LEARN
Basketry: Plain and Simple
with Michael Peterson
Saturday, March 7 | 10 am - 4 pm
974 Dalhousie Concession 9A
McDonald’s Corners, ON, K0G 1M0
$145 | Materials and tools included
This course is about making baskets using basic techniques.
The material used is rattan. Rattan is easily available, requires minimum preparation, takes a dye easily, is not hard on the hands, and lends itself to any basketry techniques the maker wants to use.
The course will cover an exploration of rattan, what makes it an ideal material for beginner and experienced basket makers.
Participants will learn:
to choose the right size of material for the basket you want to make,
to determine how much material you will need to make your basket,
to prepare the material for weaving,
various methods of starting your basket,
to add additional weavers and framing elements in your basket,
adding colour and texture to your basket,
adding decorative embellishments,
to shape your basket freehand without using a form,
add a handle on your basket (or not),
to choose different finishing techniques,
different options for using your basket,
and choosing what you want to use your basket for.
All materials will be provided.
Take home your finished work. If you choose to make a small basket, you will probably be able to complete 2 works during the workshop. Larger baskets take more time to complete.
Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.
You are also expected to bring enthusiasm and unbounded curiosity. I encourage discussion and supportive exchanges. Fun will be a by product of the gathering.
Your Instructor
Michael Peterson
Discover the traditional craft of basket weaving. Michael makes functional baskets from natural materials such as grapevine, willow, sweet grass, rattan and twine – some foraged – and also use ceramics in his baskets. Michael describes what he does as “making practical baskets from different materials using different basketry techniques”. However, when you see his baskets, they are indeed works of art.
Michael began making baskets about 30 years ago after being intrigued by textile weaving from other countries. He took his first course from Ankaret Dean, a master basket maker. He continued his journey through basketry conferences and acknowledges the influence of Edith Clayton, a prominent Nova Scotian basket maker, and Ray Sark, a Mi’kmag Chief from Lennox Island, PEI.
Michael is always examining baskets to see how they were made, what metals were used and the age of the basket. This love of baskets has led him to seek out makers in other countries he visits and that has resulted in a large collection of baskets from all over the world.
Michael is inspired by the social history of baskets making and how nature has provided the means to make them. He notes that every society makes or has made baskets and they typically use materials from their immediate environment.
Have you visited our blog?
Take a browse at our blog to see the many ways to weave and get inspired for these workshops!