Beginners to basketry often express lack of confidence in their ability to identify, collect, dry, store and rehydrate natural materials for making baskets. In this workshop participants will be provided a wealth of information about plants used for basketry, that can be applied to their own or a friend’s garden! During this enjoyable, informal and practical day the group will listen, discuss, look, walk and make.
The workshop starts with looking and holding a range of the tutors baskets. Plant material used in each basket will be identified and more importantly why they have been used will be discussed. The group will then go on a Plant Walk to explore nearby streets of the neighbourhood to look at gardens. This usually includes a scheduled visit to a garden with permission from the owner. Basketry plants will be identified and discussed during the walk and a small amount of collection will take place. Once back at the workshop space making string is explored as an experiential way to get to know the characteristics of plant fibre. A range of fibres will be provided to make string so that comparisons can be made via reflective discussion.
After lunch a diverse range of plant fibres are shown, and a talk given about how to collect, dry, store and rehydrate them for use in basketry. To finish participants are supported to use natural plant materials provided (and collected) to make nests using the technique of random weaving.
Jodie Goldring 