Instructor: April Stone
Materials Fee: $150
Black ash, also known as “Baapaagimaak” to the Ojibwe people around the shores of Lake Superior, is a native tree that provides beautiful, natural weaving material upon harvest and process of log to splint. Flexible to work with, Black Ash splint lends itself to a variety of basket shapes and sizes most suitable for fancy or utilitarian use.
Using scissors or slitting gauge and knife, participants will cut their pre-harvested and pre-shrunk, choice Ash splint into the working base, upright, weavers, handles, lashing and rim pieces. The base will be an optional plain weave or twill weave while the height of this basket is woven one round at a time, allowing creative play with weaver widths. This free-form woven basket will measure approximately 11” x 4” x 9” (or thereabouts) upon completion, bringing the total height to about 15” at the top of the handles. Use of a few decorative rows of natural plant dyed splint is optional. Time permitting, participants will be able to make their own basswood cordage for filler in the rim system.
Hand strength is required for this kind of basket work and must be comfortable using a knife.
With time and use, this basket will develop a beautiful patina.
Materials Fee: $150
Materials included in material fee:
- Locally harvested and pre-shrunk Black Ash splint
- Locally harvested and processed Basswood fiber for rim filler (optional)
- Access to natural plant/root dyed Ash splint in a variety of colors
Tools that will be provided for you:
- Fiskars brand scissors
- Mora knives
- Slitting gauges
- Spring clamps
- Band-aids
All tools and materials will be provided by the instructor but students are encouraged to bring a favorite pair of scissors or a carving knife, should they desire.