Art of Weaving: Willow Wicker Basketry

Step into the world of traditional craft with this hands-on, multi-day workshop. No basketry experience necessary. This class focuses on the meditative and structural process of building a functional vessel from start to finish. You will learn to transform supple willow rods into a beautiful, sturdy piece of art using techniques that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, we focus on the Wicker technique. This is the architectural foundation of European basketry, where rigid vertical stakes provide the basket's skeleton, while flexible willow strands are woven in and out to create a durable, beautiful skin. This technique includes building a base, inserting vertical stakes, weaving sides, and finishing with a rim border.

Key highlights of the curriculum include:

• The Foundation: Learn to create a functional woven base—the critical first step in creating a sturdy, round bottom for your basket.

• 3-5 Essential Weaves: You will gain proficiency in several…