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.

All workshops are open to all levels of experience.

Spring/Summer 2008 Workshop Schedule
All workshops are at Joan's studio unless alternate venue is noted.
Click here to download my 2008 brochure in PDF format.

1 Day Workshop Sat. April 5th 9:30am - 5:00pm Workshop Location T.B.A. Twill Market Basket Market baskets are so handy for gathering produce from the garden. Baskets make us think of spring. This is a very sturdy rectangular splint woven basket with wood handles in an attractive twill pattern, a basket ready to be put to use. It is great for shopping, garden produce, garden tools, storage etc. This course is being offered by the Salt Spring Island Community Education Society Cost: fees paid before April 1, $75.00. After April 1, $85.00 Material fee of $35.00 paid directly to instructor. Additional workshop info and registration, click on this link: www.ssicommunityed.com or call 537-0037 1 Day Workshop Sat. April 19th 9:30am-5:00pm Honeysuckle Rib Basket This basket is always a favourite. Also called an Egg Basket, it allows for incorporating a wide variety of natural materials as well as colourful dyed reed. $80.00 1 Day Workshop Sat. May 24th 10:00am-4:30pm Diagonal Plaited Pouch This workshop will begin with a demonstration and discussion covering the process of harvesting and preparing tree barks in a sustainable way for weaving. Using a selection of beautiful willow barks, participants will learn diagonal plaiting in the form of a flat pouch. There will be time to make more than one finished piece, so we will explore different design variations. $85.00 1 Day Workshop Sat. June 7th 9:30am - 5:00pm Rush Sun Hat We will be weaving a plaited Rush Sun Hat using our beautiful local rush (tule). Participants will make their own hat mold so experience the thrill of weaving your own hat - guaranteed to fit and suit you beautifully! $85.00 1 Day Workshop Sat. July 19th 10:00am-4:00pm Japanese Flower Basket 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 have time to explore hexagonal weaving and try other design variations such as random weave overlay. These wall baskets are whimsical and charming. $75.00 1 Day Workshop Sun. July 20th 10:00am-4:00pm 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. $75.00 1 Day Workshop Tues. July 22nd 9:30am - 5:00pm 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. $75.00 1 Day Workshop Wed. July 23rd 9:30am - 5:00pm Twill Market Basket Market baskets are so handy for gathering produce from the garden. Baskets make us think of spring. This is a very sturdy rectangular splint woven basket with wood handles in an attractive twill pattern, a basket ready to be put to use. It is great for shopping, garden produce, garden tools, storage etc. $85.00 2 Day Workshop Sat. Aug. 9th & Sun. Aug. 10th 9:30am - 4:30pm 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. $150 2 Day Workshop Sat. Aug. 16th & Sun. Aug. 17th 9:30am - 4:30pm Pacific Northwest Cedar 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. $150.00 1 Day Workshop Fri. Aug. 22nd 9:00am-4:00pm Workshop Location Gibson's Landing Diagonal Plaited Basket with Bark In this course you will learn about the process of harvesting tree barks in a sustainable way and look at how to store and prepare the bark for weaving. You will make 2 kinds of diagonal plaited baskets, one square and one a flat pouch. Many variations within this technique are possible so there is plenty of room for creative exploration. For more information about registering see: www.gibsonslandingfibrearts.com or email: info@gibsonslandingfibrearts.com 1 Day Workshop Sat. Aug. 23rd 9:00am - 4:00pm Workshop Location Gibson's Landing Twill Tote Construct a basket with reed in a twill pattern and insert handles and base skids. The basket is a very sturdy splint woven twill pattern basket with double swing handles. It is a lovely versatile storage and carrying basket with could be used every day as a purse. For more information about registering see: www.gibsonslandingfibrearts.com or email: info@gibsonslandingfibrearts.com 2 Day Workshop Tues. Aug. 26th & Wed. Aug. 27th 9:30am - 4:30pm 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. $150.00 1 Day Workshop Sat. Aug. 30th 10:00am-4:00pm Japanese Flower Basket 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 have time to explore hexagonal weaving and try other design variations such as random weave overlay. These wall baskets are whimsical and charming. $75.00 1 Day Workshop Sun. Aug. 31st 10:00am-4:00pm 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. $75.00