Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild

Guild member Martina Obersat taught the fundamental techniques of ribbed baskets at this workshop. Everyone learned the four-point lashing ("God's eye") to secure the round hoops together and placing and positioning the ribs to create the lovely melon shape. We also had time to customize and ornament the handle. Everyone took a unique basket home and all were bright and beautiful.     

Long-time guild member, Martha Sands, taught students the beautiful and practical Storage Basket. This was a large class and Martha taught everyone how to weave on a wooden base, insert wooden handles and lash the rim. Everyone finished their baskets on Saturday and took home a strong basket which will last for years.                 Photo: A bevy of baskets...ready to take home.  

The Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild was very pleased to have Ontario willow teacher & willow grower Johnny Suderman teach a stake and strand willow basket with willow bark. The workshop proved very popular and the students were excited for a full day of willow weaving. Johnny had an organized day for us, showing us (sometimes repeatedly) the techniques and steps to complete this lovely basket. Every student brought home a beautiful and useful willow basket.       

Long-time guild member and  teacher Karen Kotecki taught a variety of baskets for the Southwestern Ontario Basketry Guild. She taught in Chatham on Saturday and in Windsor on Sunday--a weaving weekend! The weekend's baskets emphasized shaping and weaving special rims. Everyone learned new techniques and went home with a beautiful wicker basket.    Saturday in Chatham            Sunday in Windsor          

Long-time guild member Louise MacDougall taught students a basket of her design--the hanging basket. Students learned basic stake construction but also french randing and creating an integrated handle. The workshop was fun and productive.   Beautiful basket in a beautiful setting (by J. Prety).