A Tisket a Tasket, Two New Easter Baskets...

Two Easters ago I pulled out the Easter tote and realized that the only Easter basket we had for Ben was a very red Elmo head with rabbit ears.  Nothing against Elmo, but red fur and an orange nose don't exactly scream "heirloom" and that's kind of what I realized I wanted.  My mom still pulls out her dad's Easter basket every year, a lovely, sturdy dark brown basket that I used to covet when I was young because it's rather large.  My mom also made each of us our own baskets and I remember being attached to mine. 

I was enrolling Ben in a nature camp at Ogden's Nature Center and I saw their display of African Bogola baskets, hand woven with leather handles.  A smallish green one caught my eye and I picked it up to replace the outgrown Elmo.  Fast forward two years and I found myself needing two more.  I visited the Nature Center once more only to learn that they no longer carried the small baskets.  They tried to sell me the large "Market Basket" style saying that's what everyone wants, until I told them what I used the small ones for. The clerk was so excited about the idea she called her boss to see if they would be getting any small ones in soon and told her what I was using them for. (If they have a new Spring display next year marketing the small ones as Easter Baskets just know you heard it here first...)

Anyway, one Google search and credit card entry later I had purchased two new Bolga baskets to join us in our egg hunting. Baskets of Africa had just what I needed plus free shipping in the US and cheaper than the first one I bought.  The kids are already attached.  Alan wanted to sleep with his the first night after they came.  It makes my heart happy to see their bright colors and beautiful craftsmanship.   

Three beautiful baskets, I know they won't be going in the Easter tote after they've done their egg duty.