As a fiber artist focused in basketry, my medium is derived primarily from the environment. I am continuously inspired by the abundance of natural material that surrounds me, and find myself driven to experiment with barks, roots and fibers that seem to lend themselves to textile applications. Care and patience is necessary in the gathering and processing of the materials. I enjoy combining traditional basketry applications with other historical fibers arts and metalworking techniques such as: piecework, lace making, and fabrication. My basketry forms are a celebration of the harmony that is intertwined between these materials and traditional methods.
Karen's work can be viewed on her Facebook page, Barks & Roots Basketry and Etsy - BarksnRoots. She is also represented by the Paige Wiard Gallery in Calumet, MI.
Saturday/Sunday (June 27-28) 14 hrs. (2 days, 7 hrs a day)
Using willow and cedar bark, learn this beautifully plaited, spaced and laced weave. The base begins with straight plaited willow bark which is manipulated into a spaced weave. Then, cedar bark is laced in on the diagonal to strengthen, secure and finish the lattice look weave. Once the initial basket with the open spaces is woven, we will flip additional lacers and begin to interlace into our beginning weave to add another layer and color of beautiful willow bark. The result is a beautifully textured weave accomplished by lacing with pattern options. The rim is buttonhole stitched into place with a cedar filler. Many unique techniques present themselves with this interesting and strong basket.
Approximate Size: 6 3/4” W x 4 3/4”H
Weaving Level: All levels - experience with a variety of weaves helpful
Cost: $ 380(class fee $295/ material fee $85)
*Please note: Workshop photos show the instructor's individual work and represent techniques taught, not necessarily what will be woven in class.