The Journal.
Short reads on the work: where the reed comes from, what makes a good handle, the occasional long-winter mudroom story. A new entry every few weeks.
October '26 Free Pattern
This seasonal design is perfect for fall decorating, a treat basket, or a handmade gift.
More from the studio.
Wire and Bale Handles
Hello, Weaving Friends! As the spring months fight for recognition here in northern Minnesota, we are beginning to look forward to more time spent outside. It will be summer before you know it! When we...
Weaving with Leather Handles
Over the past 26 years of weaving, Joanna’s Collections baskets have developed a certain style. One of my favorite characteristics that we incorporated into our baskets is the use of leather handles....
Twining a Round Base Tutorial
Twining a Round Base TutorialBoth the filled and unfilled base tutorials we have shared on our blog have taught how to make square or rectangular basket bases. But what about the round patterns?The b...
Leather Handled Tote Strapping Tutorial
Joanna’s Collections has designed several original totes and service baskets that use leather strapping as the handles. We love the appearance and feel of the sturdy leather in contrast with the natur...
Singeing Tutorial
You’ve finished lashing your basket! Now the basket can either be declared complete, or you can pursue the next steps of finishing your basket. For those of you who are type B, mellow, go-with-the-flo...
Twining the Last Weaver Tutorial
On a basket, the last weaver is an important row. It’s the one sandwiched between the two rims. This is the row that will be held in place by the tucked stakes and the row that acts as the anchor for...
Sea Grass Continuous Weave Tutorial
In order to add variety in the decoration and style of your weaving, some patterns will call for a different method of weaving the sides of your basket. One of those techniques is called the continuou...
To stain or not to stain … that is the question!
Wooden Bottom Toy Basket - before “finish”. Truth be told ... we do not spend much time contemplating that dilemma. Every piece that comes out of our shop has some form of a finish on it.
Shaping the Sides of a Basket Tutorial
Baskets come is all shapes and sizes, but there are a few tricks that can really affect the look of your finished product. Shaping the sides of a basket is one of those important techniques! Straight...
Double-Lashing Tutorial
Once you have finished weaving the sides of your basket, you are ready for the final step – rimming and lashing! Be sure to soak the inside and outside rim pieces, the rim filler piece (if using round...
Clip and Tuck Tutorial
After the last row 3/8” reed has been added to the basket, the sides of the basket are complete. The next step is to clip and tuck the horizontal and vertical stakes. Notice that every other stake is...
Weaving the Sides Tutorial
Now that you’ve upsett the stakes of the basket, the base is completely finished! The next stage of weaving takes the flat base and transitions it to the upright sides of the basket. Step 1: Soak the...
A quiet note, once a month.
New entries, custom-order openings, and a short letter from the bench. No spam, no urgency, just what we've been making.