Welcome to the wonderful world of willow! Willow basket weaving is a traditional craft historically practiced throughout much of the world. Archeological evidence shows Native American pack baskets dating back to 900 BC, while they also tout themselves as one of the most common crafts throughout all of Europe. Willow is incredibly strong, beautiful, and rich in ethnobotanical relationship to human history that can still be touched today.
In this three-day willow basket immersion, instructor Tyler Lavenburg will show you how to weave up a mighty-fine carry-all basket, using the “stake and strand” method. By the end of this class, you’ll walk away with your very own beautiful and functional messenger bag style baskets with shoulder straps or handles of your choosing. These baskets can be used for just about anything, from harvesting food to carrying your computer!
Class Schedule Overview:
-Day One: Settle in, prepare materials, make the base of your basket and add in the spokes.
-Day Two: Weave up the body of the basket and turn down the rim.
-Day Three: Choose between leather or cotton webbing to make and attach straps to your basket. Leave with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind basket ready for any adventure!
T
yler will teach a variety of basket weaves, explore propagation and harvesting of willow for basketry, and celebrate the rich history of weaving this amazing plant into our lives.
This class requires a good bit of hand strength and determination; be prepared to stay focused and work long hours. Please bring a sharp knife, a pair of garden pruners, and a blanket or chair to sit on.