Join artist Freyja Ulveland of Half Moon Baskets for a fun, beginner-friendly, one-day workshop where you’ll weave your very own berry basket!

Using locally harvested willow, you will weave a small round basket, approximately 6” wide. Along the way, you will explore the fundamentals of stake-and-strand basketry, including forming a slath base, waling, pairing, slewing, and finishing with a rod border and wrapped-core handle. By the end of the workshop, you will have a handmade basket and an understanding of basic willow weaving techniques.

All materials and tools are provided. If you have a favourite knife or pair of pruning shears, you’re welcome to bring them along.

This is a beginner class, no experience necessary. There will be a 1-hour midday break.

About the Instructor:

Freyja Ulveland is a basketry artist and teacher based in Alberta. She weaves with willow, cattail, bark, and other plants gathered close to home, allowing the fibres themselves to guide the form and character of each piece. Her practice has been shaped by the generosity of women who have carried basketry in Alberta, sharing not only techniques but a spirit of care and connection. Alongside her studio practice, she teaches workshops that invite others to explore basketry and the possibilities of working with locally gathered materials, continually learning alongside her students.

Website & Instagram

Common Questions

Minimum age / Can I register my child for this class?

The participant must be at minimum 16 years old (with good hand strength) to be registered and attend class unaccompanied. Our instruction is centred around teaching adults. If a minor is less developed than an adult, they may find our instruction methods and pace challenging. We do not guarantee any accommodation of instruction geared to minors.

Workshop is a mature environment where there are very hot kilns in unrestricted production areas; mature art that can contain challenging matters such as profanity, nudity, and mature & challenging subjects; responsible consumption of legal substances such as alcohol in both common areas and private studios, and marijuana outdoors; and lively discussion that is not censored for young ears. By registering a minor, you are agreeing to the risks and environment that they will be entering. If you are registering as a minor, you confirm that a guardian has reviewed this warning and has consented to you registering.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting a little bit dirty. We will be working with willows and tools. The studio has aprons available for all students to wear while working. We recommend long hair be tied back and jewelry be removed before class begins.

Practice Hours

As this is a one-day workshop, our usual class practice hours are not included.

Cleanup

Classrooms must be left in a clean condition. Students are responsible for following Workshop’s cleaning protocols which are as follows: tables cleaned, floor cleaned up and mopped, tools put away, and laundry placed in basket.

Clean-up should be done with a wet sponge or a mop. Avoid sweeping in the studio as it will cause dust particles to become airborne.

Cancellations

Classes cancelled within 72h of the start date are subject to refunds only if a replacement is found for your signup. Classes cancelled anytime prior to 72h from the start date are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover our processing fees. Classes are subject to cancellations by Workshop in the case of low enrolment. If classes are cancelled by Workshop, you will receive a full refund, including processing fees.

What about Workshop being a safer space?

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Workshop Studios regardless of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, place of origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or source of income.

Workshop Studios does not tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour. Such behaviour is grounds for removal from the studio and may result in the cancellation of future registrations or a permanent ban.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Any harassing behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is unacceptable conduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal behaviour: Jokes, slurs, derogatory remarks, abusive language
Physical & visual: Unwanted touching, staring, filming or photographing
Visual displays: Derogatory items, posters, photographs, drawings
Verbal advances: Any unwanted or unwelcome verbal contact

If you feel you have been subject to any harassment, discriminatory behaviour or other abuse, please contact a Workshop Staff member. All communication is strictly confidential. We will work with you and if needed, and with your consent, with an independent mediator to address the issue.

Anyone exhibiting these behaviours can be asked to leave at any time by Workshop staff. By signing up to this workshop, you agree to read and follow our Safer Space Policy.

Willow Berry Basket Weaving