Fashioned after a traditional creel form, this basket is made with white ash splint, white oak trimmings and custom leatherwork.

The leather on this piece is entirely custom, including all brass hardware and a homemade dye color.

The basket’s lid is integrated into the strapwork, creating a hinged action that keeps all elements snug and secure.

The shape, weaving pattern and execution on this piece are traditional, but did require several novel or new-to-me techniques in weaving and affixing the lid, creating the hole for fish to pass through when caught and other small details.

The creel sits against one’s hip, out of the way of the mechanics of fishing. Traditionally, it would be lined with wet materials that would help keep the fish cool until they could be deposited on the shore.