Natural Vine Garden Baskets

Instructor: Mary Doornbos

Weekend: July 15 & 16

10:00 a.m. –  4:00 p.m.

Ages 16+

All levels are welcome. No experience required. Some hand strength needed.

Explore the structure of Appalachian ribbed basketry. Using a combination of rattan and locally gathered honeysuckle and grapevines, students will create a sturdy and useful basket to take to the garden to gather fresh veggies, herbs, and flowers, or to tote a tasty picnic during an afternoon adventure.  We will start off with a nature walk to discover and harvest local materials and then learn processing methods to prepare our materials for future basket making. The instructor will provide pre-processed materials for the basket project. *Harvesting will take place at the John C. Campbell Folk School Campus. (link map)

There will be a 1-hour lunch break. Bring a lunch or explore local dining options.   

 All materials are included with $30 PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR  at the time of the workshop.
*Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. 

Schedule:

Saturday, July 15

10:00 a.m. Students will meet the Instructor at the Festival Barn on the Folk School Campus to harvest materials. (link map)

10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Explore the JCFFS campus and harvest materials.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Lunch Break and travel time to Olive’s Porch (link directions)

1:00 p.m. Students will regroup with the instructor at Olive’s Porch.

1:15 p.m. -4:00 p.m. Process materials and discuss techniques.

Sunday, July 16

10:00 am -4:00 p.m. Students will make their baskets at Olive’s Porch.

Student Supply List:

 *Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Small garden pruner
• Garden gloves
• An old towel
• Note taking materials (optional)
• Apron (optional)

Mary Doornbos has been a basket maker since 1983. Her academic credentials include a BA in Art Education and an MFA in Metalsmithing. Basketry has been a passion since moving to the rural south. She has learned many basketry tricks from outstanding teachers over the years. Mary embraces the fact that no machine can make a basket, and that many materials for this craft are available in one's own backyard.