Basketry & Beyond - Weaving with Jessica York - Masterclass Workshops
- Description
Friday April 11, Saturday April 12 & Sunday April 13 2025
Basketmaking is one of the oldest and most universal crafts known to man. In 2020 a basket dating to the pre-pottery, neolithic period, approximately 10,500 years ago, was discovered in the Judean desert. Fragments of basketmaking tools have been found in Utah, dated to around 9250 BC and basket remains discovered at Fayum in Egypt dated from 8000 BC…
Mass production methods in low wage economies and the use of synthetic materials resulted in the decline of skilled basketmaking in Europe & North America during the first half of the 20th century. However, an increasing interest in sustainability, many basketmakers growing their own willow, carbon neutral production methods, local production and a greater appreciation of handmade objects has resulted in a resurgence in basketmaking today!
Basketmaking in some form can be found in nearly every culture around the world and ranges from the purely practical to the wonderfully ornate. It is not possible to mechanize basketmaking, a basket is always made by hand. Makers also develop new baskets and others create non-functional sculptural forms, all using the traditional techniques that have been passed down over the centuries. Basketmaking in the 21st century is very exciting.
Join Jessica York (AKA Madame Twig) and dive into the art of basket weaving! Over two or three days, we’ll take you step by step through creating your own unique basket. You’ll learn how to:
- Prepare the base
- Stake up
- Master two distinct weaving techniques
- Finish with a stunning border
This workshop is open to all skill levels. No experience is necessary, and new weavers are warmly welcome! Experienced weavers are encouraged to try new techniques. Friday workshop is available as a preview and exploration into larger basket making but not required to participate in the two day workshop series. The 3 day workshop will involve a larger basket creation, and the 2 day workshop will produce a smaller size, but all techniques will be explored and used to create the final piece.
About this Workshop
Join us in the Studio Loft at Chetwyn Farms - our newly converted 1800s barn, where this small intimate group will work in an open, airy space. Watch alpacas in the nearby pastures from the floor to ceiling windows in the studio space.
Lunch on the Farm - This workshop includes a light vegetarian lunch and refreshments during the day!
Participants will receive e-mail notification closer to date of workshop confirming final details including parking, suitable clothing, footwear etc.,