Instructor: Chloe Hight

Dates and times: Tuesday’s November 9, 16, 23, 30, 6-8 pm Pacific 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. CBBG members only. Sorry, no option for Canadian members for this class.

Cost: $36/$46 ($16 class fee and either $20 or $30 for materials)

Option 1: $36 - Local material kit pick-up in Lloyd Center (Portland, OR) area.

Option 2: $46 - USPS Shipping. For shipping, we must have your registration by October 27.

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: Smartphone camera on DIY stand for demonstration and questions and problem solving. See details here

Class details:

Session 1. Material Exploration

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.

Registration for this class is open to all Guild members. Last day to register is Wednesday, October 27 unless you are picking up materials.

When this offering is sold out, we will take names until October 27 for a wait list. To add your

name, email ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com with the full name of the class and your contact information.