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Laura Simmons Manigault born and raised in Mt. Pleasant. The daughter of Mr. Joseph and Leola Wright, being one of six children. I learned to sew baskets at an early age to make the handcraft known as Sweetgrass baskets. The original basket making tradition has been a craft my family for several generations dating back to slavery. When , I was young I would sit and watch my grandmother and mother sew Sweetgrass basket. Then one day sit down at my grandmother feet trying to make my first basket.(that wasn't the best basket) but I continue until I made my first basket bottom, which is the beginning of a basket. I would watch my grandmother and mother would continue to coil the row with Sweetgrass, pine straw, and palmetto to complete the into whatever style she desired. When I was about five or six I made my first basket a small crosshandle tray all by myself. When grandmother sold my basket, I was so excited. Many time when I'm making a basket I know what I making. Many times I like making new style of basket with more flair. Usually,when I begins a new basket, I have in mind. For several decades I created a wide variety of baskets in many different shapes, sizes and styles. Today, I continues my handcraft in the Charleston City Market across from the Wild Wings and Crab House Restaurants near East Bay and Market Street. I have created many styles and sizes of Sweetgrass baskets such as: Rice Fanners, place mats, serving trays, candy baskets, bread baskets, flower vases, trash baskets, chip& dip tray, cup & saucer, door wreaths, flower basket, fruit baskets, hot pads, wall-pockets, coaster sets, glass tray, Magazine racks, Palmetto roses, Jewelry, key chains |
