An unusual find

  

I LOVE unusual, different and original. Here I'm sharing an unusual find. I do collect and also weave my own baskets. I'm always on the lookout for exceptional, useful baskets that serve a purpose other than dust catcher. Please comment or email me your exceptional basket finds, One can never have enough!

   The baskets in the pic are two of my favorites that I purchased. They are fair trade,
hand-woven African Grass Baskets. I purchased the shoulder bag at the local health food store natural grocers or vitamin cottage and the other market basket at a local import shop (now closed). The website www.alaffia.com offers them as well. The shoulder bag is very attractive, unusual and roomy! The market basket is huge and so sturdy. It holds more weight than the craft store type baskets. I LOVE to take it to the farmers market and fill it full of local fruits, veggies and flowers.
    The baskets are made from wild-harvested savanna grass, which requires very little water/nutrients to grow. Therefore the grass is plentiful and sustainable even in the most degraded soils. Members of the cooperative (those in Africa who do the weaving) receive stable, fair incomes and health care for their families in return for their weaving knowledge and skills. Win win situation by purchasing and using them for groceries, etc instead of plastic land filler uppers! Plus, the grass really smells sweet and pleasant.
   I really like the leather material they put on the handles. It makes them very comfy to carry and adds a nice decorative element. I will be purchasing more!