Beginning Basketry Intensive (4-Week)

Week by week, students will practice increasingly sophisticated weaving skills developing complex patterns and shapes – culminating in the design and realization of a unique final basket. Students will work with hand harvested and processed natural materials such as iris leaf, cedar bark, willow bark, cherry bark and sea grass.

Experienced educator and weaver, Rose Covert will offer initial lessons focused on weaving small baskets using the foundational techniques of twining and plaiting. Building on these skills, students will be challenged to create a larger basket using twill patterning, triple weave, and 4 rod wale techniques. Rose will discuss harvesting and processing practices, as well as essential basketry tools. In the final week, students will design and weave their own basket, informed by the patterns and materials each student is drawn to.

Students will come away from class with multiple baskets, a deeper understanding of how to use a range of natural fibers in basketry, and refined weaving skills. The class is appropriate for beginners and does not require prior experience. It is also open to those with some weaving experience who would like to build on their skill and technique.