Basket Weaving Workshop

I had the best time today -I signed up for a Basket Weaving Workshop at the Cape May County Main Library. It cost $10.00 and was taught by an ex Coast Guard Laurie Schiffelbein. It was a six hour workshop and except for a 5 min bathroom break -we worked the entire time. The workshop had 10 people sign up but eight showed up. The eight finished baskets were all amazing. Mine was the best -:))

but I liked them all -each woman picked her own colors and size of splint to weave. Yellow and white/red white and blue and yellow/purple and white/red and white/green and light purple and yellow flooded the room. It was Easter and baskets were everywhere.



Those who know me, know I have lots of baskets -all kinds -but this is the first one I ever made myself from start to finish. I think the key is same day workshops. That way I am forced to finish and don't have time to get bored. I really like baskets -I would like to learn to make them from native South Jersey materials -these are made from imported bamboo from China. Suppliers are H.H. Perkins Co. in North Haven, Conn. The problem with native plants, is I have trouble identifying poison Ivy and Sumac -and man, am I allergic! The teacher Laurie -once offered a workshop with native plants -no one wanted to use them and she got -yep-poison Ivy reaction.



Laurie is holding another workshop at the end of the month -the 'advanced basket' she is teaching is a magazine basket with a U-handle. I have already checked it out and think I can adapt it while I am making it.



My new bike needs a basket.