It’s hard for Annetta to remember a time when she was not making something, she is a maker. In the early 1990’s, she discovered basket weaving after stumbling upon a book and begging a lesson; she quickly began making baskets, experimenting, and teaching basketry. She has been teaching at fiber arts and basketry gatherings across North America since 2000.

Over the years, Annetta’s work has won several awards and been included in several national exhibits. She currently has work in Art Evolved: Intertwined (Studio Art Quilt Associates and National Basketry Organization), Papermade (Fiber Art Now) and the both the 2023 & 2024 Small Expressions (Handweavers Guild of America).

Annetta served as the National Basketry Organization Board president in 2022 & 2023. She participated in the World Wicker and Weaving Festival in Poznan, Poland in 2023.

Baskets. What started as a hobby soon became her life’s work. As a teacher, she focuses on mastery, basketry techniques and stretching perceived limits. As a maker, her work is somewhere between traditional and contemporary.

Annetta was born and raised on the prairies in Alberta, Canada. After living among the trees in Wisconsin for many years, she is happy to weave and live surrounded by mountains in Helena, Montana.

A workshop for students who want an intensive study of diagonal twill plaiting with paper. The workshop will provide plenty of one-on-one instruction as well as clearly written instructions to take home. A perfect workshop to master diagonal twill plaiting. In addition to the instructor bringing prepared paper for weaving projects, students may also paint and/or dye their own paper during the workshop.

Diagonal Twill Plaiting: Students will work at their own pace, progressing through various projects to gain confidence and learn a variety of diagonal twill techniques. Most students will begin with Diagonal Twill Basics, weaving two baskets simultaneously while exploring the foundations of this technique. After that, the instructor will help students chose project that help them build their skills and confidence throughout the week. Students who have attended this workshop in the past will have the opportunity to learn new techniques and advanced students may be interested in exploring designing.

A minimum of 5 projects are required. (Painting and dying each count as one project).

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Course Description: Students may choose from a variety of projects that explore pattern and color use, teach how to create extra corners and shoulders as well as working with a variety of bases: square, rectangular, non-symmetrical, footed and triangular bases. Materials and instructions for a variety of diagonal plaited baskets will be provided in class.

Preparing paper for weaving: In this workshop, students will weave with two types of paper and they have the option to explore applying color and cutting paper. Students may choose one or both of the following paper preparation options:

1. Using acrylics to paint two large sheets of watercolor paper.

2. Using a low water immersion method to dye two large sheets of washable paper. After their paper has cured (about day 3) students may cut their paper and use it in class or take it home with them. Instructor will provide paper, dye and paint, as well as cutting tools.

Both types of paper can be used for diagonal twill plaiting. In the workshop we will discuss why we are preparing them differently, as well as how each type of paper can be used. Project suggestions for each type of paper will be available.

Students will weave at their own pace, choosing from a number of paper projects offered by the instructor. Most projects will take the full day, though some will only take a few hours. A tally of material costs will be tallied through the workshop and accounts settled at the end.

Tools:

For Painting: paint clothes or paint apron, paint brushes (I suggest 1” and 2” for sure) sponges (for sponge painting – textured and/or smooth), 2-3 pairs latex gloves, water container (cottage cheese containers work well), 10-12 paper plates, spray water bottle.

For Dying: paint clothes or paint apron, 2-3 pairs latex gloves, n95 face mask, several water containers (cottage cheese containers work well), a large dish pan, two 48-60 OZ (square, rectangular or round) Glad container (found at the grocery store or Walmart)

For Weaving: A #24 tapestry needle, sharp scissors, a ruler, a small packer and toothless micro clips. (Instructor will have 3mm packers and micro clips available for purchase.)

Students are also encouraged to bring a notebook for notes and sketches.

5-Day, 6-Nights Overnight Package Includes: 6 nights onsite lodging, private chef prepared meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 5 days of instruction in a private venue.

Supply fees paid directly to instructor. Diagonal Twill Basics projects (kits) and prepared materials for intermediate and advanced projects - $35-$70 each. The cost of painting 2 sheets of watercolor paper is $90 and the cost of dying 2 sheets of washable paper is $75. Students may do both, however, splitting (one sheet of each) is not an option. You must sign up for painting watercolor and/or dying when you register for class.

Meals and Lodging: $1,172 per person private room, $757 per person shared room

Tuition/Fees $685

Non-refundable deposit of $250 due to hold workshop space. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to workshop start date

Policies: When making a reservation, students will be asked to acknowledge and agree that they have read and understand Shenandoah CREATES Payment, Refund Cancellation, Liability and Sick Policies.

Other information is provided on the FAQ page.