This is a two-day class for willow weavers with some experience. You will learn how to weave and create a large round stake and strand basket, with handles, either on or off a mould. This class is appropriate for many different skill levels, but we do ask that you have either taken a willow class previously or you have gained some weaving experience on your own.

Program for the workshop:

Less experienced weavers can expect to learn and practice techniques to make a traditional round stake and strand basket. This includes a 4×4 base slath, twining, reinforced base weaving, bi-staking, 3 rod waling, slewing, 4 rod waling, pass through handles, and rod or trac borders with follow ons.

Intermediate to advanced weavers can expect some modifications and additions to the regular program. This includes a 4×4 base slath, twining with some nuanced technique, reinforced base weaving, bi-staking, 3 rod waling, slewing , 4 rod waling, pass through handles, and rod or trac borders with follow ons (depending on preference).  

We will not be discussing materials preparation on the onset of the class as this is not an introduction to stake and strand basketry, but as always, when time allows, we encourage questions of all types. 

Options & Dimensions: 

Option 1: Woven on a form: Internal dimensions – 12″ width at base, 12″ high, 18″ wide at top. These baskets are great for large garden harvests/storage, or used as a small hamper. They are a very functional, stackable shape.

Option 2: Woven without a form: Internal dimensions – 12″ width at base, variable height, 18″ max circumference at top. This is more of a choose your own adventure for folks who would like an opportunity for guided freeform weaving, and potentially a taller vessel (time permitting).

*We are offering a Willow Basketry Extensions; Roping and Foot Borders class on Tuesday, June 10 (the day after this course), where Johnny will dedicate a full day to teaching roping (roped handles are very common on bushel baskets/hampers), and foot borders (to keep the base of your basket off the ground; to prevent wear and tear; and increase airflow). We have lined this up so that those of you wishing to add roped handles and foot borders to your bushel baskets/hampers, will be able to learn and add these elements to your baskets right away.
This Extensions class is open to anyone wishing to learn the more specific techniques, of roping and foot borders. It is required that you bring a basket that you will be working on for your foot border.

Disclaimer: We will be covering a lot of ground on these days. Weaving with willow can be physically challenging and require moderate hand strength. Please consider how two days of repetitive twisting of your wrists, and pointed pressure with your fingers will leave you feeling. These are large baskets, using large willow – not a dainty project. If you have difficulty working with your hands for long periods of time or foresee having pain in your hands, wrists, or other body parts, please try a shorter, one-day basket class before committing to this class.

This course is suitable for adults