Basketry

This basket is a variation on an Adirondack Pack Basket, one of the oldest surviving traditions inside the Adirondack Park. You will use a continuous weave technique and hand shaping to create this wonderfully useful basket. Bridle leather will be used to weave the strapping and create a strap that will leave your hands free for blueberry picking or any other type of gathering. It also makes a great container to keep your yarn when knitting socks. The approximate finished size is 10" - 12" tall (width may vary). This is a challenging class with lots of hand shaping.

Using two sizes of prepared birch bark, students will weave a three-dimensional star and a reindeer ornament. Several types of birch bark beads will be taught to add on to the larger ornaments to create unique designs.

This useful basket is beginner friendly. Students will weave a rectangular base, and learn shaping techniques that result in upright sides at the handle and very low sides on the ends. The basket is woven in continuous weave, which incorporates an oak handle as the sides grow. Students will have the option of adding runners to the bottom, if desired. Dimensions: 16? L x 9? W x 9?H at handle.

For holding berries, cherry tomatoes, or anything collectible, these great beginner baskets are satisfying and easy to repeat after instruction. Students will weave two baskets: one quart, and one pint size. Additional kits for weaving at home will be available for purchase.

Create a beautiful, unique basket with Dona Nazarenko using dyed and natural reed. Beginning on a twined oval base, students will weave up the sides using natural reed and then add striking placements of additional weavers in various sizes and colors. The basket will then be embellished with dots to create a unique finished piece, standing about 6.5? tall and 8? wide.

Turn two rustic pieces of wood into trivets that become gorgeous hung pieces when not in use. Students will insert spokes and weave with natural and dyed reed to create patterns and add color. This class is fun for all skill levels! Dimensions: Approx. 14? x 16?

This is a variation on a Wool Drying Basket but tall and narrow -perfect for a knitting project. Students will weave in an over two under two twill pattern and learn to weave an arrow pattern using dyed reed.  The hardwood handle and feet give this basket its convenient height. This is an intermediate level class. Dimensions: 12" tall x 11" across at top. 20" tall with feet and handle.

This is a variation on an Adirondack Pack Basket with a cross-body strap and a smaller size. Students will learn a Shaker technique for continuous weave to create a solid base and weave and shape the sides of the basket. Shaker tape in coordinating colors will be used to create the strap. This is a challenging class with lots of hand shaping so weaving experience is helpful. Approximate finished size is 10-12? tall width varies.

Create a vase inspired by traditional Nantucket baskets. Students will weave using dyed and natural rattan reed to create a gorgeous vase with a wooden rim and base. A mold insert is provided to hold water for the various flowers that will grace this vase! The finished piece will be approximately 8? tall and 4.25? wide at the top. This is a great class for all skill levels.

This small Nantucket Ornament starts with a walnut rim, and is built up with cane spokes and weavers. Students may add a small mirror or photo to the center to personalize their piece. This ornament hangs from a small hook, making it the perfect project to add to your holiday collection. Please note: Students will be working with small pieces to shape and sand.

This basket is based on a forerunner of the Nantucket Lightship basket, c. 1850. Woven on a round oak base, the spokes are inserted into a groove which holds them firmly in place. This basket employs a continuous chase weave to build the sides, using two weavers at once. The basket is hand-shaped, not woven on a mold, and students will be challenged and excited to watch their creations grow with two weavers. A hand-carved oak handle is incorporated into the rim, which finishes this rustically graceful and functional basket. It is woven on a 6" oak base which grows into a 12" diameter basket. Dimensions are approx. 10" high at sides, 16" high at handle.

The Adirondack Pack Basket is one of the most recognized objects associated with the Adirondacks. These versatile baskets were used to carry just about everything the guides, hunters and trappers took with them into the woods. Create your own pack basket patterned from the traditional Adirondack Pack Baskets. The Mountaineer pack is a large pack, great size for adult men and woman for trips to the farmers market, hunting and hiking. The first day students weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes and then weave the sides. Linda will be guiding students as they concentrate on shape, creating a belly while learning to continuous weave. The main weaving will be done the first day. The baskets will sit and dry overnight. On the second day, students will pack baskets tight, level the top, weave a false rim, cut and tuck spokes, add handle, and fit the rim to the basket, and lash rim. Linda will guide you and teach you many tips and techniques. Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools. Leather harness is dark brown. Webbing harness color choices are red, olive green, black and dark brown. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Students should wear comfortable clothing. Baskets will not be stained during class. Approximate dimensions: 9? x 12? x 20? high.