Filtering by: workshop
Private Tuition at Willow Vale in 2025
Jan
1
to Jan 1

Private Tuition at Willow Vale in 2025

Private tuition is open to one or two individuals at a time and must be scheduled in advance. $200/day + materials for one student, $250/day + materials for two students. Private classes for 3 for may be scheduled on a case by case basis. Classes take place on our farm in The Shed (weaving studio).

Learn the ins and outs of basketry here at our farm. Folks seeking private tuition will work directly with me to weave any basket of their choosing, within their (and my!) skill level. Most baskets will take at least two days to learn, larger or more complicated baskets may even take three. Garden supports and small simple baskets like berry baskets and trays will take one day. The farm is lovely almost any time of the year and you’ll meet our chickens, dog and cats. Do remember that willow can be challenging to weave and that these tutorials will be taking place on a working farm. Book a private class here!

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SOLD OUT!! Intro to Round Willow Baskets at Waterford Craft School
Mar
22
to Mar 23

SOLD OUT!! Intro to Round Willow Baskets at Waterford Craft School

  • Waterford Craft School, Waterford, VA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, March 22 & 23, 2025, 9am-5pm each day

Organized through Waterford Craft School. More info and registration here. $465 class fee, lunch provided.

During this weekend course, students will create beautiful round baskets from willow. Learn to construct a traditional basket with a circular base, rounded or sharp angled upsett, a choice of side weaves and a woven border. Time permitting, students can weave a complementary handle. We will be working with natural willow so students can explore and design with the various colors different types of willows present. Those who have some experience in willow weaving can practice shaping and explore different weave designs. Participants will finish the class with a sturdy and useful vessel. Learn more and register here.

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Combo Class: Greenwood Chairmaking  and Willow Baskets at Eric Cannizzaro's
Mar
22
to Mar 23

Combo Class: Greenwood Chairmaking and Willow Baskets at Eric Cannizzaro's

  • Eric Cannizzaro, Charlotte, VA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Monday to Sunday, July 28 - August 3, 2025, 9am-5pm each day

Organized through Eric Cannizzaro. More info and registration here. $1600 combined class fee.

In this class students will use just a few hand tools to make a greenwood ladderback chair in the style of Jennie Alexander (Make A Chair From a Tree, 1978). Starting with an ash or oak log, we will spend the first three days working together to split, shave, and bend enough chair parts for everyone.

On day four, we will put our chair parts aside to dry and spend two days weaving willow baskets. We will learn and practice traditional weaving techniques while creating beautiful and functional harvesting baskets. Students will also learn about the cultivation and processing of this historically important natural material. Our baskets will be built from a round base with weaves mostly in the European tradition, including pairing, waling, randing and woven borders. Every student’s basket will be different! This class is suitable for beginners wanting to learn a base of weaving knowledge or intermediate weavers looking to improve skills and control. Care and use of finished pieces will be discussed in class. Willow is a stronger more tension-y material than many other basketry materials, strong hands are a must for this course.

The last two days of class will be spent back at the workbench and shaving horse, final shaping and assembling our chairs. This class is a lot of work and a lot of fun, and offers a unique opportunity to build skills with a few core tools. Seat weaving will be demonstrated in class and resources will provided for students to weave  at home. Learn more and register here.

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Woven Willow Creel at the NBG Spring Gathering
Apr
25
to Apr 27

Woven Willow Creel at the NBG Spring Gathering

  • Double Tree by Hilton Hotel (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Friday through Sunday, April 25-27, 2025, Friday noon-6pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 8am-noon.

Organized through Northeast Basketmakers Guild. Registration here. $200 Member, $230 Non-Member Registration (opens November 2nd), plus $70 materials for my class, non-members of the NBG welcome, and there are grants available!

This is an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED level class! Students need to be comfortable working with willow. Prerequisites: Students MUST have the experience level in WILLOW. Students should be able to weave a regular round willow basket on their own without instruction, so that they are familiar with three rod wale, randing techniques, and general shaping. It is helpful if students are familiar with using a knife to cut willow slypes and/or scalloms.

In this willow weaving intensive, experienced students can practice creating a well-formed and refined project through the making of a creel. We begin with a D-shaped base where the back stakes are scallomed on, additional stakes are then punched through the hoop and corner stakes added. We then weave up the sides of the basket using three rod wale, randing, and a packing weave, with careful attention to weaving around corners and creating a bellied form at the front. The basket is completed with a woven rod border (another place to practice weaving around corners), a lid woven in a similar fashion to the base (students can choose to incorporate or leave out the hole), and leather fasteners and strapping. The project is customizable to different sizes and designs, whether you'd like a functional fishing creel or a fashionable purse! Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Small Asymmetrical Basket at NYBG
Oct
25
10:00 AM10:00

SOLD OUT!! Small Asymmetrical Basket at NYBG

SOLD OUT!! Friday, October 25, 2024, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Organized through New York Botanical Garden, more info and registration here. $275 for non-members, $250 for members of NYBG.

Hand-woven willow baskets bring a touch of rustic yet elegant beauty to your home. Jesica Clark, owner of the Hudson Valley's Willow Vale Farm, will teach you the traditional willow weaving techniques to create a small asymmetrical basket. This design, inspired by Polish basket maker Stanislaw Dzuibak features a round base woven in reverse pair, with stakes inserted, and the sides woven up in three rod wale and French randing. The asymmetrical element and border of the basket is then woven from the stakes themselves. Strong hands are a must! All materials provided. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Harvest Baskets at Sandborn Mills Farm
Sep
14
to Sep 15

SOLD OUT!! Harvest Baskets at Sandborn Mills Farm

  • Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon NH (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, September 14 & 15, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm each day.

Organized through Sanborn Mills Farm. More info and registration here. $250 class fee plus $50 materials fee. Options for meals and housing.

In this class, students learn and practice traditional weaving techniques while creating beautiful and functional harvesting baskets. We will use an innately colorful selection of willows cultivated at Sanborn Mills and Willow Vale and learn about the cultivation and processing of this historically important natural material. Our baskets will be built from a round base with weaves mostly in the European tradition, including pairing, waling, randing and woven borders. Every student’s basket will be different! This class is suitable for beginners wanting to learn a base of weaving knowledge or intermediate weavers looking to improve skills and control. Willow is a stronger more tension-y material than many other basketry materials, strong hands are recommended for this course. Care and use of finished pieces will be discussed in class.. Learn more and register here.

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ONLINE - Willow Growing for Fun and Function
Sep
10
to Sep 17

ONLINE - Willow Growing for Fun and Function

Two Tuesdays, September 10 & 17 2024, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, online only

Organized through West Kortright Centre, more info and registration here. $60 class fee.

Growing willows will introduce winter color, texture, and functionality to your garden or farm—while also supporting biodiversity. Learn how to grow, care, and harvest shrub willows with Jes Clark of Willow Vale Farm. In this lecture-based class, you'll learn how to plan your space, where to get plantable cuttings, and what to do with them. Explore the many uses of willow as well its maintenance needs.

This course is intended to be a “live” Zoom class. Recordings are available only upon request. Space is limited to 25 participants. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Apple Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works
Sep
7
to Sep 8

SOLD OUT!! Apple Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works

  • Glebe House, Poughkeepsie NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Fall Kill Creative Works. More info and registration here. $245 class fee. The class will take place outdoors when possible. Tuition assistance available!

In this weekend workshop, students will work to weave beautiful handled baskets, perfect for gathering an autumn harvest. Students will learn to construct a traditional basket with a circular base, rounded or sharp angled upsets, a choice of side weave and handle. Participants can expect to finish the class with a beautiful and sturdy basket.

This course is available to all participants, no prior basket or weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. This class includes an hour lunch break. Learn more and register here.

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Woven Peony Crowns at NYBG
Sep
6
10:00 AM10:00

Woven Peony Crowns at NYBG

Friday, September 6, 2024, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Organized through New York Botanical Garden, more info and registration here. $275 for non-members, $250 for members of NYBG.

Learn traditional weaving techniques to creating a unique garden support. Jes Clark of the Hudson Valley's Willow Vale Farm will teach you how to use willow to weave a peony crown through a modern cosmopolitan combination of traditional weaves including Irish mouth wale, French randing and god's eye. Care and use of finished support piece will be discussed. Suitable for beginners and strong hands are a must! All materials provided. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! BIPOC Willow Basket Weaving Retreat at The Rusty Anvil
Aug
20
to Aug 24

SOLD OUT!! BIPOC Willow Basket Weaving Retreat at The Rusty Anvil

SOLD OUT!! Tuesday through Saturday, August 20 - 24, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

**Please note: this class is geared towards BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color) participation. Our host, The Rusty Anvil, is a platform that connects people of color to the outdoors through mindful wilderness trips and ancestral skills workshops. Please respect the intention of this space & only register if you identify as BIPOC.

Organized through The Rusty Anvil. More info and registration here. Sliding scale fee - $50 and above for 2 days, $150 and above for 5 days. This class includes overnight camping outdoors

In this week long workshop students will learn traditional weaving techniques in crafting a basket and other small projects out of willow. The relationship between humans and willow goes back thousands of years and among the many roles of willow as medicine, building material, ecological partner, is its use as a strong basketry material across continents. We will be weaving baskets starting at the base and finishing with optional handles or shoulder straps. Weaving techniques incorporated are pairing, waling, randing and woven rod borders. These functional baskets are sturdy and can be used for foraging, harvesting, or for holding precious items at home. No weaving experience is necessary, but strong hands are a must. All tools and materials will be provided.

We will also explore different ways Willow can be a teacher and support us in processing our thoughts and emotions. We will write, move, and express what wants to emerge from our weaving process. we will make food together around the fire during our meals & here are options to visit the Grafton Peace Pagoda for prayer either in the morning or evening. Students have the option of registering for all 5 days, or for a 2 day class, Friday and Saturday. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Round Baskets: Intro to Willow Basketry at West Kortright Center
Aug
17
to Aug 18

SOLD OUT!! Round Baskets: Intro to Willow Basketry at West Kortright Center

  • West Kortright Center, East Meredith, NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, August 17 & 18, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through West Kortright Center. More info and registration here. $300 class fee.

During this weekend course students will create beautiful round baskets from willow. Learn to construct a traditional basket with a circular base, rounded or sharp angled upsett, a choice of side weaves and a woven border. Time permitting, students can weave a complementary handle. Students who have participated in a previous willow weaving class can either revisit that same basket style or explore a different type of round basket. Participants will finish the class with a sturdy and useful vessel. Willow can be challenging to work with, someone with hand issues or weak hands may find this class difficult. Includes 1 hr lunch break – participants bring their own lunch. Learn more and register here.

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Woven Willow Tray at Rock Steady Farm
Aug
9
9:00 AM09:00

Woven Willow Tray at Rock Steady Farm

Friday, August 9 2024, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Organized through Rock Steady Farm, more info and registration here. SLIDING SCALE $15-150, please refer here to assess your contribution.

In this full-day class with Jes Clark of Willow Vale Farm, students will use traditional rib basketry techniques to weave a beautiful and functional leaf-shaped tray out of willow. This is a great introduction to the world of willow weaving and is a fun way to discover the strength and diversity of the willow plant. Strong hands are a must for this class. All materials provided. Register here.

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SOLD OUT! Willow Weaving Skills Week at Touchstone Center for Crafts
Jun
17
to Jun 21

SOLD OUT! Willow Weaving Skills Week at Touchstone Center for Crafts

  • Touchstone Center for Crafts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Monday through Friday, June 17 - 21, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Touchstone Center for Crafts. More info and registration here. Class fee is $625 for Touchstone Members, $725 for non-members, plus materials fee. Options for meals and lodging.

Hone in on a particular skill, or spend the week making your first few willow baskets. In this workshop, participants of any willow weaving level can work on a project or skill of their choosing, according to their experience. From round baskets to ovals and square work, from bases to borders, we'll up your weaving game! Please note that if you're a beginning weaver, the first step is always learning baskets made from round bases. Strong hands are a must for working with willow!. Learn more and register here.

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Asymmetrical Baskets in Bethlehem, PA
Jun
15
to Jun 16

Asymmetrical Baskets in Bethlehem, PA

  • 1966 Creek Road Bethlehem, PA, 18015 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Saturday and Sunday, June 15 & 16, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized by Stacy Zink. More info and registration here. $240 + $17.94 eventbrite fee.

Beginners are welcome to join this two day class to weave an asymmetrical basket out of willow with a sturdy branch handle. A round base is woven in reverse pair, the stakes are inserted and the sides woven up in three rod wale and French randing. The asymmetrical element and the border of the basket is then woven from the stakes themselves! A sturdy branch handle is incorporated to finish the basket.

Pack a lunch each day or explore the local eateries over an hour break. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Berry Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works
Jun
1
9:00 AM09:00

SOLD OUT!! Berry Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works

SOLD OUT!! Saturday. June 1, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Fall Kill Creative Works. More info and registration here. $140 class fee. The class will take place outdoors when possible. Tuition assistance available!

In this one day workshop students will work to weave a round shaped berry basket from the bottom up. Students will learn the traditional methods of stake and strand willow weaving and techniques such as pairing, waling, and French rand. You'll use a simple trac border and pegged stick handle to finish the basket Participants can expect to finish this class with a completed berry basket, perfect for collecting early summer harvests! .

This course is available to all participants, no prior basket or weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. This class includes an hour lunch break. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! BIPOC Willow Basket Weaving Campout at The Rusty Anvil
May
25
to May 26

SOLD OUT!! BIPOC Willow Basket Weaving Campout at The Rusty Anvil

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, May 25 & 26, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

**Please note: this class is geared towards BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color) participation. Our host, The Rusty Anvil, is a platform that connects people of color to the outdoors through mindful wilderness trips and ancestral skills workshops. Please respect the intention of this space & only register if you identify as BIPOC.

Organized through The Rusty Anvil. More info and registration here. $50-800 sliding scale. This class includes overnight camping outdoors

Join Jes Clark of Willow Vale Farm for a weekend of willow basket weaving! Come and learn about the anatomy of willow and it's history as a healer and a provider and learn new weaving techniques. You'll leave with a basket woven by you! We will be weaving beginners round baskets starting at the base and finishing with optional handles or shoulder straps. Weaving techniques incorporated are pairing, waling, randing and woven rod borders. These functional baskets are sturdy and can be used for foraging, harvesting, or for holding precious items at home. No weaving experience is necessary, but strong hands are a must. All tools and materials will be provided. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Stanislav Asymmetrical Baskets at Waterford Craft School
May
18
to May 19

SOLD OUT!! Stanislav Asymmetrical Baskets at Waterford Craft School

  • Waterford Craft School, Waterford, VA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19, 2024, 9am-5pm Sat, 9am-3pm Sun

Organized throughWaterford Craft School. More info and registration here. $340 class fee, lunch provided.

In this class, students will make an asymmetrical form basket of out willow. Using traditional willow weaving techniques, we will create this contemporary design inspired by Polish basket maker, Stanislaw Dzuibak. A round base is woven in reverse pair, the stakes are inserted and the sides woven up in three rod wale and French randing. The asymmetrical element and the border of the basket is then woven from the stakes themselves! A sturdy branch handle is incorporated to finish the basket.

Two-day workshops are hosted on Saturdays from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sundays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm with a one-hour lunch provided each day. Total teachable hours are 12 hours. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Basket Weaving with Willow at Harlem Valley Homestead
Mar
30
to Mar 31

SOLD OUT!! Basket Weaving with Willow at Harlem Valley Homestead

  • Harlem Valley Homestead, Wingdale NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, March 30 & 31, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Harlem Valley Homestead. More info and registration here. $275 class fee. The class will take place outdoors when possible.

In this weekend workshop, students will work to weave beautiful handled baskets, perfect for gathering spring produce. Students will learn to construct a traditional basket with a circular base, rounded or sharp angled upsets, a choice of side weave and a choice of handle(s). Participants can expect to finish the class with a beautiful and sturdy woven willow basket.

This course is available to all participants, no prior basket or weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. The class runs from 9am-5pm each day with an hour lunch break. Workshop fee includes all materials($50 material fee) and lunch from the farm both days.
Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT! Spring Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works
Mar
16
to Mar 17

SOLD OUT! Spring Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works

  • Glebe House, Poughkeepsie NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, March 16 & 17, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Fall Kill Creative Works. More info and registration here. $245 class fee. The class will take place outdoors when possible. Tuition assistance available!

In this weekend workshop, students will work to weave beautiful handled baskets, perfect for collecting spring’s treasures. Students will learn to construct a traditional basket with a circular base, rounded or sharp angled upsets, a choice of side weave and an optional. Participants can expect to finish the class with a beautiful and sturdy basket.

This course is available to all participants, no prior basket or weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. This class includes an hour lunch break. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Tatzca Basket at NYBG
Feb
23
10:00 AM10:00

SOLD OUT!! Tatzca Basket at NYBG

SOLD OUT!! Friday, February 23, 2024, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Organized through New York Botanical Garden, more info and registration here. $275 for non-members, $250 for members of NYBG.

Learn how to craft a useful tatzca basket, perfect for presenting your freshly baked bread or displaying on your wall as art! Jesica Clark of Hudson Valley's Willow Vale Farm will cover traditional weaving techniques and guide you through the process of creating this functional yet contemporary design. Woven with just 36 sticks, the tatzca design weaves pretty quickly. Fast learners may be able to create two baskets during class. Open to learners of all skill levels. Like all willow weaving, this class requires strong hands! All materials provided. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Woven Willow Tray at NYBG
Jan
19
10:00 AM10:00

SOLD OUT!! Woven Willow Tray at NYBG

SOLD OUT!! Friday, Januray 19 2024, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Organized through New York Botanical Garden, more info and registration here. $275 for non-members, $250 for members of NYBG.

Hand-woven willow baskets bring a touch of rustic yet elegant beauty to your home. Jesica Clark, owner of the Hudson Valley's Willow Vale Farm, will teach you the traditional willow weaving techniques of rib basketry. Students will weave one large leaf-shaped tray or two smaller ones to hold and display almost anything. Strong hands are a must! All materials provided. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Hanging Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works
Jan
13
to Jan 14

SOLD OUT!! Hanging Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works

  • Glebe House, Poughkeepsie NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, January 13 & 14, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Fall Kill Creative Works. More info and registration here. $245 class fee. Tuition assistance available!

Intermediate level course! In this weekend workshop, students will work to weave beautiful baskets, perfect for collecting mail, treasures, or woolly winter mittens. Students will learn to construct a traditional basket with an oval base, rounded or sharp angled upsets, a choice of side weave and a handle to hang with. Participants can expect to finish the class with a beautiful and sturdy basket.

This is an intermediate course, prior willow weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. This class includes an hour lunch break. Learn more and register here.

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ONLINE - Willow Growing for Fun and Function
Jan
10
to Jan 17

ONLINE - Willow Growing for Fun and Function

Two Wednesdays, January 11 & 18 2024, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, online only

Organized through West Kortright Centre, more info and registration here. $60 class fee.

Growing willows will introduce winter color, texture, and functionality to your garden or farm—while also supporting biodiversity. Learn how to grow, care, and harvest shrub willows with Jes Clark of Willow Vale Farm. In this lecture-based class, you'll learn how to plan your space, where to get plantable cuttings, and what to do with them. Explore the many uses of willow as well its maintenance needs.

This course is intended to be a “live” Zoom class. Recordings are available only upon request. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Basketry Bonanza with Sandra and Jes at The Wind and the Willow (Cobourg, ON, Canada)
Nov
18
to Nov 19

SOLD OUT!! Basketry Bonanza with Sandra and Jes at The Wind and the Willow (Cobourg, ON, Canada)

  • The Wind and the Willow (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, November 18 & 19, 2023, 9:00am-4:00pm

Organized through The Wind and the Willow/Sian Pritchard. More info and registration here. $360CAD +HST class fee, plus materials fee.

THIS CLASS TAKES PLACE IN CANADA Choose your project (within your skill level) and work with Sandra and Jes to make your weaving dreams come true! With weaving expertise in a broad range of styles, including both stake and strand and rib basketry, the Jes and Sandra can lead you through a specific basket, or help you improve skills and techniques within a general style. Look for some project inspiration here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rbdGn7uZQpMxomMo8 But feel free to suggest your own. All projects must be discussed with the teachers and approved for your skill level before class. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Rope Wale Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works
Nov
4
to Nov 5

SOLD OUT!! Rope Wale Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works

  • Glebe House, Poughkeepsie NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, Novemer 4 & 5, 2023, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Fall Kill Creative Works. More info and registration here. $260 class fee. The class will take place outdoors when possible. Tuition assistance available!

In this weekend workshop, students will learn to weave a fun and functional basket, that is also a beautiful statement piece! Students will learn to construct a contemporary designed basket with a circular base, a rounded organic form, and an optional branch handle. Participants can expect to finish the class with a beautiful basket and a basic understanding of willow basket weaving.

This course is available to all participants, no prior basket or weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. This class includes an hour lunch break. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT! Asymmetrical Baskets at Sandborn Mills Farm
Oct
5
to Oct 6

SOLD OUT! Asymmetrical Baskets at Sandborn Mills Farm

  • Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon NH (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Thursday and Friday, October 5 & 6, 2023, 9:00am-5:00pm each day.

Organized through Sanborn Mills Farm. More info and registration here. $220 class fee plus $50 materials fee. Options for meals and housing.

This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level class! Students need to have woven a few willow baskets previously. In this class, students learn and practice traditional weaving techniques while creating a contemporary and organically shaped functional basket. We will use an innately colorful selection of willows and learn about the cultivation and processing of this historically important natural material. Our baskets will be built from a round base with weaves mostly in the European tradition, including pairing, waling, randing and woven borders. This particular basket was designed by Danish weaver Ane Lyngsgaard. A supplied sturdy branch or driftwood handle will finish off this unusual basket, or students may bring their own special piece of driftwood to incorporate into the piece. This class is suitable for intermediate beginning weavers: those who have woven at least a few willow baskets under instruction, who want to learn some modified versions of the basic weaves to create this piece, and also to learn about creativity in the construction of a new basket form. Willow is a stronger more tension-y material than many other basketry materials, strong hands are recommended for this course. Care and use of finished pieces will be discussed in class. Learn more and register here. *special note - Sandra Kehoe will also be teaching a willow class on the weekend after!

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SOLD OUT!! Apple Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works
Sep
23
to Sep 24

SOLD OUT!! Apple Baskets at Fall Kill Creative Works

  • Glebe House, Poughkeepsie NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday and Sunday, September 23 & 24, 2023, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Fall Kill Creative Works. More info and registration here. $245 class fee. The class will take place outdoors when possible. Tuition assistance available!

In this weekend workshop, students will work to weave beautiful handled baskets, perfect for gathering an autumn harvest. Students will learn to construct a traditional basket with a circular base, rounded or sharp angled upsets, a choice of side weave and a twisted handle. Participants can expect to finish the class with a beautiful and sturdy basket.

This course is available to all participants, no prior basket or weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. This class includes an hour lunch break. Learn more and register here.

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SOLD OUT! Harvest Baskets at Sandborn Mills Farm
Aug
24
to Aug 25

SOLD OUT! Harvest Baskets at Sandborn Mills Farm

  • Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon NH (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Thursday and Friday, August 24 & 25, 2023, 9:00am-5:00pm each day.

Organized through Sanborn Mills Farm. More info and registration here. $220 class fee plus $50 materials fee. Options for meals and housing.

In this class, students learn and practice traditional weaving techniques while creating beautiful and functional harvesting baskets. We will use an innately colorful selection of willows cultivated at Sanborn Mills and Willow Vale and learn about the cultivation and processing of this historically important natural material. Our baskets will be built from a round base with weaves mostly in the European tradition, including pairing, waling, randing and woven borders. Every student’s basket will be different! This class is suitable for beginners wanting to learn a base of weaving knowledge or intermediate weavers looking to improve skills and control. Willow is a stronger more tension-y material than many other basketry materials, strong hands are recommended for this course. Care and use of finished pieces will be discussed in class. Learn more and register here. *special note - Sandra Kehoe will also be teaching a willow class on the weekend after!

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SOLD OUT!! Woven Willow Obelisk at The Met Cloisters
Aug
16
10:00 AM10:00

SOLD OUT!! Woven Willow Obelisk at The Met Cloisters

SOLD OUT!! Wednesday August 16, 2023, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Organized through The Met Cloisters, more info and registration here. $150 Class fee, materials included.

Create an intricate woven structure to support plants in your flourishing garden in a workshop led by master weaver Jes Clark of Willow Vale Farm. Discover the ins and outs of traditional willow weaving and learn how medieval gardeners used this important material in their own gardens.

This workshop takes place in the inspiring Cuxa Cloister while the Museum is closed to the general public and includes an hour lunch break. No weaving experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Strong hands are a must! Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Tatzca Basket at Gardiner Library
Aug
5
10:00 AM10:00

SOLD OUT!! Tatzca Basket at Gardiner Library

  • Gardiner Library, Gardiner, NY (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Saturday, August 5, 2023, 10:00am-3:00pm

Organized through Gardiner Library. More info and registration here. $25 class fee. This class will take place indoors.

A wonderfully high impact design that actually weaves up pretty quickly!
This traditional and intricate basket is woven with just 36 sticks of willow and is perfect for presenting your freshly baked bread or for just hanging up on the wall and admiring.
The class is a great intro to the willow world, and is suitable to all levels of experience. Like all willow weaving, this class requires strong hands. Register here.

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Woven Willow Star at Gardiner Library
Jul
16
9:00 AM09:00

Woven Willow Star at Gardiner Library

Sunday, July 16, 2023, 9:00am-12:00pm

Organized through Gardiner Library. More info and registration here. $20 class fee. This class will take place indoors.

Join Jes Clark (they/them) of Willow Vale Farm to weave a wonderfully decorative star out of willow. This is a fun introduction to simple willow weaving techniques. Finished stars will measure approximately 10 inches across. Although willow can be a tough material to weave with, this project is a little easier on the hands. Register here.

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Berry Baskets at Glebe House
Jul
15
9:00 AM09:00

Berry Baskets at Glebe House

Saturday. July 15, 2023, 9:00am-5:00pm

Organized through Fall Kill Creative Works. More info and registration here. $140 class fee. The class will take place outdoors when possible. Tuition assistance available!

In this one day workshop students will work to weave a round shaped berry basket from the bottom up. Students will learn the traditional methods of stake and strand willow weaving and techniques such as pairing, waling, and French rand. You'll use a simple trac border and pegged stick handle to finish the basket Participants can expect to finish this class with a completed berry basket, perfect for collecting early summer harvests! .

This course is available to all participants, no prior basket or weaving experience necessary. Willow can be a challenge to work with, and physically engaging, this class may be difficult for a person with hand issues. This class includes an hour lunch break. Register here.

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SOLD OUT!! Jardiniere Basket at NYBG
Jul
6
to Jul 7

SOLD OUT!! Jardiniere Basket at NYBG

  • New York Botanical Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Thursday and Friday, July 6 & 7, 2023, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Organized through New York Botanical Garden, more info and registration here. $415 for non-members, $375 for members of NYBG. This class will take place outdoors.

Hand-woven willow baskets bring a touch of rustic yet elegant beauty to your home. Jes Clark of the Hudson Valley's Willow Vale Farm will teach you the traditional techniques of rib willow basketry-such as weaving a modified Catalan Base, Three-Rod Wale, English Rand, and woven borders-as you craft a large, rectangular jardiniere to hold your favorite plants. Note: this class requires strong hands and is an ambitious project for beginning willow weavers, or a step up for those familiar with the willow weaving process. All materials provided. Register here.

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SOLD OUT! Squarework with the Works at the NBO Conference
Jun
20
to Jun 24

SOLD OUT! Squarework with the Works at the NBO Conference

  • University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT!! Wednesday through Saturday, June 21-24, 2023, 9:00am - 5:00pm each day.

Organized through National Basketry Organization. Registration here. Tuition ranges from $1080 to $1565. There are scholarships available!

This is an intermediate to advanced level class! Students need to be comfortable working with willow. Students can expect to learn the construction of a squarework basket with corner posts and scallomed stakes. We will go over how to cut and tie scalloms, how to keep squarework square, how to make-to-measure, and how to weave and incorporate additions to basic baskets. Work begins with bark-on (brown) willow to weave a basket with corners to fit their needs. Baskets will start with a rectangular base woven on a screw block. Willow end staples and dowel posts will be added and stakes will be scallomed on. Waling and randing will be woven with special attention to corners and the square form. A border modified for squarework finishes the basic basket, but each student can choose from additions like partitions, a lid, handles, or a woven foot to customize for their purpose. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of willow weaving.
Estimated materials fee (payable to instructor) $50 to $150, depending on size and number of projects. Fee includes willow, wooden dowels, nails, and any leather and/or fasteners.Extra tools to borrow, screwblocks and leatherworking tools will be supplied by instructor. Register here.

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