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…

Explore the sculptural design possibilities of Wicker Basketry when starting with a wood base. Bases will be provided along with dyed round reed and a selection of natural materials such as bark to incorporate into this sculptural basket. In the process of weaving this basket, participants will learn control of shaping as well as a variety of weaving patterns. The rich variety of colour and design options makes for a fund and creative experience. This course is offered through the…

Come weave a beautiful individualized small pouch with plant materials harvested from the Pacific Northwest. I use my pouch to hold my cell phone, so make sure you bring yours with you. We will begin with a discussion on how to respectfully harvest materials followed by a hands-on demonstration of how to prepare the materials including cedar bark, willow bark and sedge. Participants can design their pouch using different weave patterns presented which include a variety of plaiting, twining and…

In this workshop we will explore combining two different weaving techniques to create a striking sculptural basket. First, we will start with random weaving the base of the basket using dyed reed. This weave is inspired by bird’s nests and offers many sculptural possibilities. The top of the basket will be woven with 2 and 3 strand twining and offers many design and shaping possibilities. This course is offered through the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, BC. Members…

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. A materials kit will be provided to each participant which can either be picked up at HCP or posted with shipping cost reimbursed to the instructor. This course is offered…

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 will 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. A materials kit will be provided to each participant which can either be picked up at HCP…

This workshop is being held at Stowel Lake Farm - Upper Barn - 190 Reynolds Rd. Salt Spring Island. 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…

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…