The Heart Behind Baskets by Michelle With Love

Hi everyone — I’m Michelle, the hands, heart, and weaving behind Baskets by Michelle With Love. I thought it was finally time to share a little bit about who I am, where I come from, and why basket weaving has become such a meaningful part of my life.

A Little About Me

I was raised in the small town of Bellbrook, Ohio, where creativity, hard work, and community were part of everyday life. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education, and while I loved working with children, life eventually led me down a different path — one that involved long days walking door-to-door as a full-time mail carrier.

Spending hours outside in every kind of weather teaches you a lot about patience, resilience, and noticing the small beautiful things… all qualities that eventually found their way into my basket weaving.

Finding My Therapy in Weaving

After my routes, when I’d finally come home for the evening, I needed something that felt peaceful and grounding — something that was just mine. That’s when basket weaving became more than a hobby. It became my therapy, my creativity, and my quiet joy. There’s something magical about taking a pile of reed and transforming it into something beautiful, functional, and full of love.

I actually started weaving many years ago and even served as President of the Ohio Valley Basketweavers Guild for a year. I taught classes, shared techniques, and connected with so many wonderful crafters. But when I became a mom, my focus naturally shifted. I stepped back from weaving to raise my two daughters, pouring my creativity into them instead of my baskets.

Once they grew up and life slowed down a bit, I found my way back to the craft I had always loved. It felt like coming home.

A Family Affair

Baskets by Michelle With Love is truly a family affair. My husband Jeff is my biggest supporter — building displays, staining wood, loading and unloading the car, setting up and tearing down at craft shows. I couldn’t do this without him.

Our daughters also help bring the business to life:

• My oldest, Makayla, manages website design and social media, making sure our online presence looks beautiful and professional.

• My Youngest, Avery, contributes to creative ideas and helping out wherever needed, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

With all of us working together, it’s not just a business — it’s a labor of love, shared by the whole family.

Sharing My Work with You

Throughout the year, you’ll find us at craft shows all over Ohio and Kentucky, meeting new people, visiting familiar faces, and sharing pieces that I’ve poured so much heart into. Every basket I make is woven with intention, patience, and love — and nothing makes me happier than knowing they’re bringing warmth into someone else’s home.

Thank you for being here, for supporting our small family business, and for appreciating the art of handwoven baskets. We can’t wait to share more of our work — and more of our story — with you.

With love,

Michelle