Date and time: Friday, May 23, 2025, 9am – 5pm PT. There will be a 1 hour break for lunch.
Location: Multnomah Arts Center (7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR) in Room 7
Cost: $60 (includes $25 class fee and materials fee of $35)
Instructor: Beth Homa Kraus
Student skill level: Beginner, CBBG members only
Maximum number of students: 10
What you will need: Favorite scissors, clips (the instructor will provide clothespins), notebook, writing utensils, and camera (note-taking and photo documentation are encouraged as this class does not provide patterns). Lunch and beverage if desired.
Description: Dangle nature from a fresh perspective! In this creative workshop, you'll craft a beautiful hanging planter from ethically harvested white paper birch bark. As you weave this geometric basket, you'll gain hands-on experience with birch bark processing while learning about the history and ecological significance of this incredible natural material.
This planter is designed to be around 4 inches in diameter, making it ideal for succulents, ivy, or air plants. While plants are not provided, you'll leave with a unique, handcrafted vessel ready to bring spring into your space. Grow your skills and green up your space with this modern twist on an age-old tradition.
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 9, 2025. If you need to cancel please do so before May 9 to receive a full refund.
When the class fills we start a waiting list. Send the title of the class with your contact information to ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com
About Your Instructor
Beth Homa-Kraus uses sustainably harvested and hand-processed bark from White Paper Birch trees to make woven items that can be used in everyday life, as well as in a gallery. By teaching classes and facilitating other learning opportunities in this handcraft, Beth focuses on building communities and celebrating the weaving traditions rooted in many different cultures.
After studying painting at Hamline University and working as a caseworker for the homeless in Baltimore, Maryland, Beth became an intern at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota. There she learned many traditional crafts including several styles of boat building, but her focus shifted to basketry, sparking her obsession with birch bark.
Beth has taught birch basketry classes at North House Folk School, the American Swedish Institute, the Weavers’ Guild, and many special engagements. Through communal learning, public demonstrations, and facilitating harvests, she shares her love for this durable and beautiful material with everyone with a desire to learn.