Not that many decades ago, there were just a few makers of the lightship basket—a New England utility basket unique to the island of Nantucket. The lightship basket survived (see my bit of history) and now looks to have a bright future as a respected American craft.

For the most part, the industry continued because skilled makers were willing to pass on their techniques and tricks to apprentices and willing students. I feel it is my responsibility to teach as well as make pieces of my own (see my gallery). I have been teaching for nearly as long as I have been making—30 years. 

To create an authentic lightship basket

you need to work on Nantucket. 

The peace and beauty and traditions

of the island become a part of your

basket experience. 

When you work with me at Karol’s

Place, you develop confidence. I am

tough on my students, I make them

work; but the results speak for

themselves. I want you to believe that

you can continue to craft fine baskets,

so I arm you with the skills needed to

continually improve.

I can also bring the Nantucket experience to you.  If you can gather 6-8 committed students and we can firm up the dates, I will pack my tools and materials and molds and travel off-island to you during my quiet season, October- May.

Join me, and learn a traditional craft from the ground up. 

Karol

Traditional Nantucket Lightship Baskets