I purchased my first Longaberger Basket in 1986 – a long ago retired Sewing Basket on a Stand. I had been a weaver in my hobby-life and I truly appreciated the handwoven USA baskets that were created by the family that began creating these in the early 1900s.  There are so many different baskets that the Longaberger Company creates today, but the tradition started nearly 100 years ago.

In the early 1900s, J.W. Longaberger began working with a local basket making company in Dresdan Ohio and learned the how-tos of basket making.  He took well to this craft, honing his skills, and developing a real love for the process. During the Great Depression, this factory closed and J.W was forced to work in another industry. He married, Bonnie, and after the war, they had the opportunity to purchase the basket factory J.W. had learned the trade at. It was a true family business – they had 12 children who helped their father out, as their mom worked elsewhere to help make ends meet.

The business did not stay strong throughout it’s history but J.W. had instilled the basket making knowledge in his children and one of his sons spearheaded a revival of the basket business in the late 1970’s under the name J.W.’s Handwoven Baskets.  They decided to sell through the home show model where educated consultants could demonstrate all the ways the baskets could be used and they could explain the history and how they were made. This is when the Longaberger Company as we know it today, as a direct sales company, began.

Today the Longaberger Company is still a famiy business & continues to make beautiful handcrafted baskets as well as pottery, wrought iron, and fabric basket accessories. The basket line evolves each year as some are retired and new ones are created. These are very collectible and functional baskets that can serve you well in each room of your home. I have been selling these baskets on eBay for over 5 years - as people decide to change their collection or downsize they contact me. You can see retired Baskets Longaberger Pottery & other things at d’clutter sales.