Basketry

The Shaker Community, founded in New York, is known for its design aesthetic, combining form and function in simply elegant ways. This class introduces students to the Cathead base, a Shaker classic. In this form, a small, square base grows into a round basket, at the diameter and height of the student's choosing. This particular technique of weaving corners produces four "feet" upon which the basket rests. This creates a raised base on the inside of the basket, allowing its contents to first fill the perimeter of the basket, and then the center. Disbursing the weight of the basket contents, first to the perimeter, serves to prevent produce from becoming bruised and protects the center of the basket from wearing out. Students will weave a two-by-two twill pattern for both the base and the sides of the basket.

This basket was designed exclusively for the Beekman Mercantile in Sharon Springs, NY. It features a large 12" x 7" solid bottom Shaker Cathead that, when inverted, forms the cover for this pie carrier. The base is a 13" breadboard that will be provided. The instructor designed the component parts of the carrier to be used on a daily basis. The basket is for bread and fruit and the bread board is for cutting and/or serving. You need only store the handle (provided) and strap until ready to use as a pie or cake carrier. Students will weave the solid bottom base using a Shaker technique. The basket will then be pinned to a mold (provided) for weaving using a chase weave technique. Students will also learn to rivet leather to assemble the straps. The handle assembly will be provided. The finished size of the basket is 13" x 8" (without handle).

This basket was designed exclusively for the Beekman Mercantile in Sharon Springs, NY. It features a large 12" x 7" solid bottom Shaker Cathead that, when inverted, forms the cover for this pie carrier. The base is a 13" breadboard that will be provided. The instructor designed the component parts of the carrier to be used on a daily basis. The basket is for bread and fruit and the bread board is for cutting and/or serving. You need only store the handle (provided) and strap until ready to use as a pie or cake carrier. Students will weave the solid bottom base using a Shaker technique. The basket will then be pinned to a mold (provided) for weaving using a chase weave technique. Students will also learn to rivet leather to assemble the straps. The handle assembly will be provided. The finished size of the basket is 13" x 8" (without handle).

This handy tote designed by Linda is just the right size for that trip to the store to pick up a few things. no need to use the store's shopping cart. Students will weave a plain weave base with the pre-cut spokes. The pattern up the sides is simple, all natural in various widths of reed with seagrass and ribbon for accent. A webbing handle will be added for easy carry. There will be a few different choices of ribbon and webbing colors. Approx. dimensions: 5" x 12" x 9-10" high. Instructor will bring all materials needed to make the basket, students should wear comfortable clothing.

This is a large round basket done in a plain weave. Dyed reed accents and various sized weavers make this curvy basket a little challenging to keep sized correctly. "Dona's helpful tips" will be shared to control the shape of the basket. 11" long x 8.5" wide x 7.5" high (34" around)

This is a fun project to learn about weaving with birch bark. This version of Dona's "Lidded Pouch" is delicate and light weight and has leather hinges on the back to be able to open and close. Woven over a mold, you will then embellish with additional pieces to lid, choosing from several stitching options and hang it from a leather cord. Pouch is designed for decorative use only. Individual pieces will vary. 5" long x 1" deep x 7" high not counting leather.

This is a very practical and handy small wall basket that can be hung up anywhere or sit on any surface. Done in a plain weave, a decorative triple twining at the top adds a touch of color. The matching leather handle fits to the lashed rim. 3" wide x 7.5" long x 9" high with 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, a great size for adult men and women for trips to the farmer's 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 on 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, and fit the rim to the basket and lash the rim. A leather handle will be put on the pack and an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with skids. Linda will guide you and teach you many tips and techniques. Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Baskets will not be stained during class. Approximate dimensions: 9" x 12" x 20" high.

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, a great size for adult men and women for trips to the farmer's 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 on 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, and fit the rim to the basket and lash the rim. A leather handle will be put on the pack and an adjustable webbing or leather harness secured with skids. Linda will guide you and teach you many tips and techniques. Students will be using a drawknife and other sharp tools. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket. Baskets will not be stained during class. Approximate dimensions: 9" x 12" x 20" high.

Weave your own picnic basket. The basket has a solid woven base to keep everything secure for transport. The sides are a plain weave pattern. Lash the rim on, add the webbing handles made by Linda, and bottom runners to secure the handles. The medium size is new this year! This basket fits in a shopping cart making it easy to shop, check out and carry out. There will be a selection of webbing colors. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket, students should wear comfortable clothing. Approx. dimensions: 11" x 13" x 10" high.

Weave your own picnic basket. The basket has a solid woven base to keep everything secure for transport. The sides are a plain weave pattern. Lash the rim on, add the webbing handles made by Linda, and bottom runners to secure the handles. The medium size is new this year! This basket fits in a shopping cart making it easy to shop, check out and carry out. There will be a selection of webbing colors. Instructor will bring all materials to make the basket, students should wear comfortable clothing. Approx. dimensions: 11" x 13" x 10" high.

This large basket uses wide stakes and weavers for strength and durability, yet the base lifts slightly in the classic "Cathead" shape. The basket is woven with reed, and students may incorporate accent strips for color and interest. Generously sized and perfect for storing throws, pillows, towels etc., the basket is finished with a hand-carved oak handle.