Nantucket Baskets by Janet L. Carreau

Janet L. Carreau invites you to fall in love with the Nantucket basket as she did so many years ago by purchasing one of her special handcrafted masterpieces as a gift for business associates, family, friends or to reward yourself. Janet's passion for these baskets has inspired her to pursue excellence in their creation. Her hope is that each one will become a family heirloom to be treasured and passed on to future generations.

The Nantucket Lightship Baskets date to the 1800s when one of the most famous Nantucket Lightships was anchored off the shores of the Island to warn approaching ships that there were dangerous shoals nearby. While on board, the crew began to make baskets to keep themselves busy and to sell them on Nantucket Island. After 1900, the basket making shifted from the ships to the Island itself. However, the tradition continued and has become a very unique part of Nantucket's legacy.

Janet began to make these distinctive baskets 25 years ago. Each basket is one of a kind and traditionally made by hand, tightly woven using only the finest quality materials. Each basket evolves into a beautiful work of art as it is adorned with its ivory and ebony carvings and scrimshaw.

Janet is a member of the Nantucket Lightship Association and her baskets have been displayed at the Nantucket Lightship Museum. She has won numerous awards for outstanding workmanship and has placed first in various shows and exhibits. Her baskets are being made and sold on Nantucket today.