Black ash grows mainly in the Northeast and there are only a handful of basketmakers who process and sell black ash splint. So, about 10 years ago JoAnn and her husband Steve began processing their own black ash splint to guarantee a reliable supply of high-quality material for JoAnn's classes. While JoAnn is a full-time basketmaker and teacher, and Steve is a full-time building contractor, they still find the time to harvest and process the black ash splint from trees near their home in western Massachusetts. From time to time, they also enlist the help of their three children. They work out of their woodworking shop, where Steve also makes all of the pine molds and hardwood handles and rims needed for JoAnn's many designs. To purchase black ash splint, visit the ordering information page. If you are interested in learning more about the process of taking a black ash log and turning it into high-quality weaving material, please check out the slideshow.