Learn to create beautiful, twined baskets with your own hands, using natural materials from your yard and neighborhood.

In this course, we’ll weave twined baskets using an ancient weaving technique where two or more flexible horizontal strands twist around stiff vertical stakes. The horizontal weavers intertwine around the vertical stakes to create a strong and tight structure.

This two-day, hands-on class is ideal for anyone who wants to understand and create with natural materials. Basket making is more than a craft – it’s a way to reconnect with your hands, slow down, and transform simple fibers into something tangible. As we work with a plant material, we gain a new appreciation of the biology of that particular plant. We connect with the environment around us and that connection gives our work a unique, additional layer of meaning.

What to expect: 

You will leave with a finished basket and the necessary tools for future creations. You’ll learn which local plant materials can be harvested and used, allowing you to build on your new skills and experiment on your own. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary!

Feedback from Clare’s past maker course:

“A great way to spend the day! Clare was very friendly and open to questions and discussion. She had handmade baskets examples which highlighted the use of different materials and skill levels.  Well done!”

“This was a wonderful class. Clare was so patient and a joy to work with!”

“Clare was very knowledgeable and helpful in teaching the weaving techniques.  She shared a wealth of information about how to identify, harvest, and use a wide variety of materials.”

Please note:  The charge for this Chesapeake Forum course includes the cost of materials used for making your basket plus the normal contribution toward Forum overheads for two sessions.  **Seats for this program are giftable but not refundable unless there is someone on the waitlist to take the seat. **

2-day block | Wednesday | Oct 28 | noon – 4pm | AND | Thursday | Oct 29 | 8am – noon *note the extended time! | IN PERSON (in our classroom at the Easton Family YMCA) | $50