Jo Ann Hoersten

Jo Metzger Hoersten learned to weave in an adult education class in 1987. When Jo's Mother was visiting and noticed the basket material laying on the floor, she mentioned that her Grandfather was also a basket weaver - by trade. So do you suppose Jo inherited the basket weaving from her Great Grandfather?

She moved to Idaho in 1991 where she noticed antlers were used for home decor as chandeliers, candelabras, furniture, etc. She decided to combine antlers with baskets and found a market for those who decorate with wildlife and western look. Since then she has sold over 2,000 baskets to individual buyers, galleries, stores and special orders.

Jo starts with an antler, then designs a style to fit the natural curve of the antler. She builds a frame of oak. Then as she weaves, adds many ribs which is a sign of a strong basket. It is important to Jo that besides being an attractive basket, it is also strong enough to use.

To compliment the baskets, Jo uses leather, pheasant and wild turkey feathers, and beads on them. Some of the beads she uses are antique trade beads.

** An interesting note about glass trade beads: A great variety of glass trade beads were involved in the American Indian fur trade and American exploration. Although more than one source of supply from different countries was used, many of the glass trade beads that were carried to the American Indians were made in Venice. The 1600's and 1700's were the golden age of glass bead manufacture, and during this period most of the trade beads were exported to Africa to be shipped out during world exploration and colonization. A store of these antique trade beads still exists there today.

In 1995 Jo moved to Michigan. So every year she travels west to buy antlers. You can find Jo's work in the Artist Market at NCCA-Artsplace and through her website at eaglerockbaskets.com.

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