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Last time I covered suggestions for using Internet resources for collecting Antique baskets. Now, I would like to share with you some of the Internet based resources for collecting newly or recently woven baskets. Those of us who fill our lives with baskets in every corner of every room (I know you're out there) need no excuse for seeking out just one more basket. You may not actually order online, (although it's possible in many cases), but you can use these resources to narrow down your quest before you hop in the car or book your next flight.

If you appreciate North American Indian baskets numerous galleries and tribal associations offer newly created baskets representative of the cultural heritage of each group. Hopi Market sells coil plaques and baskets made on Second Mesa Villages. They also provide a profile of the artists who make each piece. Wabanaki Arts Center Gallery is another of many tribal marketplaces which have set up shop on the Internet. Twin Rocks Trading Post features the work of many coiling basket artists from the southwest. They also feature background information on the basketmakers and the traditions behind the various coiled basket patterns. Be on guard for the many imported reproductions offered for sale. If you are looking for an authentic native American basket ask for the enrolled status of the maker and avoid anything described using the word "style".

Galleries often represent basket artists. Tribal Crafts and Shumup Ko Hup are among them. Four Winds Craft Guild offers Nantucket Lightship Baskets as well as Scrimshaw purse tops and basket accessories. American Native Downeast is an online shop that offers Maine Indian baskets from prominent current Main Indian basketmakers.

Individual makers often offer their work on the Internet. Robert Haygens offers his work in White Oak baskets and Yellow Poplar Bark containers. Irene M. Ames of IMA Basket offers her Sweetser type Ash baskets, including a cradle, creel and pack basket. Dorothy Stone profiles her coiled Pine needle baskets. Willow baskets by Bonnie Gale are available from English Basketry Willows. Tara Prindle of Waaban Aki Crafting offers birch bark containers, coiled pine needle baskets, twined corn husk bottles and numerous basketry related gifts and accessories. Beth Peterson and Mark Kelz craft exquisite Ash baskets with carved figural handles. Perhaps you are looking for something a little more mundane. Bee Commerce offers a decorative straw bee skep which would be a lovely addition to your garden.

Whether you are looking for a museum quality piece of basket art or just a functional container to use around the house there are myriad opportunities to make the connection to the piece you want via the Internet. Be certain that you are just as discriminating about your choice of a basket chosen from long distance as you would be in person. Most sites have email addresses so that you can initiate a discussion with the vendor about the basket you are considering. Ask questions about the quality and construction of the piece and be certain to ask about the maker of the basket. You are really buying a piece of the maker when you buy a basket and it is valuable to know as much as you can about the person and their work.

Galleries, conferences, guild events, Indian Powwows, teachers, craft school gift shops, suppliers' retail shops and Internet vendors can all be sources of desirable baskets. The netlinks on this site will point you to many of them. Use the netlinks for a jump-off point for your own shopping foray. If you're looking for something from farther away from home stay tuned. I'll cover collecting baskets from around the world in an upcoming feature.

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