Hexagonal baskets make for a fun and fast weave.

In this class you’ll be working in threes — with three elements and weaving in three different directions, focusing on one triangle at a time. This type of weaving comes together in a beautiful way, creating baskets that are both ornamental and functional. Shakers once used this style of basket in cheese making, using the basket like a colander to separate the curds from the whey. 

Class will begin Friday evening with a log pounding demonstration, where you will have the opportunity to try your hand at log pounding. To get the excitement and inspiration going, students will be able to check out the plethora of resource materials and handle the variety of baskets that will be on display. This is a great time for Q&A and introductions.  

Saturday morning is the official start of the basket making, where students will receive their choice, pre-harvested and pre-shrunk Black Ash splint.  Layout and weaving will take up most of the day. You will be using slitting gauges, scissors and knives to prep the splint into the desired widths and lengths for the basket.

Sunday will continue with finishing up weaving, followed by lashing the rim system into place and basket clean-up. 

Finished baskets will measure approximately 8” in diameter and 4” in height (or thereabouts).

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Taught by April Stone

April Stone is an Ojibwe artist/maker from the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe in northern WI.  Working with Black Ash since 1998, April has established an intimate relationship with Ash through harvest and process of the raw material - into serviceable utilitarian baskets that are pleasing to the touch and a joy to use.

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*** This class is limited to 8 individuals to prevent the spread of covid-19. If feeling ill, let us know as soon as possible and please do not attend class. All students are required to wear a mask***

Now offering sliding scale pricing! Suggested admission is $295,  but we have a $275 sliding scale admission option, and a pay it forward option of $315. Additionally we have micro-reparations pricing for BIPOC students wishing to pay only the materials fee of $40. 

Need a scholarship?  We got you! Just email us fireweedwoodshop@gmail.com, tell us what you can afford and we will do our best to cover the rest.