November 18th, 2023: Willow Hanging Kitchen Basket and Tray

Description: Learn to weave with willow and other other plants!  At the end of the class, you’ll take home a hanging kitchen basket (great for storing things like garlic or apples) and a small woven tray perfectly sized to be used as a soap saver.

In this workshop, we’ll discuss old western and northern European willow tradition, including how to harvest, sort, dry, soak, and mellow willow.  We’ll also talk about what other plants can be used in this type of basketry, including common “invasive” species.  This will equip you with a wonderful foundation so that you can continue experimenting with weaving on your own, if you so choose.

The hanging basket we’ll make incorporates a few simple and really common weaves, including waling, pairing, borders, and a simple handle. We’ll discuss how the same basket style can be easily tailored to make other wonderful things, from garden trellises to home decorations.  Meanwhile, the tray will provide a foundation for how to make a square base that can be woven in different sizes for various uses, including as a soap saver, platter, or even a tray for drying small amounts of herbs or foraged items.

This class is well-suited for beginners and intermediate weavers, ages 12+ (however, caregivers may be able bring along younger children to accompany them and assist with their weaving project without need of extra tickets if we have the space. Email hickorynutfarmstead@gmail.com to check and be sure we have room!)

When: November 18, 2023, Saturday morning from 10:30 am to 3 pm (this is likely longer than we’ll need to account for lunch and enough time for everyone to complete their work!)

Where: Bloodroot Herb Shop, 208 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

 

NO REFUNDS unless Bloodroot Herb Shop or Hickory Nut Farmstead cancels the event. However, I am happy to try and assist you in finding someone to take your ticket if you send me an email.  Note also that we have  a minimal enrollment set for the class.  If we do not reach that enrollment, we will cancel and refund all tickets.

We’ll have all the materials and tools you need.  We’ll take a lunch break though, so consider bringing along a sack lunch to eat in the workshop (or there are some walkable food options downtown)

Select “pick up” at checkout, but note there’s no need to come out here.  We’ll email you the class details!