Instructor:
Jo Campbell–Amsler
Workshop Name: Step by Step Willow Baskets
Date: April 29th-May 5th, 2024
Jo Campbell-Amsler has been weaving baskets with willow since 1981. Her work is featured in magazines, books, and seen in exhibits across the U. S., the most recent being an exhibit “Touchstone: A Half-Century of Craft” in the Speyer Gallery at Falling Water, a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Teaching nationally, Jo has co-organized basketry events: The Willow Gathering, Willow Weekend, and in 2022, The Willow Connection. She organizes and hosts basketry tours to Ireland, Scotland, Spain, France, Denmark, Wales, England, Italy, and Peru, visiting with fellow basket weavers and learning new skills.
About the Workshop
In the Willow Basket World, there is an infinite number of basketry techniques to learn and perfect. Rib-style techniques will be the focus for this class, following the designs of many century old basket styles. Learn about willow as a basket material, making frames for your baskets, and many of the basic techniques of a variety of lashings, rib placement, double rims, split ribs, while perfecting your skill of weaving.
Expect to complete 3-4 baskets during the week. See basket samples below.
This class is appropriate for all basket weaving abilities – new to advanced – as the traditional basket styles taught in the workshop will teach all skills needed for each basket. Hand strength is a must as willow has a strength of its own.
Tools/Supplies for Students to bring:
Bodkin or Large Awl, Basket Shears, Sharp Hand Pruner, Sharp fixed blade knife for “whittling” (box cutters work well, not the disposable ones), 1-foot square leather or denim scrap, 2 4-inch Hippo Clamps, pack of chenille sticks (craft pipe cleaners - 25 per pack available at most craft/hobby stores), 1 old bed sheet, 2 bungee cords (12”-16”) or cord to tie willow bundles, Water Spray Bottle, Work Apron (optional)
Basket Samples:
Big Bob
Breaking Loose
OSE Basket
Fishing Creel
Willow Bowls
Willowglen Gathering Basket
$90 - $150 depending on the selected projects of each student. Includes a variety of pre-made frames, materials for handles and rims, lashing materials, use of jig frames and drills, class handouts, 6-9 lbs. of willow for baskets, embellishments of beads, leather, and waxed linen for finishing techniques, and tool usage. Materials fees will be paid to the instructor at the workshop.
5 Day, 6 Nights Workshop 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.
Meals and Lodging: $1,100 per person private room, $720 per person shared room
Tuition/Fees: $745
Total Package Price: $1,465-$1,845
Non-refundable deposit of $250 due to hold workshop space. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to workshop start date.
