WildCraft West: our Portland OR studio opened in March 2016. This 3000 sq ft space is also the showroom & shop of Fieldwork Design & Architecture. WildCraft West offers 4-week evening courses and weekend workshops in contemporary craft skills, traditional textile practices and fresh perspectives on art-school classics. If you’d like to stop by the studio, please do so on weekends between 11am-3pm.
WildCraft West 2410 Southeast 50th Ave.
Portland, OR
Classes at Portland Studio:
Traditional Zapotec Weaving
Friday January 21, 2022 - Sunday January 23, 2022
Students will work with hand-dyed wool fibers, learning how to create geometric and pictorial motifs found in traditional Oaxacan rugs and tapestries.
Punch Needle Rugs (Jan)
Saturday January 22, 2022
Join us for a 1-day exploration of an early American craft, Punch Needle Rug Hooking, also referred to as "Punch Needle".
Contemporary Hand Quilting (Jan)
Sunday January 23, 2022
Students will design and hand sew their own contemporary quilted piece, but don’t let your mind stop at quilt squares!
Beginning Basketry (Jan)
Saturday January 29, 2022
In this beginning basketry class, students will explore fundamental plaiting and twining techniques to create a small woven vessel.
Kitchen Sink Dyes
Saturday January 29, 2022
Join us for a tour through the pantry, fridge and spice rack, searching for color in your everyday kitchen.
Animal Friendly, Felted Sheepskins (Jan)
Sunday January 30, 2022
In this workshop, students will become familiar with the qualities of different types of wool and what makes each appropriate for wet felting.
Introduction to Oil Painting (4-Week Series)
Tuesday February 01, 2022 - Tuesday February 22, 2022
This four week intensive course, taught by Rachel Warkentin, teaches a gentler, less toxic approach to oil painting.
Learn to Knit Overshot: Pillows!
Tuesday February 01, 2022 - Tuesday February 22, 2022
Elspeth will share a custom-designed pattern with students, and together the group will cover Fair Isle and knitting in the round.
Post & Rung Stool Building (Feb)
Friday February 04, 2022 - Sunday February 06, 2022
In this class, students will build a post-and-rung stool out of sustainably harvested Oregon White Oak.
Drawing: Material, Process, and Concept
Saturday February 05, 2022 - Sunday February 06, 2022
This two-day intensive will expand on material, technical and formal knowledge while investigating the interconnection of concept and making.
Winter Color: Natural Dyes of Portland
Saturday February 12, 2022
Come explore the hidden dye plants that dot the urban landscape of Portland, Oregon!
Machine Tufting (Feb)
Saturday February 12, 2022 - Sunday February 13, 2022
Join us for a 2-day intensive using a tufting machine, allowing the maker to work at scale, quickly creating colorful, textural rugs and wall hangings.
Wooden Spoon Carving (Feb)
Sunday February 13, 2022
Learn how to select an ideal wood for carving, how to use simple hand-carving tools to create a handsome and useful spoon.
Carving Wooden Utensil Sets (Feb)
Friday February 18, 2022 - Sunday February 20, 2022
Transform a freshly cut log or branch into beautiful hand-carved household utensils, like chopsticks, spreaders, and spoons.
Punch Needle Rugs (Feb)
Saturday February 19, 2022
Join us for a 1-day exploration of an early American craft, Punch Needle Rug Hooking, also referred to as "Punch Needle".
Indigo Patterning: Shibori & Resist Methods
Sunday February 20, 2022
In this class, students will gain in-depth experience in textile patterning with resist methods and traditional Japanese patterning techniques.
Weekend Weaving Intensive
Friday February 25, 2022 - Sunday February 27, 2022
Join weaver Jessica Bardsley for a weekend of weaving techniques and bump your skills to the next level!
Beginning Upholstery: Tufted Ottoman
Saturday February 26, 2022 - Sunday February 27, 2022
We're thrilled to host Anne Williams of ADF Upholstery for this 2-day introduction to upholstery!
Overshot Knitting: Sweater Construction (4-Week Series)
Wednesday March 02, 2022 - Wednesday March 23, 2022
Elspeth will share a custom-designed pattern with students, and together the group will cover Fair Isle and knitting in the round.
Hand-Felted Slippers
Saturday March 05, 2022
A pair of hand-felted wool slippers might be at the top of our cozy list!
Repeat Pattern Design: Block Printed Textiles
Saturday March 05, 2022
Learn the process of designing a repeat pattern suited for textiles, carving and cutting a linoleum block, and printing on cotton and linen fabric.
Introduction to Paper Cutting
Sunday March 06, 2022
In this workshop, writer and artist Anna Brones will teach the basics of papercutting using a drawing or design of their own making.
In-Depth Mordanting
Sunday March 06, 2022
Students will take a deep dive into the world of natural color-modifiers and color-binders known as mordants.
Sculptural Felting
Saturday March 12, 2022 - Sunday March 13, 2022
Columbian textile artist, Maria Lucia Londoño teaches an exploration of surface design, using felt making to create volume, dimension and texture.
Mushroom Dye & Pigment
Saturday March 12, 2022
Artist, farmer, and aspiring mycologist Julie Beeler will guide students through various dye techniques as students explore mushroom dyes
Leather Working Basics
Sunday March 13, 2022
Students will learn to make a wallet, pouch, or small bag from start to finish, and gain an understanding of construction, hardware, and finishes.
From the Ground Up: Oregon Mineral Watercolor Paints
Saturday March 19, 2022 - Sunday March 20, 2022
Students will head into the field, foraging for local mineral pigments, then back to the studio to learn how to turn these minerals into watercolor paint!
Slow Fashion: Plant-Dyed Garments
Saturday March 19, 2022
This workshop focuses on natural dyes that are suitable for cotton or linen garments and the steps needed to create a dye-bath to achieve peak saturation.
Columbia Plateau Beading
Saturday March 19, 2022 - Sunday March 20, 2022
Students will work on a beautiful medallion while learning the history of beads in the Columbia plateau.
Big Baskets: Weaving with Reed (March)
Saturday March 26, 2022 - Sunday March 27, 2022
Explore structural design and plaited weaving techniques to create unique, large baskets.
Machine Tufting (March)
Saturday March 26, 2022 - Sunday March 27, 2022
Join us for a 2-day intensive using a tufting machine, allowing the maker to work at scale, quickly creating colorful, textural rugs and wall hangings.
Spring Color: Natural Dyes of Portland
Saturday April 02, 2022
Come explore the hidden dye plants that dot the urban landscape of Portland, Oregon!
Botanical Illustration: Plant Anatomy
Sunday April 03, 2022
Join natural science illustrator Serena Richelle in this one day studio course as we learn about different plant structures through illustration.
Botanical Inks: From Blossom to Bottle
Sunday April 03, 2022
WildCraft is pleased to host Carolyn Sweeney of Strata Ink for a one-day intensive on botanically-derived inks.
Beginning Weaving: 4-Week Intensive (April)
Tuesday April 05, 2022 - Tuesday April 26, 2022
During this evening weaving series, you will learn the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom.
Reduction Woodcut Printmaking
Wednesday April 06, 2022 - Wednesday April 27, 2022
Students will learn the proper use of traditional tools and materials, carving, basic registration, and vocabulary associated with moku-hanga printing.
Basket Weaving: Natural Material Fiber Exploration
Saturday April 09, 2022 - Sunday April 10, 2022
Explore structural design and weaving techniques to create unique, personalized baskets with a wide variety of plant materials.
Japanese Natural Dyes
Saturday April 09, 2022
Ai (indigo), beni (safflower), akane (madder), and murasaki (alkanet) are among some of the quintessential Japanese dye plants we will cover in this class.
Sashiko Japanese Mending (April)
Sunday April 10, 2022
Used for centuries by rural people in Japan to mend and repair clothing, Sashiko evolved into a decorative yet thrifty way to reuse and recycle fabric.
Eastern European Egg Decoration
Saturday April 16, 2022
Romanian-born Cristina Niculescu will guide students through the meditative process of Eastern European egg dyeing.
Textile Marbling (April)
Saturday April 16, 2022
Swirling patterns, organic shapes and natural formations: marbling offers a playful, no-pressure approach to textile surface design.
Moku-hanga: Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printing
Saturday April 23, 2022 - Sunday April 24, 2022
Students will learn the proper use of traditional tools and materials, carving, basic registration, and vocabulary associated with moku-hanga printing.
Fresh Spring Wreaths (morning session)
Sunday April 24, 2022
What better way to celebrate the spring season than with a gorgeous handcrafted wreath!
Fresh Spring Wreaths (afternoon session)
Sunday April 24, 2022
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with a gorgeous fresh wreath!
Traditional Egg Tempera Paint Making & Technique
Saturday April 30, 2022
In this in-depth workshop by artist Rachel Warkentin, students will prepare two recipes for egg tempera using entirely natural materials.
Beginning Basketry (April)
Saturday April 30, 2022
In this beginning basketry class, students will explore fundamental plaiting and twining techniques to create a small woven vessel.
Wooden Spoon Carving (May)
Sunday May 01, 2022
Learn how to select an ideal wood for carving, how to use simple hand-carving tools to create a handsome and useful spoon.
Wasco Weaving: Sally Bag
Sunday May 01, 2022
The class will focus on Wasco-style weaving techniques and patterned design work, teaching a Native art of the Columbia Plateau.
Advanced Studio Seminar: Practice & Dialogue
Wednesday May 04, 2022 - Wednesday May 25, 2022
This month-long seminar is designed for artists to join in community, practicing the art of giving and receiving feedback on creative work.
Carving Wooden Wares: 4-Week Intensive
Thursday May 05, 2022 - Thursday May 26, 2022
Transform a freshly cut log or branch into beautiful hand-carved household utensils, like chopsticks, spreaders, and spoons during this 4-week intensive.
Beginning Weaving: 4-Week Intensive (May)
Thursday May 05, 2022 - Thursday May 26, 2022
During this evening weaving series, you will learn the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom.
Mama & Child Natural Dyes
Saturday May 07, 2022
Join us for a special Mama & Child natural dyes class! All the steps of natural dyeing will be covered, with lots of hands-on time spent processing plants.
Indigo Patterning: Shibori & Resist Methods (May)
Sunday May 08, 2022
In this class, students will gain in-depth experience in textile patterning with resist methods and traditional Japanese patterning techniques.
Ocean Vessels: Transforming the Meaning of Marine Debris
Saturday May 14, 2022
As creatives, how can we re-imagine the future of waste and debris? How can these forms embody and express emotion and meaning?
Pack Basket Weaving (May)
Saturday May 14, 2022 - Sunday May 15, 2022
Learn to weave a pack-basket in this 2-day intensive.
Surface & Construction: Cut-Paper Collage
Sunday May 15, 2022
Autumn Quigley brings a unique perspective to collage, utilizing a technique of layering hand-painted, printed and cut shapes to create delightful imagery
Rag Rug Weaving (May)
Friday May 20, 2022 - Sunday May 22, 2022
Repurposed materials from sheets and clothing will be the basis of students’ exploration in texture, color, and shape-making using tapestry techniques.
Improvisational Sculpture
Saturday May 21, 2022
Cristina Niculescu will encourage students to look with intention and create small sculptures from the surrounding environment.
Contemporary Hand Quilting (May)
Sunday May 22, 2022
Students will design and hand sew their own contemporary quilted piece, but don’t let your mind stop at quilt squares!
Natural Pigment Crayons: Color at your Fingertips
Saturday June 04, 2022
Artist Carolyn Sweeney will demonstrate how to create highly pigmented, artist-grade crayons using natural pigments and waxes.
Textile Marbling (June)
Saturday June 04, 2022
Swirling patterns, organic shapes and natural formations: marbling offers a playful, no-pressure approach to textile surface design.
Summer Color: Natural Dyes of Portland
Sunday June 05, 2022
Come explore the hidden dye plants that dot the urban landscape of Portland, Oregon!
Punch Needle Rugs (June)
Sunday June 05, 2022
Join us for a 1-day exploration of an early American craft, Punch Needle Rug Hooking, also referred to as "Punch Needle".
Pack Basket Weaving (June)
Saturday June 11, 2022 - Sunday June 12, 2022
Learn to weave a pack-basket in this 2-day intensive.
Big Baskets: Weaving with Reed (June)
Saturday June 11, 2022 - Sunday June 12, 2022
Explore structural design and plaited weaving techniques to create unique, large baskets.
Paper Marbling
Saturday June 18, 2022
Join artist Skye Macalester in this comprehensive introduction to the art of paper marbling.
Family Indigo Dyeing!
Sunday June 19, 2022
Share the creative magic of indigo and part with beautifully dyed and patterned cotton bandanas and samples. Ideal for children over the age of 6.
Wooden Spoon Carving (June)
Friday June 24, 2022
Learn how to select an ideal wood for carving, how to use simple hand-carving tools to create a handsome and useful spoon.
Heirloom Wooden Ladders
Saturday June 25, 2022 - Sunday June 26, 2022
Learn the basics of mortise and tenon joinery while building a small and sturdy ladder, perfect for holding blankets, quilts, or towels
Katazome Indigo Resist
Saturday June 25, 2022 - Sunday June 26, 2022
Katazome is a centuries-old Japanese dyeing technique in which artists create a resist paste and apply it to cloth using hand-carved stencils.
Introduction to Monotype Printing
Saturday July 09, 2022 - Sunday July 10, 2022
This workshop focuses on the playful printmaking practice of making monotypes.
Fresh Leaf Indigo
Saturday July 09, 2022 - Saturday July 09, 2022
Calling all you urban indigo growers! Come play with freshly extracted indigo pigment to paint and print on fabric.
Woven Leather Baskets
Sunday July 10, 2022
Students will learn how to transform leather into beautiful usable objects through measuring and cutting strips to weave together into a 3D form!
Advanced Drawing: Process and Idea
Monday July 11, 2022 - Thursday July 14, 2022
This four-day studio intensive will investigate the multifaceted process of making drawings, and the ideas that activate and generate from such processes.
Weaving with Himalayan Blackberry
Saturday July 16, 2022
Students will explore fundamental basketry techniques such as cordage making and twining to weave small vessels with freshly harvested blackberry vine.
