Jodie Goldring

I recently went to NZ on a family holiday and got to see basketry plants such as flax and cordyline in their native habitat. It was an amazing trip; we enjoyed the view of Lake Hawea from our “bach” and the beautiful clear blue waters of NZ. On a walk I saw a plaited flax structure made to protect a new planting. I thought I would share a few photos from this trip to go alongside my cancer related news.

I have been struggling with the daily chemotherapy medication that has serious side effects. Now that I have been taking the medication for 8 months (of a 2 year treatment) it becomes clear that I will not be able to run basketry workshops in 2026 and 2027. I am managing at home and with my work at a primary school three part days a week, but this is the limit of my capacity.

So, to those wanting to learn basketry I suggest:

• Contacting the Basketmakers of Victoria who run workshops throughout the year – https://basketmakersofvictoria.au/
• Learning with Ruth Woods at Craft School OZ – https://www.craftschooloz.com/
• Participating in one of Harriet Goodall’s online workshops – https://taketwoart.com/courses/harrietgoodall

I look forward to returning to teaching basketry in 2028…