Working with Bark: From the Tree to the Basket

June 2018 in the Hudson Valley, New York State

04207 291A1724 Stefan.lisowski@warui.com
04207 291A1724 Stefan.lisowski@warui.com
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Bark Woven Baskets
Photo Oct 08, 1 20 54 PM
Photo Jun 11, 1 45 09 PM
Photo Jun 11, 4 00 01 PM
Carrying The Poplar Back
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Our Reading The Landscape Walk
04207 291A1724 Stefan.lisowski@warui.comIMG 2186 DSC1517 Min DSC0107 CopyBark BasketsPhoto Oct 08, 1 20 54 PMPhoto Jun 11, 1 45 09 PMPhoto Jun 11, 4 00 01 PMCarrying The Poplar BackIMG 7724Our Reading The Landscape Walk

A weekend workshop on harvesting, processing, and weaving with inner tree bark

Saturday and Sunday June 1st and 2nd 2019

In this workshop you will dive into the hands-on experience of respectfully processing a tree to harvest the inner bark for weaving baskets. On the first day, using a locally cut tree, participants will first remove the outer bark using a drawknife and then harvest the inner bark. On the second day we will cover how to split and size bark strips and then weave baskets using a variety of different barks in both twining and twill weave techniques. Throughout the weekend there will be discussion on what makes a good ‘basket tree’, identification, and respectfully harvesting plant materials.

This is a great class for those who really want to see the entire process from tree to basket and who don’t mind getting their hands dirty! It will be a hands-on experience and will require hand strength. If you have injuries or are concerned, but are excited about this workshop please reach out to me and we can discuss.

-photos by stefan lisowski

REGISTER HERE

LOCATION

Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Address will be shared upon registration or request

DATES 

Saturday June 1st,  9:30 – 5:00

Sunday June 2nd,  9:30 – 5:00

With an hour break for lunch

COST 

$285 for the weekend  (includes all materials and handouts on the process covered)

WHAT TO BRING

Additional info about these tools will be provided upon registration

  • strong scissors for cutting bark
  • a knife for carving
  • apron and gardening gloves or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
  • lunch and snacks (there are also local spots to eat)

Optionally

  • an awl
  • a drawknife

WHERE TO STAY

If you are traveling to the workshop there are many lovely places to spend the night locally. Here are a few links to the ones I am somewhat familiar with and a google search will find you more. Nearby Kingston and New Paltz also have motels and hotels.

AIR BNB:

Here is a link to air bnbs in the area for the weekend of the 21st. 

Bed and Breakfasts:

The 1850s House

The Arbor BNB

Camping:

Creekview Campsites

Over the course of the weekend you will:

  • Gain a well rounded understanding of the whole process of harvesting and processing bark
  • Work with a variety of tree species’ bark depending on what is available in my studio (tulip tree, white ash, elm, basswood, and black walnut are all possibilities)
  • Learn to weave a twined and twill basket using some bark you processed yourself and some that I have already prepared in addition to other natural materials
  • Leave with a finished baskets as well as the knowledge and inspiration to continue to create baskets with wild harvested plants

 

What is a day of basket making like?

To see some examples of baskets and student experiences from single day workshops check out the blog posts below or visit my current/past workshops page. There is such an amazing array of students that take my classes and I’m always impressed with the creativity and individuality that comes out when a person sits down and allows themselves the time to make something beautiful with their hands. 

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