We will explore weaving baskets with soft materials such as rush, sedge and flower leaves such as iris and daylily leaves. These materials are lovely to weave with and offer the opportunity to explore a variety of twining patterns. We will focus on control of shaping this basket without the use of a mold. The ancient skill of making cordage will also be explored. Discussion will cover the identification of useful plants you might find in the garden, sustainable harvest…

In this workshop, we will be exploring two types of Diagonal Plaiting. Participants will weave both a square basket and a flat pouch. Diagonal Plaiting is super fun to weave and always feels like you are performing a magic trick. We will be using willow bark for each project. Discussion and demonstration will cover how to grow willow and how to harvest and prepare the bark in the springtime. This course is offered through the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific…

We will be working with sheets of bark to form, stitch and bind the bark into pouches and vases. This is a creative workshop that uses and highlights the beauty of willow bark – Joan’s favourite basket material. Come with an open mind and creative spirit. Sample baskets will be on hand for inspiration. Each piece will be unique and offers an opportunity for creative exploration. This course is offered through the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, BC.…

This is a great introduction to weaving with willow. Participants will be making several projects employing what is called Rattle Weave. Joan will provide the lovely fine willow for each project which she has grown and harvested. We will start with making several napkin rings, followed by a bird feeder and then a basket with a wood base. Discussion and demonstration will cover how to grow, harvest, sort and prepare willow for weaving. This course is offered through the Horticultural…

This is a classic splint woven basket associated with the 19th century northeast woodlands. Today this basket is versatile for comfortably carrying and storing all manner of items. You will be using flat reed splints to weave the basket which measures 12" wide x 8" deep and 14" high.  Nylon webbing in a choice of colour will be on hand to provide the strapping. This sturdy basket is sure to become a favourite for years to come. Open to all…

Throughout millennia, the tradition of basket making has always been closely tied to the natural world around us. Nature offers an abundance of beautiful materials as well as inspiration for the basket maker. On day one of this course, we will begin with a hands-on discussion and exploration of how to respectfully harvest and prepare a wide variety of plants including tree barks, rushes, vines, and plant leaves. Participants will have the chance to learn the process of preparing western…

Summer Sunday Sessions is a Series of 3 Basket Workshops focusing on the use of Joan’s favourite basket material - Willow Bark. Each workshop will explore a completely different weaving technique. Week 1 -  We will be working with sheets of bark to form, stitch and bind the bark into Pouches and Vases. This is a creative workshop that highlights the beauty of willow bark. Come with an open mind and creative spirit. Sample baskets will be on hand for…

Registration for this workshop is Full – If you wish to be on the waitlist, fill out the form and check the waitlist box.  Summer Sunday Sessions is a Series of 3 Basket Workshops focusing on the use of Joan’s favourite basket material - Willow Bark. Each workshop will explore a completely different weaving technique. Week 2 - In this workshop, we will explore the technique of Diagonal Plaiting. Participants will weave a square basket using willow bark. Diagonal Plaiting is super…

Summer Sunday Sessions is a Series of 3 Basket Workshops focusing on the use of Joan’s favourite basket material - Willow Bark. Each workshop will explore a completely different weaving technique. Week 3 - We will be weaving this unique shaped Pointed Pouch/Purse which is also beautiful to hang on the wall. We will incorporate other locally harvested materials such as sedges and cedar bark and explore techniques such as plaiting and twining variations. Discussion and demonstrations will cover how…

Registration for this workshop is Full - If you wish to be on the waitlist, fill out the form and check the waitlist box.  Throughout millennia, the tradition of basket making has always been closely tied to the natural world around us. Nature offers an abundance of beautiful materials as well as inspiration for the basket maker. Tree Barks will be a focus for this basket, however, we will have a wide variety of materials to explore and discuss. On…

This is a classic splint woven basket associated with the 19th century northeast woodlands. Today this basket is versatile for comfortably carrying and storing all manner of items. You will be using flat reed splints to weave the basket which measures 12" wide x 8" deep and 14" high.  Nylon webbing in a choice of colour will be on hand to provide the strapping. This sturdy basket is sure to become a favourite for years to come. Open to all…

Soft materials such as rush, water iris leaves and flower leaves offer the basket maker a beautiful material for fine twining. We will be using a combination of these materials to weave a basket with a radiating spoke base. Variations of twining will be presented and can be incorporated as you design your own basket. Focus will be placed on how to control the shaping of your basket. Soft materials such as these are readily accessible in our gardens, roadside…

Tis the season to make some willow stars and star lanterns! Joan will have willow on hand to make an assortment of decorative stars of various sizes as well as a willow hanging mobile which when strung with fairy lights makes a magical lantern. The shape of the mobile is a dodecahedron which incorporates the star pattern. Many variations within these shapes are possible. They make great gifts and will brighten up your home throughout the winter season. This class…

Tis the season to make some willow stars and star lanterns! Joan will have willow on hand to make an assortment of decorative stars of various sizes as well as a willow hanging mobile which when strung with fairy lights makes a magical lantern. The shape of the mobile is a dodecahedron which incorporates the star pattern. Many variations within these shapes are possible. They make great gifts and will brighten up your home throughout the winter season. This class…

This workshop is taking place at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, BC.  To Register: Here's the Link to HCP Website This is a traditional European style basket used for centuries as a household gathering and storage basket. This version has 2 round oak hoops forming the handle and opening of the basket. We will be using natural and dyed reed along with seagrass and cordage. Although seagrass will be on hand, participants will learn how to make…

Registration is Full for this Workshop.   If you would like to be on the Waitlist fill out the registration form below - add your name and email and check the waitlist box. If there is enough interest I will the class again at a future date. Throughout millennia, the tradition of basket making has always been closely tied to the natural world around us. Nature offers an abundance of beautiful materials as well as inspiration for the basket maker. Tree…

This workshop is taking place at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, BC.  To Register: Here's the Link to the HCP Website The “Cat’s Head” basket has a distinctive elegant shape. It starts with a square base and moves to a round form which sits on four-pointed base corners. This is a traditional Shaker style basket with many variations on its shape and size and makes a beautiful storage basket. This version has a continuous twill pattern adding…

  Registration is Full for this Workshop.   If you would like to be on the Waitlist fill out the registration form below - add your name and email and check the waitlist box. If there is enough interest I will the class again at a future date. This course offers an opportunity to explore 4 different basketry techniques using a variety of materials. The 4 projects we will make employ twining, coiling, knotless netting and knotting. The materials we will…