Braided Basswood Basket
Description
Friday, April 26, 2024
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuition: $48 Class Materials: $10
*We recognize that not all our class prices are accessible for our whole community, and this system allows folks to choose how much they pay for a class. Using a sliding scale helps us work toward our belief in economic justice and accessibility of folk education.
Tree bark is very special. The American Basswood aka American Linden, is a large deciduous tree found most commonly in central and southern parts of Minnesota. Of course its name hints at one of its most valuable purposes: basswood = bast = fiber. If peeled carefully, the inner bark of the tree can form long, thin strands of fiber that can be woven together for various purposes. Native Americans used the basswood as one of their primary sources of rope cordage.
The bark can easily be removed from the tree in late June - early July. The basswood tree fibers also take on dye very well, expanding the creativity for its uses. The basswood is sometimes called the “bee tree” because of the amount of nectar produced, making high quality honey.
Come to the Ely Folk School and spend a few hours learning about the Basswood tree and practice braiding the fibers to make a small basket. Students will learn three different ways of braiding. Ample time is given for students to work on their project with the goal of finishing in class. If students do not have time to finish their basket, material will be available to take home.
About the Instructor: Alexia Springer is the co-owner of Ely Bike and Kicksled and enjoys teaching classes in outdoor education and a variety of other topics. She personally enjoys participating in various creative outlets including earring making, foraging, basket making, sewing, and mending. Alexia grew up participating in 4-H, specializing in basketry, sand art, and photography as a kid. Alexia has always enjoyed creating in nature and has a degree in Outdoor Education. Many of Alexia's current artistic interests involve some sort of natural element to them. Alexia has a passion for teaching experiential education and loves helping organinze youth classes at the Ely Folk School.
John Zasada is a retired silviculturist with the U.S. Forest Service in Grand Rapids. He has been teaching birch bark weaving for over 15 years.