Stake and Strand — Weave a round willow basket with Ridgefield artist Robin Brady in this 2-day spring workshop.

Weave a willow basket using a combination of cultivated and wild willows — some harvested right here at Plas Newydd Farm!

In this 2-day class you’ll make a basket in the traditional European stake and strand style — a great foundation for your future explorations in basketry. As time allows we’ll add handles and discuss everything from harvesting willow to prepping your materials for weaving. This is a great class for beginners, or any weavers looking to strengthen their basic stake and strand skills. You’ll come away with your own hand-woven willow basket great for gathering, storage, and everyday household use.

 Ticket price includes an $80 materials fee for the willow. Participants should provide:

• A fixed blade or locking knife
• Your favorite sharp pruners if you have them (or you may use the instructor provided ones)
• Any additional seating cushion, back support, or special chair you need to be comfortable
• Layers for sun/weather if you wish to work or have lunch outside
• Lunch and a water bottle (light snacks, coffee, tea and water will be provided throughout the weekend)

Note – Weaving with willow is hard work! Expect to spend 7 focused weaving hours per class day, and to use your hand and upper body strength throughout the class.

Your Instructor:

Robin Brady is a basket weaver and willow devotee. They tend a cultivated willow patch at their home in Ridgefield, WA and gather wild willow along nearby waterways. They come to basketry via long time devotion to crafts and lifeways that keep them in the practice of direct and reciprocal relationship to the living world. As a weaver of mixed European descent, they focus primarily on styles of willow basketry with roots in countries their ancestors once wove in, while being deeply inspired by the many brilliant weaving traditions belonging to cultures world-wide. Robin first learned basketry from Margaret Matthewson and other weavers in her watershed lineage, and are honored to continue the tradition of passing along this love of working with willow.

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Please note: If you have accessibility needs, please reach out and we will work to accommodate you. While we strive to make our workshops accessible to all, we are located in a historical home that does not have accessible restrooms at this point; our lowest entrance has two steps to enter. With advance notice, we may be able to get accommodations in place for you, so be in touch with your needs!  We do not require masks at most events, but we do have masks available on site, and run high quality air filters, and ask that if you are not feeling well, please stay home. Refunds or credit for a future workshop can be made available. 

We do have a scholarship fund! Reach out to arts@pnfarm.com to request financial aid for this workshop!