Sunday 13th October.
West Moss-side Organic Farm, Thornhill, Stirling
A day in celebration of willow bark weaving. You will discover the story of the bark from tree to pot. You will make at one pot – with a glass inside (provided) it is perfect for flowers or maybe also for pens and pencils. You will maybe also make a mini amulet pouch.
There is a long basketry tradition of using bark of various trees across the world. The NW Pacific First Nations have been using cedar for millennia and many years ago, I had the privilege of being taught by Joan Carrigan of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. I also had the honour of joining her in harvesting a red cedar on the island. There is nothing more humbling than following the cedar from the tree right through to the weaving of the strips. The tree is gifting the basket maker, so a thanksgiving prayer is made and permission asked of the cedar before starting to strip it.
That was many years ago and it is only now that I have fallen back in love with willow bark weaving – indeed the whole process following the seasons. There are traditional patterns – plaiting, twining and twilling. Patterns representing animal tracks, patterns of flowers to signify harvest and many other patterns and materials are incorporated which resonate with the life of the maker, so every basket is unique. My pieces are inspired by Joan, and the willow is our Scottish response to the red cedar. My surroundings on the farm and Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve provide inspiration and an abundance of beautiful materials to work with eg field rush, star moss, cotton grass and birch. Each have a place in my baskets. There will be an opportunity, time and weather dependent, to take a walk over the farm – wellie boots advised.
Refreshments with home baking included but bring a potluck lunch to share.
10.00am – 4.30pm
£95.00
To book contact Kate Sankey on kate@westmossside.com or 07870 156502
I am desperately trying to learn how to start the basket pictured here on the right end….I live in Canada where I have lots of white birch and cedar but am stymied as to getting the little triangular bottom started…is there a book or any diagrams I could get…any advice would be most welcome…thank you in advance from a fellow basket maker
Lynn Kennedy
Dear Lynn
Believe it or not these baskets were taught to the Scottish Basketmakers by Joan Carrigan from BC who works with cedar bark. She is still teaching and has an active presence on the web so you may find more information from her direct. I have a set of instructions I copies from a bark weekend here which I will email to you separately. I hope this helps.