August 23 update: This workshop is canceled due to illness. Please send Mary well wishes and we hope you're able to find other forms of nourishing community connection this weekend. As always, hope to see you in time at our other upcoming classes and workshops. ♡
Death and Transition Series at LICHEN CENTER presents a Willow Basket Workshop with Mary Lauren Fraser
Come make a traditional willow basket with Mary Lauren Fraser! We will be making round-base baskets from willow, using techniques traditional to Scotland and other parts of Europe. Learn to make a slath for the base, staking up, three rod waling, and a handle of your choice to make a round base basket to use and enjoy for the rest of your life. We will also cover some propagation tips, history of willow basketry and other fun basketry topics!
Mary apprenticed under Karen Collins in Scotland and now offers handmade willow caskets to the local and greater New England community. Mary supports the growing movements of green burial and traditional home funerals in North America. Rather than shipping caskets far and wide, Mary hopes to inspire weavers from throughout North America to cultivate this traditional craft within their own local communities.
Mary lives and works in southern Vermont and teaches basketry workshops throughout New England and works in green burial education projects in New England and nationally.
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“The regenerative abundantly growing willow plant has been used for basketry for thousands of years. It is durable, incredibly strong, and beautiful. Students will each make a round-base basket in shape and size of their choice. The workshop will also cover respectful harvesting, propagation, storage and preparation of willow for weaving. Learn traditional weaves including twining, 3-rod waling, English randing, and 4-rod waled top border. Choose from three different handle designs and go home with a beautiful willow basket.” - Mary
Accessibility Note: This workshop takes a fair bit of hand strength and is for ages 12 and up.
Tuition: $175 plus $50 material fee. If this price is inaccessible, please be in touch with Mary (email her here) to talk through sliding scale options.
When: August 27-28, 10am-4pm each day.
Where: LICHEN CENTER, Blue Hill, Maine / Penobscot Territory
Sign-ups end on August 13th. 12 participants maximum.
This workshop will take place outside under a large tent, so please bring what you need to be comfortable. We will provide water, tea, chairs, and benches. Bring your own cups, snacks and lunch.
Accessibility: The meadow is relatively level with a few divots and tufts of long grass. There is an outhouse with a ramp nearby. Seating on offer are wooden benches and a few chairs. If you have any accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to let us know. To honor neurodiversity and the porcupines in the meadow, please don’t bring pups or kiddos. ♡ Further notes can be found on the Accessibility page.
This workshop is currently full; please contact us if you'd like to be added to the waitlist.
We hope to see you at other classes and workshops too! ♡