An abundance of easily accessed and harvested native materials very suitable for basketry grow in our northern region. In this class we will make a frame with strikingly red osier dogwood and then weave a basket with a handle using a mixture of cattail and iris leaves, basswood fiber, willow and sweet grass. Students will learn a variety of techniques that enhance the fabric texture of their basket beyond the basic over/under pattern that is traditionally used when weaving a basket. Students will be taught how to make cordage, and twining and wrapping techniques. Feel free to bring other flexible materials such as fabric, leather, or ribbon to incorporate into your basket. Beginners are welcome, as with a little enthusiasm and no previous experience, participants leave the workshop with a fine-looking basket.

You will need the following tools for this class:

pruners
flat needle-nose pliers (or craft pliers)
scissors
clothes pins
note book
plastic garbage bag (1)

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.