Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild

Guild member Louise Warner-MacDougall and basketmaker extraordinaire, created a cute little basket with a slotted base and attached handle. The spokes were held in place with twining and the sides were built quickly using a continuous weave. As always, Louise inspired us with her teaching and examples.  We shared a potluck lunch and held the annual general meeting.  Next year should be another year of great basketry instruction with inspiring teachers and new techniques and materials. Hope to see you all in 2025!                            

Guild member Martina Obersat taught students how to weave a large, wide-bottomed Hen Basket. This traditional rib form was challenging but many beautiful baskets were created.  

Guild member and SWOBG programme organizer Martha Sands taught members to weave a small basket around a glass jar using locally-gathered materials. Martha discussed how to harvest, dry, prepare and weave with willow and birch bark, sweetgrass, rush, sedges and iris and lily leaves. The everyone completed a beautiful and natural container.     

  Guild member Martina Obersat taught students how to weave a tool basket with a divider and a beautiful swing handle. Many techniques were learned. It took all day but everyone completed a basic basket.  

Guild member Louise Warner-MacDougall taught the basic technique of coiling using long pine needles and artificial sinew. We spent the day wrapping needles into lovely small baskets. Louise inspired us with the many examples of her beautiful work.   

Guild members Jane and Will taught us how to make a small whisk broom using broomcorn. This material was a first most students and it was great fun. A hand full of broomcorn is tied together with tarred twine and the handle was covered with reed. This traditional form is both functional and decorative.       

The 2024 basketry workshop season has started! Guild member Martha Sands taught the importance of embellishment. The beauty of a basket can be greatly enhanced with the perfect colour or pattern. Students took home a charming basket with their choice of colour and embellishment. Fun way to spend a Saturday.