The Basket Maker’s Catalog team is proud of the service and the top-quality products we’ve offered our customers over the past several decades; we’re especially grateful for the people we’ve met along the way.
In 1982 Scott Gilbert began making white oak and honeysuckle baskets and marketing them at local and regional venues including the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen and the Kentucky Crafts Marketing Program. He studied with Ollie and Lestel Childress, 4th and 5th generation white oak basket makers from Park City, Kentucky, and, in 1984, began teaching basket workshops and classes in Allen and surrounding counties in Southcentral Kentucky.
Michael Sims joined Scott in 1986; the two made white oak handles for shops and basket makers across the country. Their largest project to date was an order for 17,000 white oak handles that were used in a Cover Girl Cosmetics display.
Beth Hester, Scott’s wife, joined in 1987 and The Basket Maker’s Catalog grew into one of the nation’s finest basket making and chair caning supply shops. Over the years Beth and Scott taught basket making classes across the Southeast, including annual workshops at Historic Rugby, Tennessee in white oak and honeysuckle. Today Beth continues to teach basket making, create patterns and study the art of basketry every chance she gets.
In 2013 one of Scott’s white oak egg baskets was included in the exhibit A Measure of the Earth: The Cole-Ware Collection of American Baskets at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. A Measure of the Earth explores the revival of traditional basketry in America during the past fifty years through works by sixty-three contemporary basketmakers who have gathered and woven with native materials. What an awesome honor!
Each year, here in Scottsville, Kentucky, we host several workshops with nationally-acclaimed teachers giving students the opportunity to have incredible learning experiences in a small and intimate space. Check out the classes at www.basketmakerscatalog.com.
At our state-of-the-art website you’ll find online ordering, free basket making and chair caning instructions, class information, helpful hints and videos. Take a look at the facebook page for class photos, history and fun stuff happening in the world of basketry!
During the week, our friendly, knowledgeable Customer Service experts are available to answer your questions. Our goal is to provide you with information and the best quality supplies to help you achieve success. And, all products from The Basket Maker’s Catalog are backed by a 100% Guarantee of Your Satisfaction.
You are welcome to visit the shop and roam through the aisles or sign up for a classes. Located in Scottsville, Kentucky, hours of operation are: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time.
The Basket Maker’s Catalog has more for you than just great basket making supplies. Behind the scenes we reuse cardboard boxes for shipping, use end-run paper from a local print shop for packaging and recycle office paper. We’re committed to bringing you the best products available and to doing a small part for the earth as well.
Remember, when you need excellent supplies or information about basket making and chair seating, call on The Basket Maker’s Catalog. Visit us at: www.basketmakerscatalog.com.