This program is only for CBBG members.

Some basketry techniques are just plain fun to do – visually entertaining and tactilely pleasing in your fingers. If the technique is culturally significant, it becomes emotionally engaging as well.

Our November hands-on project is all of these things. We will learn to do bear-grass braiding for embellishments, tree decorations, or ear rings. But before we do, we will have a brief presentation by Brenda Brainard on the cultural importance of these braids, and how they are used and regarded in tribal communities.

You will need to register by noon on Thursday, November 4. No refunds. Cost is $5 for US members and $15 for Canadian members. Included in the fee is the cost of mailing bear-grass weavers for six braids and earring wires. NOTE: Due to unprecedented interest in this meeting, we are out of earring findings. Your kit includes bear grass and a piece of reed to use as a core for your braid. We apologize that we are unable to send you earring findings.

You will need to soak the grass for two hours before the meeting and wrap it in a damp towel to hold it while you weave. You will need scissors and a small round stick about 6” long.

Susan Hanks will lead the class demonstration. And we are pleased to present Brenda Brainard, Miluk Coos and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. Brenda will discuss the cultural importance of the bear-grass braid, and how they are used and regarded in tribal communities.