The Class is full. If you would like to be on the waitlist, please email ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com and include your materials choice.

Instructor: Chloe Hight 

Dates and times: Wednesday’s October 21 & 28 and November 4 & 11, 6:00-8:00 pm each session

Location: Online via Zoom 

Student skill level: All levels. Open to those with little-to-no basket weaving experience and those who want to learn about weaving with natural materials.

Cost: $8 - $58

Option 1: $48 - Local material kit pick-up in Lloyd Center area.

Option 2: $58 - USPS Standard Flat Rate Shipping Box. We must have your registration by October 1. 

Option 3: $8 - Work with plant materials you have at home. For people who have had experience harvesting and drying plant materials. Example materials that can be used for this class: daylily, iris, dandelion, cattail, seagrass, willow bark, etc. 

Description:

In this 4-part remote learning series, students will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of local basketry materials and fundamental weaving techniques, all from the comfort of their homes via Zoom. We will learn how to harvest and process local materials that can be easily gleaned from backyards or urban neighborhoods, while also having hands-on demonstrations of fundamental basketry techniques such as cordage, braiding, twining, and plaiting. Though this class is well-suited for beginners with little-to-no basket weaving experience, students more versed in basket weaving are welcome to explore the wide variety of local materials. 

What you will need: towel, scissors, small clips (metal or wooden), clothes pins, awl, if you have one, and a notebook.

Optional: DIY camera stand for demonstration and questions and problem solving. For the camera stand (we will forward directions when we get your registration) you will need: A smartphone. Two tall full bottles (e.g. wine, Martinelli, 2 liter pop). Yard stick or other similar flat piece. Tape to hold the yard stick on top of the bottles. Rubber bands to hold the phone. A work light helps to get light on your weaving while under the camera.

Class details:

Session 1. Material Exploration 

In this session we will focus on how to forage for local plant materials: what to look for, how to ethically harvest, process, dry, re-soak/mellow, and weave. Some plants we may explore include day lily leaves, iris leaves, English ivy, yucca leaves, etc. (seasonally dependent). Students will be encouraged to gather materials prior to our next session and present their findings to the group. 

Session 2: Cordage/Braids 

In this session students will explore the materials they have collected and experiment with making cordage and braids to test the material viability and strength of each plant fiber. There will be an option to make a sample book to take notes and archive the different plants we work with in class. Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned about each plant as they gather materials for spokes and weavers to use in the following session.  

Session 3: Basket Bases & Twining 

In this session students will learn about different forms of weaving including plaiting, coiling, stick and strand, and ribbed basketry and how to identify these techniques. Both round and plaited base starts and twining will be demonstrated and students will have the opportunity to practice these techniques using the materials they have gathered and prepared. Space will be created to for group discussion and questions as we problem solve and weave together.  

Session 4: Basket Rims  

In this session students will be introduced to basket rims for both round and flat materials. They will have the opportunity to finish their baskets with hands on guidance and demonstration from the instructor. Being the final session, the group will reflect on our time together and share what we have learned and created as a cohort. 

About Chloe Hight: Chloë lives in Portland and is a visual and teaching artist and environmental educator. She works with local organizations to create opportunities for children and adults to build a deeper relationship with place through visual art and traditional hand technologies such as weaving, pottery, plant dyeing, paper making, earth pigments, and more.