Contact Me

603-478-5736

I grew up in a family where creativity was nourished and held in great esteem. From my Swedish great-grandfather who was a master shoemaker and German grandmother who painted beautiful china and oil paintings, down to my own children who each exhibit a different aspect of the creative arts, it is definitely "in my blood" to create with my hands. After pursuing a wide variety of craft mediums since childhood, I wove my first basket from a kit in 1983 and went on to design and make over a thousand large baskets in rattan reed. A decade later, when I discovered silky smooth pounded black ash reed, I began a venture into tiny basket creations with such a fine material. I now exclusively weave the miniatures, including doll-size tote baskets, a full line of black ash ornaments, and embellished necklaces. Wherever I exhibit or show my work, people are amazed at the intricacy of my creations and always want to know how I can work on such tiny things.

As a juried member of The League of NH Craftsment since 1997, I sell my baskets and ornaments through the League galleries in NH and at the annual craftsman's fair in Sunapee, NH. The 2008 Sunapee Fair will the 75th anniversary, featuring special events Aug. 2-10. As co-founder of Hillsborough Area Artisans, I am actively involved in planning our 2 annual events: Spring Into Summer Artisan Faire, which was June 14-15 in old Hillsborough Center; and our 5th annual Open Studio Tour to be held Sept. 20-21, when I will have my studio open to the public.

Artist Statement

Working in my studio in the NH countryside, I weave my baskets and ornaments with inspiration from the world around me. The color, pattern, and texture of things that cross my path in life can be found in some aspect of my work. A photo of a friend's chubby-cheeked baby inspired my miniature ash basket "For Abigail"; winter snowflackes found their way into the series of "Snowflake Tray" intricate twill weave baskets; Cinderella's magic coach transformed itself in "Cinderella's Basket". It is a job and a gift to be able to express my love of, and pleasure in, the little things of life through my weaving and designing. Having always had an eye for tiny details, I can fully express this aspect of my nature, especially as I work on my miniature baskets and ornaments- many of them tiny replicas of a larger basket or other object.

It is my desire to somehow communicate this pleasure in the little things in life and to create something beautiful and exquisite that can be treasured and appreciated over time.

State juried member

Copyright 2004-2006, Cheryl Christenson
This site designed by Linda Shea, New Boston, NH