Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild

  The Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild is proud to present the basketry workshop schedule for 2023. We have a great lineup of instructors this year that will teach students of all skill levels new materials, processes and techniques. The blog will be updated as teachers, descriptions and photos become available. The workshops are help every third Saturday of the year (except January, February and December) at the Chatham Cultural Centre. All workshops require pre-registration. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail ( SWOBG.TREASURER@gmail.com ) or message us through Facebook.  Saturday, January 21, 2023 No workshop this month. Saturday, February 18, 2023 No workshop this month. Saturday, March 18, 2023 - Louise MacDougall Saturday,  April 15, 2023 - Martha Sands Saturday,  May 20, 2023 - Karen Kotecki Saturday,  June 17, 2023 - TBD   Saturday, July 15, 2023 - Amy Jorgensen   Saturday,  August 19, 2023 - Martina Obersat Saturday, September 1

Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guilds members got together for the last workshop of 2022. We made woven and wrapped ornaments to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. The annual potluck lunch was a great time to share and relax. The annual general meeting followed. The Guild had a great year of workshops and fellowship and 2023 promises to be even better. See you in March of next year!

Southwestern Basketry Guild member Martha Sands discussed with students how to harvest, process and dry different grasses, leaves, plants and barks for weaving. And then, students wove a small basket with the natural materials. Everyone took home a lovely, hand-woven basket. It was a fun day!            

Guild members Catherine Devine and Lorna Garton taught the lovely Double Triple Basket, a pattern originally designed by Flo Hoppe (and found in her book Contemporary Wicker Basketry ). Everyone had a great time and learned some new skills and techniques.   

Guild member Martina Obersat taught the fundamentals of rib basketry using square hoops. The first half of the day was busy and challenging but the rest of the day was more relaxing. Most students completed their baskets at the workshop. Square rib basket workshop            

The Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild is proud to present the first three basketry workshops scheduled for 2022. For more information, e-mail SWOBG.TREASURER@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page. Hope you can join us!

Guild member Louise MacDougall taught her beautiful basket with waxed linen lashing.The sturdy cathead basket was available in vibrant green and red weavers with dark blue spokes. Most students completed the basket at the Saturday workshop and now have a lovely addition to any room.