Date and time: This is a two-day class on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and Sunday, May 25, 2025. 9:00am – 5:00pm PT, both days. There will be a 1-hour break for lunch each day.

Location: Multnomah Arts Center (7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR), Room 30

Cost: $140 (includes $80 class fee and materials fee of $60)

Instructor: Beth Homa Kraus

Maximum number of students: 10

What you will need: Favorite scissors and clips, notebook, writing utensils, and camera. Note-taking and photo documentation are encouraged as this class does not provide patterns.  Lunch and beverage if desired.

Student skill level: Intermediate - Some weaving experience required. Must have good hand strength and dexterity, CBBG members only.

Description: Discover the beauty and resilience of birch bark by crafting a sturdy lidded basket in this immersive two-day class. You'll start by weaving a horizontal base while exploring the history, ecology, and harvesting techniques of the iconic white paper birch tree.

Experience hands-on material processing as you split, snip, and grade raw bark into usable weaving material. You'll size and fit a custom lid for your basket, securing it with a natural root or stick hinge. The finished basket will measure approximately 7" x 5" x 5" — perfect for storing recipes, jewelry, or cherished trinkets.

Important Information: During the class, students will condition their baskets using a beeswax and walnut oil mixture. Please notify CBBG via email (ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com) of any nut allergies at least four weeks in advance of the class.

To reserve a space, click “add to cart” below. The last day to register is May 10, 2025. If you need to cancel, please do so before May 10 to receive a full refund.

When the class fills we will take names for a waiting list. To be put on the wait list, send the title of the class with your contact information to ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com