Random weave is one of Joan’s favorite styles of baskets. The structure is beautiful, reminding one of birds’ nests. It is strong, durable and lends itself to sculptural forms in both small and large scale. We will discuss several ways of approaching this technique. A materials kit will be provided consisting of dyed round reed for the construction of this basket. Discussion will cover how to harvest and forage for other plant material suitable for this technique. Online via Zoom.…

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 various twining patterns. Shaping soft twined baskets can be done with or without molds and both options will be presented. 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…

Tree barks provide one of nature’s most beautiful materials for basket making. This course will begin with a discussion covering how to harvest and prepare local tree barks.  A materials kit with be provided which will include willow bark and red cedar bark along with waxed thread for twining. Participants will weave their basket using plaiting, twill and twining techniques. Great for beginners. This is an Online Workshop via Zoom. Kits will be available for pick up at HCP at…

I will be joining the celebrated Floral Artist and Author Christin Gaell, at Stowel Lake Farm on Salt Spring Island for a magical creative weekend bringing together workshops in floral arranging and basketry. This is a rare opportunity to explore the innovative 100-acre ecological community at Stowell Lake Farm, swim in the lake, start the day with yoga, enjoy the delicious farm meals and relax and recharge. Pure Heaven. For More Information: Cultivated at Stowel Lake Farm — CULTIVATED (cultivatedbychristin.com) …

This is a traditional Rib Style Basket often called a Potato Basket constructed with a willow hoop and woven with a selection of materials including dyed reed and seagrass. This style of basket originates in Europe and is ideal for harvesting and storage. This is a great basket for beginners. This workshop is conducted Online via Zoom. Material Kits to make the basket will be provided and will be available for pick up at HCP at a confirmed date. If…

Random weave is one of Joan’s favorite styles of baskets. The structure is beautiful, reminding one of birds’ nests. It is strong, durable and lends itself to sculptural forms in both small and large scale. We will discuss several ways of approaching this technique. Discussion will cover how to harvest and forage for other plant material suitable for this technique. A materials kit will be provided to each participant consisting of dyed round reed for the construction of this basket.…

Willow bark is a lovely material for basket weaving and this project is a perfect way to show it off. We will be weaving this unique shaped 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. Discussion and slide show will cover how to harvest and prepare the barks. This workshop is conducted Online via Zoom. Kits will…

This is a very sturdy rectangular splint woven basket with wood handle. It has an attractive plain and twill weave pattern and is a basket ready to be put to use. Great for shopping, garden produce, garden tools, storage etc. This basket is woven with natural flat reed. Discussion covering staining and dyeing options will be presented. This is an In Person Workshop held at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, BC. Date: Wednesday September 29 Time: 9:30…

Using lake rushes (tule) create your own vase or wine bottle carrying basket. We will discuss the harvesting and preparation of rush which is a traditional European basket material. We will be using a mold to weave over, and participants will have the choice of including different open and closed weave patterns such as variations of plaiting, twill and twining and cross warp. This basket has a handle for carrying but it can also be designed to be a flower…

Willow bark is a lovely material for basket weaving and this project is a perfect way to show it off.  We will be weaving this variation of a point pouch designed to hang on the wall to hold utensils or a flower arrangement. Along with the plaited designs using willow bark we will also use locally foraged materials for twining patterns. Discussion and demonstrations will cover how to harvest and prepare these locally foraged materials. This course is conducted online…

Random weave is one of Joan’s favourite styles of baskets. The structure is beautiful, reminding one of birds’ nests. It is strong, durable and lends itself to sculptural forms in both small and large scale. We will discuss several ways of approaching this technique. Discussion will cover how to harvest and forage for other plant materials suitable for this technique. Workshop is conducted Online via Zoom. A materials kit will be provided consisting of dyed round reed for the construction…

Coiling is one of the most portable basketry techniques and is friendly on the hands. We’ll be using tapestry yarn for our stitching material offering a colourful palette to explore different stitching patterns and shaping options - all of which provide endless design possibilities. This basket ticks a lot of boxes and should come with a Warning.…it can be addictive…in a good way. This course is conducted online via Zoom. All the supplies for this basket will be provided and…

This basket is made with locally harvested materials including cattail leaves, water iris leaves and sedges. This round storage basket has a radiating spoke start and is twined over a mold to maintain the shape and size. Discussion will cover harvest and preparation of the materials. Suitable for beginners and Intermediate. This is an In-Person workshop which takes place at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, BC. To register and for more information phone: 250 479 6162 or…

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 to its elegance. Choice of dyed reed spokes will be on offer. The size is approximately 11” wide x 8” high. Suitable for beginner…

Using local rushes, we will be weaving this adorable purse or handbag - perfect for any outing. This basket is woven over a mold which will be provided. We will explore how to weave an oval base and then explore variations of twining on the sides of the basket. Rush is silky soft yet strong....perfect for this project. The harvest and preparation of rush will be discussed, and other examples of rush weaving will be on hand. This course is…

In this class we will be weaving a small bud vase in the spirit of Japanese Ikebana Flower Baskets. The local natural materials used include red cedar bark, sedge, willow bark and beargrass. We will begin with a demonstration and discussion on how to harvest and prepare the materials. We will explore variations of twining with a focus on shaping and design using the precious materials on hand. This course is offered through the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in…

This basket is woven with cedar bark spokes and willow bark in a continuous twill pattern. We will shape the basket in the style of a Cat's Head basket associated with Shaker baskets. These baskets start with a square base and are woven in a unique way to achieve a rounded shape. The rim of this basket is a decorative variation of a fold down rim using three strand twining. Approx. size: 5" x 5" x 4" This course is…