Handmade Small Shopper

Approximate Dimensions — 11" l x 5.5" w x 9" h NOTE: When your basket arrives it may require reshaping. 

Reshaping your basket:
Start the process by wetting your basket. You can fully immerse it or give it a quick shower but try to protect the leather handle from getting too wet. Hot, cold or warm water will work — temperature is not a factor.  For Round and pot baskets, push the centre out.  The baskets are tougher than they look, so don't be afraid to use a little force! Gloves aren't essential but can help protect your hands while you do this. 

Work out any wrinkles in your basket with your hands then shake out the extra water. Once your happy with the shape, find a place for it to fully dry. You can repeat the reshaping process at any time should you wish. Dipping it once or twice a year will also help maintain deeper colors, which tend to fade as the baskets mature.

Maintaining your basket — because they are made from natural fibers,  your basket may weather, age and subtly change shape over time. You can repeat the reshaping process at any time should you wish.  Dipping it once or twice a year will also help maintain deeper colors, which tend to fade as the baskets mature. 

MATERIALS
The baskets are made from elephant grass, so-called because it grows so tall and strong in the region where these baskets are made. In fact, it was so abundant in the region of Bolgatanga that for many many years that it was considered a nuisance and basket weaving evolved to make use of an overly abundant resource.

The handles are goat leather. In Ghana, many people own goats as a food staple so goat leather is abundant in the region. Goats are an integral part of the culture in Ghana. They are raised in a free range environment and no part of a dead animal is wasted. 

PACKAGING
None.

SOURCE
Made in Ghana.

Big Blue Moma began in 2012 when Karie Wylie took trip to Ghana where her partner, Dominique, was volunteering for six months. A graduate from the textiles department at Alberta College of Art + Design, Karie was inspired by the beauty of Ghana's handicrafts and conceived a simple import business that would allow her to share her passion for what she had discovered and help the people she had met there. In the subsequent years, Karie has returned frequently to Ghana as she works to introduce the originality of Ghanian baskets at shows across Canada.

As conscious business partners, we deal directly with the basket weavers. Artisans are paid fair market prices for their products to ensure they earn a living wage for their talents and time.In addition we  support many initiatives in the areas where our weaving partners live including sanitation and education programs. This has had a positive impact not just on the craftspeople, but on the entire community, allowing it to sustain its traditions while creating new sources of economic growth.