Join us for a perfect day of gathering, creating, and laughing. We will spend the day getting to know local plants that can be used for basketry and will create cordage and small baskets using various techniques. A meal will be provided over the campfire, including sourdough pizza, salad, and soup. We will top it off with some delicious, sweet desserts.

Wild basketry is an ancient craft that involves weaving natural materials—such as grasses, leaves, wood, vines, or tree bark—into functional and decorative containers. During this day, we will examine various wild plants that can be used for basket making. We will review how to harvest and process local plants and discuss the tools needed for collection and basket making techniques. Students will head out onto the land to collect grasses, roots, vines, and bark. Some material will be collected ahead of time.

During the 8-hour class, students will be able to create a few small baskets. We will cover basket techniques such as splintwork, coil, rib, and bark baskets. More details about the specific baskets we will create will be shared later; this will be determined by what plants are ready for harvesting and what is locally available at Tanglewood.

Learn a skill for life and become a wild basket maker!

NOTE: Accommodations can be made to stay at Tanglewood 4H rustic cabins for Saturday night. Please email woodthrushwilderness@gmail.com if interested when registering.