Date and time: Friday, March 21, 2025. 9am - 5pm PDT, with a 1-hour lunch break
Location: Multnomah Arts Center (7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR). Room TBD
Cost: $100 total. This includes a $40 class fee and $60 materials fee ($40 Guild willow plus $20 teacher-provided materials). If you have volunteered at the Guild's willow plot and have earned willow bucks, you can get reimbursed following the class toward the cost of materials. Bring your willow bucks tally to the class.
Student skill level: Beginner
Instructor: Jo Campbell-Amsler
Maximum number of students: 10
Tools needed: bodkin or large awl, basket shears, sharp hand pruner, sharp fixed-blade knife for “whittling” (box cutters work well, but not the disposable ones), 1-foot square leather or denim scrap, two 4-inch Hippo clamps, 10 chenille sticks (craft pipe cleaners), available at most craft/hobby stores. One old bed sheet or two old bath towels, water spray bottle, work apron (optional). Lunch and a beverage (optional).
Description: Starting with a “twisted” willow frame, create a bowl-shaped basket from willow using rib-style techniques. All steps in creating this basket will be taught in class, including frame construction, lashing and scalloming, shaping with ribs, and weaving with willow.
A very good basket for the beginner wanting to learn basic basket skills with gathered materials. Dimensions = 12"x12"Wx5"H
Please note: This class is meant for Guild members only. If you are not a Guild member, but would like to become one, we welcome you! Click here to join.
To reserve a space, click “add to cart” below. The last day to register is Friday, March 7, 2025 . If you need to cancel, please do so before March 7, 2025 to receive a full refund.
When the class fills you can join the wait list by sending an email with the class title and your contact information to ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com
About Your Instructor
My baskets are my way of sharing what I gather from the natural world. Working from my home studio, Willow Ridge, in eastern Iowa, I grow and harvest the willow that is used for my basket work. This creates a seasonal process for me; growing and watching over the willow in the warm season, harvesting in preparation for the “stay at home” snow season, long days of studio time during those winter months, and the renewal process starting again early each Spring. It is a joy to spend time working the willow, and creating in my studio, but teaching and sharing gives me a connection with people and the world beyond my studio space, which offers me its own kin.