Basketry
Willow Fishing Creel, Backpack, or Bike Basket
Course Overview
The fishing creel is a classic willow project, but let’s be honest: not many of us are wandering down to the local river banks to try our luck with fishing creels anymore. Fear not: this project is really a bag that hangs from the shoulder, attractive and convenient for many uses. Or, students can weave a small backpack-style or bicycle basket in the class, as the techniques for these three projects are almost the same—it’s just a matter of size. Join internationally renowned instructor Steen Madsen, visiting from Denmark, to weave this functional and lovely project. The three-day course will allow students to add leather straps if they choose. This project will use willow without the bark, a material that reaches back into ancient Rome. Weavers should be comfortable with basic border weaves. A materials fee of approximately $85, depending on project choices, will be due at the conclusion of class.
Required Tools
- Sloyd knife (Mora 120, 6 cm blade preferred), must be sharp
- Clipper (Felco no 6 or no 9 is best)
Optional Tools
- Awl
- Bodkin
- Rapping iron
- Grease horn
- Shell bodkin
Materials Fee
A materials fee of approximately $85, depending on project choices, will be due at the conclusion of class. Please bring cash or a check for paying for materials fee directly to the instructor.