Class @ Glen Morris United Church at 453 East River Road, Glen Morris, Ontario

In this private three day weaving extravaganza we will be making willow backpacks! This was my first ever weaving project, and I'm stoked to now be offering this as a class. I have used my backpack for many years and it's brought me so much joy.  I can't wait to see everyone's finished work!

We are still sorting out details and making arrangements but we wanted to get the registration ball going so we know who to expect!

Rough outline for the workshop:

Day 1 (Oct 24): we plan our backpacks, weave oval bases, complete the base wale after inserting and upsetting stakes. 

Day 2 (Oct 25): we will complete our side weaves (French rand, English rand, zig zag, etc) the top wale and complete our borders (rod or trac).  Depending on the pace everyone is weaving at, we could get started on lids. 

Day 3 (Oct 26): we will make lids for our baskets, install hinges, latches and straps with adjusting hardware

I'm expecting that most people will be fairly acquainted with willow already so there will be some flexibility to the schedule-- if people choose to forgo the lids and latches, and say make a larger backpack-- or just go at a slower pace -- all the power to you! I'll have an assortment of nice willows for us to play with, with a stocked freezer next door- so weave your heart out! 

All tools and materials will be provided.

Also, I have been speaking with my friend Amanda Rataj (https://amandarataj.com) who is an amazing artist and hand weaver, and we've been scheming up something special for you! More details to follow.

Overnight accomodations @ Squirrel and Beaver HQ (451 East River Road)

Folks are welcome to stay overnight at our place next door. We have a few spare bedrooms, a couch, and plenty of floor space for air mattresses/sleeping mats, or if you prefer to camp that's an option but it will likely be quite cold. We are envisioning shared meals and some cosy times, campfires and more.

We will be formalizing a meal plan for folks that are staying over once we get an idea of numbers. We're thinking more of a low cost/collaborative type structure, we will surely have some staples on hand and keep a structure in place but would be appreciative if we could hold this together.

AND

-- For the tenacious folks who haven't had enough! We will be also hosting a separate event, an open weaving social day on Sunday the 27th followed by a Balfolk dance in the evening. There will be no formal workshops at the social, but this is a great place to meet other weaver's, see their work, get inspiration, and share space in community! More info on that to follow. 

ACCESSIBILITY DISCLAIMER  Weaving willow is physically demanding, and if you have pre-existing issues with your hands/wrists or arms this workshop might not be right for you. If you have any concerns please reach out via the contact form before registering for a class. This venue is wheelchair accessible. 

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS  A refund of 50% of the workshop fee will be issued when canceled 2 weeks or more before the workshop date. Material fees will be refunded in full.  Less than two weeks before the class is scheduled to start, tickets are considered transferable but not refundable. Classes cancelled by Lakeshore Willows will be refunded in full.