These ?Straw Stars?, also called ?Crystals? are delicate, intricate pieces that anyone can create. Students will learn tying techniques to reproduce the stars pictured, as well as how to make new variations. Depending on skill level, students may make several Straw Stars by the end of class. Please note: Students will be working with small pieces to be cut and tied together with thread.
In this class, students will learn many basket weaving tips and techniques while completing their wall basket. Woven with natural and dyed reed, students will learn how to shape their basket and how to carve their handle. A decorative bow is added to finish this piece and add a special touch. Completed baskets stand about 7.25? wide and 5.5? high before the handle is added.
The Shaker Community, founded in New York, is known for their 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.
