Workshops

One of my students recently told me that I had changed the way in which she observes the world. This is exactly how I felt when I made my first basket. My garden and my local environment suddenly became a resource and a whole new world to discover; which plants to use, where to find them, the season in which to harvest them and how to prepare them.
​I have a broad experience of teaching all agegroups and abilities. In my workshops I aim to inspire and encourage even the most cautious beginner in a gentle 'hands on' manner. For those seeking to improve their skills I welcome the opportunity to share with them my knowledge and passion for basketweaving and sculptural fibrework.
Join my mailing list to hear about future workshop dates. Workshop Mailing List
​Why not host a workshop. Below are the various workshops I am happy to offer at your chosen location. Workshop Hosting Enquiry
​Bush Toys
​Discover your creative, sculptural side, as you hand build with straw to create a colourful animal.
The method of wrapping wool around straw to make a bush toy has been passed on by traditional indigenous fibre artist Bronwyn Razem from the Gunditjmara tribe, who has granted me permission to teach and share this art form. 
Suitable for children over 10
​Duration: 3Hours
Crystal Necklace Holder 
​Create a personalized necklace around your crystal of choice. Learn the weaving technique known as ‘Knotless Netting’ using fine waxed linen and handmade paper beads. The necklace design is suitable for exchanging your crystal and is adjustable in length.
Bring your own crystal or purchase from me.
​Duration 1 1/2 hours
Rush Basket 
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​Learn how to use ‘combungi’, the aboriginal term for bulrushes, to make a small round basket. The rushes are twined around stakes in a method common to basketmakers around the world.
(Dependant on availability of cumbungi)
Duration 3 hours

Stitching and Coiling
Exposed Core Stitched and coiled baskets:
The core material is visible and can either be a single plant fibre or mixed fibres, found materials such as fabric scraps and plastic bags. Also plant materials such as sweetcorn husks and any strappy leaves you can find, some are more suitable than others.
The stitching material provides an opportunity to introduce colour to your basket. Waxed linen, butchers twine, thick cotton twine or raffia are all suitable.
Duration: 3 hours
Sister baskets
These are an example of hidden core baskets:
Using the indigenous, blanket stitch method of basket making, two halves are joined together leaving a loop for the handle and a small opening.  I acknowledge indigenous basket weaver Bronwyn Razem for teaching me this method and giving me persmission to teach it.
Material for the sister baskets is raffia. This is a great material to learn the stitching method. I will show you samples made with native grass (mat rush) and how to source, prepare and use it for your next one.
Duration: 3 hours
Walk Talk and Gather
A hands on introductory session with the aim of discovering suitable local resources for making baskets.
I will bring examples of the different styles of baskets for inspiration, describe the materials used in each, how, where and when to harvest and prepare them. The session includes a walk around the local area or participants gardens to identify suitable plants and gather them.  Preparation of plant material, varies according to each plant. Most will need to be dried for a few days or weeks, some can be stripped and turned into twine, which I will also teach.
Duration: approx one and a half hours
 Random Weave Basket
Creative play as you learn how to scuplt with vines.
This style of weaving brings out our innate ability of using our hands to shape a natural form with plant fibres.
An introduction to the random weaving method and how to adapt the technique to suit a wide variety of plant materials.
Duration 3 hours
Melon Basket 
Pictureclick for notes on plant materials
Melon basket course:
A four session course, which includes learning various basketry techniques and a substantial amount of material.  Particpants are required to collect some of their own materials and work on the various stages at home. However when complete, there is an immense amount of satisfaction and a useful basket! 
Duration of each session 3 hours, held once a week 
Weave a Fish
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Several of the techniques for the melon basket can be practised first on this smaller project. Cordyline is used for the skeleton of the fish, with mixed plant fibres and/or fabrics for twining.
​Duration 3 hours