About

Build your basket making skills and use of natural materials in this two-day weekend class.  You will be making a pattern vase from western red cedar bark, NW sweetgrass, big leaf maple bark and Irish waxed linen thread. The vase is approximately 4-1/2” by 2-1/2  in size. 

Several techniques/patterns will be taught in which you can also utilize in other baskets you make. 

Techniques include:

• The hexagon or star start
• Basic “S” and “Z” twinning
• Arrow stitch
• 3 strand twinning
• Lummi “X’s” and 1/2 “X’s”
• Braided rim
  

What supplies students should bring:

• Students should wear comfortable work clothing and shoes 

• Bring a sack lunch and water. 

  BARN has a refrigerator to store your lunch, located on the lower level.
• BARN will provide needed tools and supplies.

Details:

• Skill Level: Class is suitable for all levels.  Beginners may need to modify their basket or make a smaller one.
• There is a materials fee of $35 included in the price of class. 
• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols. 
• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available - click here to fill out the simple application before registering for a class. For those who might need physical assistance, please learn about BARN's Companion Program here. 

Instructor Bios:

For Erin Quann, “Basketry” is both a spiritual and a creative outlet. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking in nature and respectfully collecting natural materials that surround her Hood Canal home. Learning to prepare and creatively weave various barks, grasses and roots into a basket from start to finish, is like telling a story and very gratifying. \Erin’s appreciation for baskets began at a young age when her parents brought home beautiful Native American works of art that they had purchased during travels to the North and Southwest. After retiring as an RN, Erin sought out Jo and George Hart as teachers and mentors.

Erin, along with Jo Hart and Pat Froelich, helped to form the “Better Together” open weave group that meets at the BARN the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10:00am to 2:00pm. She believes we have an obligation to share and pass on knowledge of basketry weaving techniques/styles so they are not lost or forgotten. Erin looks forward to continuing her education and the sharing of ideas of this amazing art form.