Steph! What a beautiful project :) XO
Posted by: Leigh | 02/02/2015 at 01:58 PM