The grass that is used to make the baskets is called "elephant grass".

It is very tall (over 10 feet) and is indigenous to Africa. The grasses are dyed using natural plant dyes and some commercial dyes. Generally, the colors do not run when wet. It stays pliable and is able to be manipulated when wet. Elephant grass is a plant fiber that stays flexible. This means that the basket can easily be re-shaped if it becomes off-center or dented. In order to save you money in shipping, bolga baskets are shipped folded up. It will take you less than a minute to reshape it.

The handles are made of goat skin. Goat skin is the same leather used in high quality gardening gloves. This means that they can get wet and the sweat of your hands doesn't hurt the leather. It will darken over time.

To Shape or Re-shape:
This is a very simple process. Hose down or soak the basket in water for 10 seconds, including the handle-- allow to sit for about 5 minutes. Then, using your hands, push out, push in, wiggle around until it is round and pleasing to the eye, and finally, center your basket. The center of the bottom will rise up in the inside of the basket. You will feel when it is centered . Allow to dry on the grass or an even surface. Do not allow basket to sit in water for extended periods of time as it will deteriorate the fibers.

As a purse/carry-on: I often leave my purse at home and opt to carry a bolga with my wallet, lipstick and keys. I do this when I go to Knitting Club, to my kid's school, the playground, the park, business meetings, the beach, etc... When travelling on planes, I tuck my purse inside of a basket and can now add a bottle of water, book, magazine, newspaper, and snack. I have NEVER had a problem with security. I can squash it under the seat or overhead-it is like having 2 bags in one. Very convenient!

Picnic Basket: you know what to do

Crafters Carry-All: It is tough enough when you need to transport a project, especially when it is not finished, throw it in a bolga and it will carry your project, book, accessories, and a bottle of water. Store your craft projects in a decorative basket and all is forgiven --Even if it sits in the middle of the living room! It is especially handy for storing yarns and fabrics.

Magazines/Catalogs: Decoratively hold magazines and catalogs.

Towels: I roll up towels and store them inside of a bolga, for small bathrooms, use a shopper.

Beach/Park tote: I can carry towels, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks in one shopper! How handy is that?

Decoration: It will brighten up any room. Decorators often buy these in bulk from me to use in homes as a design element.

Gifts: In the four years that I have been selling these awesome baskets a few themes have arisen: Mom buys a basket for herself, daughter comes for a visit and leaves with Mom's basket. Mom comes back to buy a basket to replace the one the daughter took back home! Realtors use bolga baskets as thank you gifts for their clients. Another theme is that people will come and purchase multiple baskets to store in a closet until they need a gift for a birthday, anniversary, retirement, etc...They know that it is a gift that will be appreciated by whomever they give it to. When a wedding is coming up, they buy a basket and fill it with kitchen towels, utensils and cookbooks to give as a shower gift. Perfect gift for the gardener-fill it with seed packets, gloves, tools, etc...Beach Basketgift-fill with sunscreen, toys, towels, book, bag for shells, etc ...Crafter gift-fill with yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, etc... Quilter gift- fill with patterns, fabric, thread, buttons,etc...