Stake and Strand Willow Basketry

Participants will create two (possibly three) distinct basket projects, learning fundamental techniques through progressive skill-building. 

Over the course of 4 days, students will learn foundational and intermediate willow basketry techniques including:

• Pairing: Two willow rods woven together, creating a strong, textured base
• 4-Rod Base Wale: A foundational technique using four rods to create a sturdy basket base, providing enhanced strength and stability
• 3-Rod Wale: An essential weave in willow basketry used at the bottom and top of most baskets for strength.
• Randing: English and French randing for basket sides will be demonstrated and students will use the appropriate choice for their project.
• Border: Students will learn a traditional rod border that can be used on most willow baskets. Additional types of borders will be discussed and may be used on some projects.
• Handles: Traditional handle ties will be shown and students will add a handle to at least one of their baskets.

By the end of the workshop students will have practiced round and oval base construction and will be confident with pairing and waling techniques. Each student will create a small, round basket and versatile larger basket with a cross handle, both finished with traditional willow borders. Experienced or faster weavers will be able to explore more advanced techniques and additional projects as time allows.

All levels welcome. Some willow or other basketry experience is helpful, particularly in pairing/twining. Hand strength is essential when working with willow.

Tools: tools will be available to use during class, it is not necessary to purchase any tools prior to class. If you already have basketry tools you’d like to bring along, we’ll be using a large awl (or bodkin), curved bodkin, fixed or locking blade knife, rapping iron, secateurs (or side cutters), ruler and weight.

Materials: all the willow for this class is grown by Katherine and husband Steve Lospalluto at their Skagit Valley farm, Dunbar Gardens. Several varieties of willow will be included in the class materials, and we’ll have time to discuss the differences between the varieties and which are better used for what part of a basket.