Make your own basket and in the process learn one of the oldest crafts in human history.  For thousands of years baskets served as indispensable objects in every culture. Carry on the tradition and take home a beautiful, durable and useful basket crafted from local and responsibly harvested, birch bark or hand pounded black ash logs.  Take a scheduled workshop or contact me to host your own.

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2024  WORKSHOPS       MORE COMING, PLEASE    CHECK BACK! 

Please contact the venue to register.     

~October 4th and 6th Black Ash Pack Baskets at Kroka Expeditions in Marlow NH

  There is an optional half day of pounding a log for your weaving material for the same cost.

~October 18th- 20th Black Ash Pack Baskets at Roots School in Corinth VT

  There is an optional half day of pounding a log for your weaving material for the same cost.

 Birch Bark Ornament Workshops (more to come)

~November 9th Day Breaks Glass Studio,in Bethel VT 1-5pm

~November 10th Craft Studies in White River Junction VT 1-5pm

~November 16th Corinth VT 1-5pm

~November 17th Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg VT 1-5pm

~November 23rd Catamount Arts in St Johnsbury VT 1-5pm

~November 24th Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro VT 1-5pm

~December 1st Rochester VT 1-5pm (email 68pennyg@gmail to register)

~December 7th Mudita in Keene NH 1-5pm

~December 8th Old Friend's Farm in Amherst MA 1-5pm

~December 14th White River Craft Center in Randolph VT 1-5pm

~Friday December 20th Shelburne Craft School in Shelburne VT 1-5pm

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Workshop Descriptions

~Black Ash Berry Basket ~ This is a great introduction to the extraordinary qualities of the black ash tree. Weave a square to round basket, approximately 6”x 6” with optional leather strap in a six hour class that  includes a discussion on how the material is harvested and processed.  This workshop is great for adults and teens but can be adapted for a children's class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~Mixed Bark Black Ash Basket~ Start with a black ash base and use a variety of native barks; including willow, cedar and birch to create your own unique design.    One day workshop for adults and teens.

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~Black Ash Pack Basket ~ Weave an approximately 18” tall traditional Adirondack pack basket with cedar runners and base and adjustable webbing harness. This basket is made to last and be used. The workshop is two full days and will include a discussion and demo on how the material is harvested and processed. There is also the option of adding a half day to this workshop, so students can have the opportunity to pound a black ash log to acquire their own material.  This is a great workshop for teens and adults.

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~Birch Bark Basket ~ Create a double woven diagonal plaited  basket and experience the amazing qualities of the inner bark of the white birch tree.  Students will have some choices in the shape and rim design.  Included is a discussion on how the material is sustainably harvested and processed. This workshop is for teens and adults.

 

 

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~Birch Bark Pouch~ Weave a diagonal plaited birch bark pouch, approximately  6″x 8″x 2″  with a leather flap and strap; great as a small purse or tool pouch.  This is a two-day class that includes a discussion on how birch bark is sustainably harvested and processed. This workshop is for teens and adults.

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~Birch Bark Wallet~ Weave a diagonal plaited birch bark wallet with a leather flap. This is a one day class that includes a discussion of how birch bark is sustainably harvested and processed. This class is for teens and adults.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~Birch Bark Ornaments ~ Enjoy the simple pleasure of creating a decoration or gift from materials responsibly harvested on my Northeast Kingdom farm.  Utilizing techniques common to the Scandinavian and Russian style of basketry, you will craft birds and stars using strips of inner bark from the paper birch in this four hour workshop.  You will also learn how these materials are harvested and prepared. This workshops is for teens and adults.

 

 

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~Workhorse Tote~ Mostly black ash, with the option to add some willow or birch bark to the design.  Leather straps and a filled bottom with protective runners, make this basket a super sturdy one for toting tools, farmer’s market finds, picnic lunches or anything else you can think of.

Learn all the basics of black ash basketry plus some additional skills.  In this two day workshop, students will experience all the steps in the process, from a demonstration of pounding the log, to weaving their own unique basket.