Willow Basket Weaving
October 5 - October 6
*YOU CAN CAMP AT RARE BIRD FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND AND GET A FREE INTIMATE CONCERT WITH ANYA HINKLE ON SATURDAY EVENING.
Weaving willow baskets is a practice in revitalizing the quality and integrity of our cultural functions. This weaving tradition is one of the oldest and historically important materials to all of Europe. Willow is incredibly strong, beautiful, and rich in ethnobotanical relationship to human history that can still be touched today.
In this two-day willow immersion, instructor Tyler Lavenburg will show you how to weave up a mighty-fine carry-all basket, using the “stake and strand” method. By the end of this class, you’ll walk away with your very own beautiful and functional messenger bag style baskets with shoulder straps or a picnic basket with a wrapped willow handle. These baskets can be used for just about anything, from harvesting food to carrying your computer! Tyler will teach a variety of weaves, explore propagation and harvesting of willow for basketry, and celebrate the rich history of weaving this amazing plant into our lives.
This class requires a good bit of hand strength and determination; be prepared to stay focused and work long hours. Please bring a sharp knife, a pair of garden pruners, and a blanket or chair to sit on.
Class Schedule Overview: 9:00 am-5:00 pm each day
Day One: Settle in, prepare materials, make the base of your basket, add in the spokes, and begin waling.
Day Two: Weave up the body of the basket, turn down the rim, and add a handle/strap. Leave with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind basket ready for any adventure!
