The National Basketry Organization’s 12th Biennial Conference
Tacoma, Washington
July 22 to 27, 2025
Join us on the beautiful campus of the University of Puget Sound for our biennial conference, Tradition & Innovation in Basketry 12. During this year’s conference we will be observing and celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the National Basketry Organization. We’ve selected a wonderful lineup of instructors and are planning special events to show off the area and highlight 25 years of NBO’s accomplishments!
Each conference workshop is an intensive, 4-day experience. Please select only one!
Conference schedule TBA
HOUSING & MEALS
All on-campus housing will be at Trimble Hall. Click here to learn more about the dormitory setup and group “pods” of rooms.
Room & board for on-campus participants includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners from Tuesday night dinner to Saturday night dinner, and Sunday breakfast.
Participants who prefer off-campus accommodations (commuters) will receive 4 lunches and 5 dinners from Tuesday night dinner to Saturday night dinner. (No breakfast.)
WORKSHOP TUITION AND FEES
| NBO Member – On Campus | NBO Member – Commuter | Non-Member – On Campus | Non-Member – Commuter | |
| Registration Fee | $65 | $65 | $150 | $150 |
| Room and Board | $675 | $250 | $675 | $250 |
| Workshop Tuition | $925 | $925 | $925 | $925 |
| TOTAL | $1665 | $1240 | $1750 | $1325 |
REGISTRATION
Please register for your workshop using the links below.
The initial fee represents a $65 non-refundable conference registration fee and a $400 down payment on the remaining charges. You will receive a confirmation email from the registrar confirming your workshop, giving you a balance due and with all kinds of questions to confirm lodging, commuter, special meals, etc. Please be patient – it takes time to process so many registrations.
Member registration opens Saturday, November 16th at 12:00 Noon Central Standard Time
Non-member registration opens December 7, 2024 with an additional non-member fee of $85
Cancellation deadline: February 27, 2025. ($65 registration fee is non-refundable).
Registration closes on March 1, 2025.
*Exceptions can be made, but will be required to make payment in full at the time of registration.
For assistance please contact NBORegistrar@gmail.com
SCHOLARSHIPS
Full scholarships are available to those wishing to attend the NBO biennial national conference. NBO encourages applications from students, teachers, and makers at all levels and welcomes those new to the field as well as those with extensive experience. Along with makers, we encourage applications from those in curatorial, art history, research, and writing fields. Scholarship recipients will be responsible for their travel expenses and workshop fee. Persons who have not received a scholarship previously will be given first consideration.
GETTING THERE
CONFERENCE POLICIES
NBO Conference Health Policy
University of Puget Sound Alcohol and Drug Policy
By registering for a workshop, students assume the risk of working with the tools, equipment, and materials. In addition, your registration will confirm you have read and agree to the conference refund and cancellation policy, and the health policy in effect at the time of the conference.
WORKSHOPS
Each workshop is an intensive, 4-day experience. Please select only one!
Workshop offerings may be subject to change.
The images shown represent the work of the instructors and are not necessarily what will be created in the workshop. Please read the appropriate “Workshop information and tool list” for details.
Basket Insides: Another Way of Seeing & Imagining
Instructor: Pat Hickman
This workshop will encourage participants to build baskets from the inside out. The core, the visual ideas of what is being held, will be central and shape individual ways of working. A variety of possible structural techniques will be considered, determining which one(s) may be most appropriate. This is not a “how to” workshop. The importance of what is not there, not necessarily visible, will lead to conceptually based quick studies and studio exploration.
Students will bring familiar materials that are personal and have meaning to each of them—materials they work with in their own studios. Other structure/skin or membrane-like materials will be introduced and encouraged. All levels welcome.
Explore the Northwest! (Tour)
Guide: Lindsay Ketterer-Gates
This tour will give you a taste of the arts in the region surrounding the conference. Special trips to artist studios, museums, special presentations, etc. are being arranged to provide unique daily experiences that will make your friends jealous! Please note that the tour is being designed with the conference schedule in mind so that participants can attend all that the conference has to offer and share most meals with workshop attendees. Details to come as the conference and tour schedule are finalized. Open to all.
Register for this tour
Download tour information
Finding Shapes with Coiling Techniques
Instructor: Barbara Osborne
This class will explore several coiling techniques used to create sculptural forms with pine needles, waxed linen and stone slices. Day one will focus on learning the Margarita Stitch, which makes it possible to attach coiled baskets to stone slices or shells without drilling them. From there we will look at slanted columns, horizontal plates, bulb shapes, increase and decrease and other possibilities. Students will choose from among these possibilities to create an original coiled basket. Intermediate level.
Further Adventures in Japanese Basketry
Instructor: Flo Hoppe
Students will have many small traditional Japanese baskets to choose from. Some are traditional and some are more modernized versions based on the traditional. The baskets range from simple to very complex and each student can use the basic techniques to make each basket their own. Some of the techniques are: reticulated twining, 4-square knot, blossom knot, and Asa No Ha or hemp blossom base based on hexagonal weave. Students should be able to complete 8-10 small baskets depending on the complexity of the techniques. Intermediate/advanced level.
Paper Pots
Instructor: Roberto Benavidez
Students will be making paper pots using the piñata making technique. The form will be created by making a paper mache a balloon base, using PVA glue and printer paper. It will be finished with hand cut crepe paper that will be applied to the form using PVA glue. All levels welcome.
Playful, Sculptural Storytelling
Instructor: Nathalie Miebach
This workshop approaches the making of objects from the perspective of a story teller using basking weaving techniques (plaiting, random, twining). Learn multiple ways of starting a piece, variations of the basic weaving technique and how to integrate solid objects. Each day, a different technique and prompt will be used to build a form, which will become one of several components that builds your story. For those unfamiliar with the weaving techniques used, demos will be provided to help you build the forms. For more advanced weavers, prompts will be given to help you think outside the box in how to approach an object. The emphasis in this workshop is on play and using these sculptural approaches from the perspective of a tinkerer, willing to take risks with materials and the outcome of the work. We’ll be working mainly with paper-based materials, but you can integrate whatever you like. Perfect for advanced weavers, eager to explore unconventional approaches to building a form and great for beginners, eager to learn plaiting, random and twining. Beginner to advanced level, some weaving experience helpful.
Sculptural Ply-Split Braiding
Instructor: Annetta Kraayeveld
Create 3-dimensional pieces with ply-split braiding. The workshop begins with a small 2-dimensional sampler piece to get comfortable with 4 strand 4 ply cotton cord, learning how to use a fid, and understand the basic twining techniques (plain oblique twining, single course oblique twining and two layered oblique interlacing). We will then move on to 3-dimensional work. Students will receive materials to make several smaller sculptural pieces/vessels or one larger piece. Instructor will teach several ways to start, how to shape using tension and cord placement and various finishing techniques to encourage students to create their own unique piece(s). LEVEL?
Skins, Skeletons and Suminagashi
Instructor: Mo Kellman
In this experimental workshop, students will learn lashing and chaotic weaving methods for building skeletal structures with rattan and bamboo. On these frameworks, explore methods for building skins with rice papers, gut, and found nets. Suminagashi (Japanese marbling), kakishibu tannin, shellac and acrylic paints will further modify the membrane surfaces and structures. A series of guided exercises will prompt students to invent unique, original sculptural forms. All levels welcome.
Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
Instructor: Lynette Youson
Join us for an immersive workshop exploring traditional coiling techniques using natural materials sourced from the Gullah Geechie Corridor: bulrush, palmetto palm, pine needles, and sweetgrass. Under expert guidance, participants will develop the skills needed to craft beautiful and functional baskets while uncovering Gullah sweetgrass baskets’ rich history and cultural significance. The hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for this cherished art form and its enduring legacy. Open to all levels.
The Art and Craft of Stainless Steel Mesh Basketry
Instructor: Lanny Bergner
Working with stainless steel mesh students will construct biomorphic and geometric flame-painted stainless steel mesh baskets. Choosing from several design options provided by the instructor, students will make paper patterns and transfer their designs to the mesh. They will construct their baskets using flat-nose linesman pliers by twisting wire seams together and they will work with color-coated copper wire to secure and enhance mesh seams and basket rims. They will “flame-paint” designs on the mesh using propane and butane torches and then enhance surface designs with bas-relief. Techniques covered in class include wire wrapping and edging techniques as well as how to use silicone caulk and glass frit to enhance meshwork designs. Students need to have moderate motor skills and hand strength with dexterity to grasp and rotate a small linesman plier.
Twining Sculptural Baskets
Instructor: Lois Russell
Basket makers are the architects of the fiber world. They know how to make things stand up, and they know how to make baskets both bulge and slope and twist. Twining is just one of the ancient techniques used to create contemporary sculptural forms. This workshop will explore sculptural twining using waxed linen thread. Beginning with a provided base, participants will learn the basics of twining, including the principles of shaping and using color to create patterns. After these small baskets are finished with a simple rim, several base options will be presented. Then it is time to explore and everyone will be encouraged to experiment with shape, pattern and texture. Those with experience twining with waxed linen can expect to get to learning how to put weave “patches” of different patterns and make bumps. Open to all levels.
Wire as Fiber: An Integration of Technique, Process and Inspiration
Instructor: Marilyn Moore
Using wire as a fiber opens a whole new world. Students will explore this process using fine colored wires, which can be purchased from me or brought from their own stash. Included in the class will be the use of the torch as a tool for preparation of the materials. Wire cloth and wire will be used to create baskets and/or jewelry to excite the senses and expand on the weaver and wire workers technique vocabulary. Twining with fine colored wires, blending color, knitting and crocheting with wire, and working with wire cloth, will make an exciting adventure for students. Open to all levels.
Willow Gathering Pouch
Instructor: Jo Campbell-Amsler
An interesting rib-style pouch, this willow basket is a lidded shape with a bellied front and a flat back. Constructed using rib-style willow techniques, fine willow weavers will be the “heart” of the basket combined with willow bark strips and Siberian iris leaf cordage. Combining these materials, allows texture and creates tapestry-like effects with turn-backs for visual interest. Color options of embroidering with waxed linen along with a braided leather strap, closure and hinge ties and willow beads create the finishing details of the Willow Gatherings Pouch. Advanced level.
Woven Journals
Instructor: Delia Fian
The technique is the basic coiling technique of basket weaving and with the materials of pine needles, palmetto palm, bull-rush and sweetgrass. Learn the technique and the history of sweetgrass basket weaving. You will learn the love of the art and appreciate the time and work that is put in the art. Open to all levels.