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. Online via Zoom. Material Kits […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

This ancient stitching technique has been used to make pouches and bags in many parts of the world. In this workshop, participants will start by learning design variations of knotless netting using waxed threads worked over a smooth stone – thus Dressing a Stone. The second project will be creating a Small Pouch with the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

  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 is a classic splint woven basket associated […]

Random weave is one of Joan’s favourite styles of baskets to weave. The structure is beautiful reminding one of bird’s nests. It is strong, durable and lends itself to sculptural forms on both small and large scale. We will discuss and cover several ways of approaching this technique. The material we will be using is […]

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. […]

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 […]

Day One: Willow Tension Trays. Willow is highly valued as a basket weaving material and this project offers a perfect introduction to weaving with willow rods. We will begin with a discussion about how to grow, harvest and prepare willow for weaving. These lovely trays are certain to become a favourite center piece for serving […]

Day Two: Willow Bark Diagonal Plaited Baskets We’ll begin with a discussion and hands on demonstration of how to harvest, peel and prepare willow bark. We will be exploring two different styles of Diagonal Plaiting. First, participants will weave a square desktop storage basket with their strips of willow bark. Secondly, we will weave a  […]

This is a traditional harvesting basket constructed with willow hoops and woven with a selection of materials including willow, willow bark, and cordage. This style of basket originates in Europe and is ideal for harvesting, carrying and storage. In addition to learning how to weave this basket we will discuss how to grow and harvest […]