I am a weaver of baskets, a gatherer, an artist, a farmer, a teacher, a naturalist, a fermentationist, an upcycler and recycler, and a lover of wildness. I love to turn supple willow into beautiful and sturdy baskets that can carry the garden harvest or hold my yarn.
I was introduced to this form by an old German man when I was a child. He had learned it as a child. He inspired me and weaving with willow has been a passion of mine for decades.
As we weave together you will learn all aspects of this basket form: hoops, god’s eyes, ribs, weaving, and sustainable gathering.
Come join me to weave willow and community. (Kari Bown)
Open to students ages 15 and older. Appropriate for all skill levels. No prior experience necessary.
Classes take place at Arbutus Folk School, 610 4th Ave E, Olympia. Parking downtown is free on weekends. Please enter through the door in the alley behind the building.
All materials will be provided. Students should bring (if you have them) a sharp knife (pocket knife, grafting knife, or carving knife) and pruners/clippers.The instructor has a few extra hand pruners and knives, and they can be shared to some degree. Baskets will be roughly 14 inches in diameter.
Please bring lunch (there are also various eateries nearby to purchase food), snacks, and water.
Note: Before registering for a series (a course which contains more than one class) students should make sure that individual class dates aren’t in conflict with their schedules because, regretfully, we cannot provide refunds or make-ups. Course payment is for the entire series and not individual classes within the series. If you do miss a class, let your instructor know, and they will be happy to answer your questions about what you may have missed.
Please wear a mask while attending classes, and do not attend classes if you are feeling ill or have had contact with Covid-19. Please notify Arbutus staff in the event that you test positive for Covid so that your fellow students can be notified of possible exposure.
