Rims and handles are important elements of basket construction, integral to the structure and increasing the durability and usefulness of a basket. Crafting them from green wood can elevate the sturdiness and connection to the material. Using hand tools, students will split and shape fresh billets starting with a fresh black ash log. Each student will rough out one rim and one handle. Bending, forms, and other helpful tools will be discussed to empower students to continue their journey of making sturdy bent rims/handles. This class pairs nicely with April Stone’s Black Ash sampler classes. This is a process-heavy class and requires strong hand dexterity. Students will leave with material but not a finished product.

Required Tools

• Work gloves

Optional Tools

• Draw knife
• Spokeshave
• Hatchet
• Sloyd knife
• Froe