Weave a backpack-shaped purse using willow and rib-style techniques. Making your own rims, shaping with ribs, scalloming, and making a lid to fit, will all be skills taught in class. Once completed, a corded leather handle and embellished closure will be added. (10"L x 9"W x 6 1/2"D)

Instructor: Jo Campbell-Amsler

Student skill level: All levels, but some experience working with willow would be very helpful. Hand strength is a must. CBBG members only.

If you take this class, please do not also take The Roundy.

Location: Multnomah Arts Center, room 39.

Date and time: Saturday, February 25 & Sunday, February 26, 2023, 9:00a – 4:30p Pacific time.

Number of students: 10

What you will need: basket scissors, small pruners, sharp fixed blade knife, 1ft square leather or denim scrap, large awl, a dozen chenille sticks (pipe cleaners), old bed sheet or two large towels, work apron (optional), lunch, and a beverage, if you wish.

Cost: $149 payable at registration. Please note: There is an additional cost of $40 for willow to be supplied from the CBBG willow patch. This cost is payable BY CHECK made out to CBBG at the start of class. Students who have earned WILLOW BUCKS volunteering at the Our Table Farm willow plot may use them toward the cost of their materials.

To reserve a space register before December 29 at www.basketryguild.org If you need to cancel, please do so before December 29 to receive a complete refund.

Waiting list: When this class is full, you can get on the waiting by sending an email with the class title and your contact information to ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuid@gmail.com. We will take name through December 29.

Please note: The Guild requires full COVID-19 vaccinations and masks for all in-person classes

Jo Campbell-Amsler

Jo Campbell-Amsler has been using willow in her basketry work since the early 1980s. Jo’s work has been featured in magazines and books, and has been in exhibits across the United States. Teaching throughout the country, she has been a co-organizer for several retreats – The Willow Gathering, Willow Weekend, and Willow Connections 2022. She is a past board member of the National Basketry Organization. In recent years, she has hosted a number of basketry tours to Ireland, Scotland, Spain, France, Denmark, Wales, England, and Italy, visiting with basketry weavers in those countries and learning new skills with willow and other natural materials. These past two years have found Jo working and experimenting more in her home studio, a surprising joy during this pandemic time. More information about Jo’s workshops and basketry tours can be found on her website: http://www.willowridgebaskets.com