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Basketry

Crafting the Traditional Stake & Strand Willow Basket

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Course Overview

 

When European immigrants came to North America, they brought with them a host of crafts and skills necessary for survival in their new world. The basketry tradition known as ‘stake & strand’ was one such craft, as baskets were used to store nearly everything around the homestead. Willow yields to strong hands, giving beautiful results, and class members will make a sturdy and functional round basket with a handle using a variety of weaves. Students will learn the techniques behind the terms slath, twining, 3-rod wale, French randing, and border weaves. Class discussions will cover willow cultivation and harvest, traditions, and lore. The class will assure a new appreciation for the art and craft of basketry and open a door to the amazing world of willow. Baskets are a cross between whittling, carpentry, weaving, and sculpture. Lee & Lindsay see willow as the ultimate renewable resource and have found abundant uses for it in their home and gardens.

Required Tools

  • All required tools will be provided.

Optional Tools

  • Utility knife/box cutter or carving knife
  • Sturdy craft scissors or hand pruner/secateurs
  • Bodkin or thick shafted awl
  • Small side cutter
  • Apron

Session Information

This course is part of the 2022 Basket Week! Plan to attend the Basket Gathering Day on Friday, October 7, a day-long conference that features speakers, demonstrations, field trips and community gatherings for anyone interested in baskets! Full schedule online late summer 2022.

Dates

Tue, Oct 4th, 2022  –  Thu, Oct 6th, 2022

Course Details

Hours: Day 1: 3-6pm; Days 2-3: 9am-5pm
Tuition: $270.00
Materials fee: $65.00
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Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Lindsay Lee
Lindsay Lee
Decorah, IA

Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Lee Zieke
Lee Zieke
Decorah, IA

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Crafting the Traditional Stake & Strand Willow Basket