Explore the traditional art of Carolina Gullah basketry with a fifth-generation weaver. Learn the coiling technique to create a handwoven basket from sweetgrass, bullrushes, and pine needles, lashed with palmetto palm strips. Benefit from the instructor’s generational wisdom on how to use these naturally grown materials to form a beautiful basket using patience and love. Join us for this immersive week of Gullah basketry history and heritage. All levels welcome. $

Create fun and functional pieces using a twining technique. Make shapes and forms to make purses, baskets for décor, and special places to tuck your treasures into. Acorns, pumpkins, strawberries, pickles, fairy houses, mushrooms...the ideas are endless. Bring beads, buttons, or small items–and your imagination–to incorporate into the weavings if desired. All levels welcome.

Learn how to weave round stake and strand willow baskets. Gain an introduction to growing, harvesting, sorting, and soaking willow, in addition to traditional basket weaving techniques. Depending on skill level, students can expect to complete two or three baskets during the week. Returning or advanced students please reach out to the instructor for potential projects. $

Learn the fundamentals of ribbed basket construction. Starting with the basics and progressing through a series of more complex shapes, try different methods of lashing the hoops, measuring ribs by eye, and traditional filling-in or turn-backs. Also, have the option to dye finished baskets using instant coffee or tea. The class will have something for both the novice and experienced weaver. Expect to go home with at least three baskets.

White oak and maple have been used for making baskets for hundreds of years in our region. Learn how to turn a log into ready-to-use weaving materials using various hand tools, then weave a simple basket with your hard-earned materials. This process is physically demanding and will require good hand strength and determination! Previous basket weaving or woodworking skills are helpful but not necessary. All levels welcome. $

Here is your chance to try both broom making and basket weaving! Make a cobwebber out of raw broomcorn and a turkey wing or angel whisk from processed broomcorn. Then, on to baskets to weave a melon-style rib basket and a flat reed market basket. With these first projects under your belt, spend the rest of the week exploring more broom or basket options in the area of your choice.

Create large and small pouches using a variety of techniques, such as looping, twining, weaving, and plaiting. An assortment of materials will be available for experimentation, including a large selection of cords, painted papers, barks, and plant materials for cordage. Also, feel free to bring any special beads, embellishments, or keepsakes you might want to include in your pouch creations. All levels welcome.

Take a dive deep into Appalachian white oak basketry. Explore two different methods for materials processing and sustainable harvesting. Break down a white oak log together and split and shave down round willow rods to make flat, skeined weavers. Finally, combine them to weave a 10-inch, hen-style, frame basket together. While this class is suitable for all levels of basket maker, much hand strength, stamina, and familiarity with whittling with a carving knife is required. $

Explore basic knots and patterns for basket weaving on palm-sized stones. Then, take it up a notch by weaving more intricate patterns, combining designs, and adding different materials into the mix. Cordage, wire, leather, copper, charms, and beads can all be used to enhance your treasures. Go zen or go wild–your choice! All levels welcome.

Nature and artist collaborate, combining the beauty of naturally shed deer antlers with artisan, rib-style basket weaving. Create fanciful and functional Appalachian antler baskets and explore various drilling techniques and sculptural forms. Students will be encouraged to create their own woven antler pieces using a variety of organic colors and natural materials including vines, cordage, reeds, grasses, and fiber. All levels welcome. $