All the aspects of Salt Spring which drew us to move here, like the spectacular scenery, it's strong community of artisans, and comfortable climate are what also draws large numbers of visitors to the island each summer. I began to think it would be wonderful to be able to offer visitors to the island a series of basketry workshops.

Participants, whether they are locals or visitors have the opportunity to make a basket using local natural materials, such as, yellow and red cedar bark, beargrass, west-coast sweetgrass, rush etc. We discuss the selection and preparation of materials, the historical and contemporary significance of basketry and ultimately I hope to inspire creative exploration in basketry.

 

Summer 2009 Schedule

All workshops are at Joan's studio unless alternate venue is noted.

The courses below are either one day or two courses. Materials costs are included in the workshop fee. All workshops are open to all levels of experience.

2 Day Workshop Pacific Northwest Cedar Sampler Basket This course will begin with a discussion about the gathering and preparation of natural materials found in the pacific northwest. Materials such as red cedar bark, willow bark, wild cherry bark, west coast sweetgrass and beargrass will be on hand. A wide variety of weaving techniques and patterns, including plaiting, variations of twining and twill weaves will be presented. Sample baskets will be available for ideas but participants will be encouraged to create their own design on their basket. Cost: $150.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Saturday July 25 & Sunday July 26 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm 1 Day Workshop Nantucket Style Basket This basket is a very sturdy splint woven basket with a spirally twill weave. It has the traditional wood base and wood handle of Nantucket baskets and is woven with dyed cane over reed. It is a lovely and versatile storage or carrying basket. Cost: $85.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Wednesday August 12 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm 2 Day Workshop Wicker Basketry with Nature's Bounty Explore the exciting design possibilities of the wicker basketry technique in this 2-day course. In the process of weaving this basket, participants will learn control of shaping as well as a variety of weaving patterns. The emphasis will be on using an assortment of natural materials such as vines, barks, root and grasses with colourful dyed reed. The rich variety of materials makes for a fun and creative experience. Cost: $150.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Saturday August 15 & Sunday August 16 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm 1 Day Workshop Pine Needle Coiled Basket Everyone loves the smell and feel of pine needles. Here is an opportunity to make a pine needle coiled basket using both raffia and waxed linen thread. It begins with a short/long stitch using the raffia and the sides are plain and v-stitched with waxed linen thread. Cost: $75.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Tuesday August 18 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm 1 Day Workshop Honeysuckle Rib Basket This basket is always a favourite for people at all levels of experience to make. Also called an Egg Basket or Frame Basket, it allows for incorporating a wide variety of materials such as dyed reed, seagrass and locally gathered materials. You'll be sure to use this basket as a gathering basket or for storage or display for years to come. Cost: $80.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Wednesday August 19 Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm 1 Day Workshop Zig Zag Twill Vase Learn the In’s and Out’s of designing continuous twill patterns. In this basket we will weave a continuous zig-zag twill pattern and look at changing the width of the weaving material to add drama to the pattern. We will use dyed cane and reed to make this elegant vase shaped basket. Cost: $80.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Saturday August 22 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm 1 Day Workshop Diagonal Plaited Baskets with Bark In this workshop, we will start by discussing the process of harvesting and preparing tree barks in a sustainable way. Using willow bark we will explore the basketry technique of diagonal plaiting by making both a square basket and a flat pouch. There are many variations within this technique leaving plenty of room for creativity. Cost: $80.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Sunday August 23 Time: 10:00am - 4:30pm 1 Day Workshop Japanese Random Woven Basket Random weaving is a traditional Japanese weave which lends itself to many creative possibilities. This basket is both functional and sculptural and is a lot of fun to make. We will discuss the use of molds for this technique and will be weaving with dyed reed and vine rattan with the option of incorporating a wood or driftwood handle. Cost: $75.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Tuesday August 25 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm 1 Day Workshop Japanese Hexagonal Flower Baskets Baskets for flower arrangements are found in all shapes and sizes in Japan. One of the most common weaving techniques used for these baskets is open hexagonal weaving. Using dyed cane, we will explore a couple of variations of this weave including a hanging wall version and a free standing basket. Random and bark patterned overlay will also be incorporated. Cost: $75.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Wednesday August 26 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm 2 Day Workshop Round Cedar Bark Basket A variety of natural materials will be on hand to weave this round base basket. We will start with red cedar bark spokes and west coast sweetgrass for weaving the round base. Dyed cedar, beargrass, and a selection of other barks will be available to design an attractive basket incorporating twill and twining techniques. Aspects of shaping will also be a focus. Cost: $140.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Saturday August 29 & Sunday August 30 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm 2 Day Workshop Adirondack-Style Backpack This is a classic style basket associated with the 19th century northeast woodlands. Today this basket makes a very versatile and attractive basket for 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. This is a very comfortable, sturdy basket that is sure to become a favourite. Cost: $150.00 Location: 1496 Beddis Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC Date: Saturday September 12 & Sunday September 13 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm