For most of us, when we think of the basket makers of the North Woods, we think of Black Ash. This magnificent tree is unique in the way that it splits into basketry splints through the process of pounding. As with all of the different basketry materials there is a huge variety of styles the basket maker can employ.

In this workshop we will practice hexagonal weaving, a kind of splint woven basketry most famously used by the Shakers for cheese baskets. It was once their practice to line these baskets with cheese cloth and use them to drain the curd when making cheese. The cheese would then be imprinted with the weave of the basket and remain that way even after it was aged. This style of weaving has been used in many other types of baskets as well.

Once you can wrap your mind around the particular geometry of this weave pattern these baskets work up very quickly, and are a lot of fun.

Level: Beginner-Advanced

Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for this class.

Tuition & Fees: $95 covers the cost of the class and most course materials. Lunch is provided from our top-ranked Sterling Kitchen. Accommodations are not included in course pricing.