Making a Coiled Straw Basket  with Charlie Kennard

Fibershed is a non-profit educational and research organization that develops regenerative textile systems that are based on carbon farming, regional manufacturing, and public education.We envision the emergence of an international system of regional textile communities that enliven connection and ownership of ‘soil-to-soil’ textile processes. These diverse textile cultures are designed to build soil carbon stocks on the working landscapes on which they depend, while directly enhancing the strength of regional economies. Both fiber and food systems now face a drastically changing climate, and must utilize the best of time-honored knowledge and available science for their long-term ability to thrive.

Fibershed

Learn about the materials, techniques and traditions of coiled straw basketry

We will use grasses or rush as the foundation for the beginning of a bowl-shaped basket suitable for holding fruit or for dough-rising. As binder, we will use split peeled willow. Participants with strong hands and who wish to start a skep (beehive) will have the option of using a roadside grass and binding cane.Beginning and experienced weavers are welcome. We will work with materials that can be gathered or grown in our area; they are not available in stores. The purpose of the workshop is to learn about the materials, techniques and traditions, rather than to necessarily complete a basket in class.The class is limited to 14 students, and will take place at the beautiful Fibershed Learning Center on Black Mountain Ranch near Point Reyes Station, CA. (Address provided upon registration.) Weather permitting, we will be sitting outdoors in a shaded area. (You are welcome to bring an outdoor folding chair or cushion, otherwise outdoor seating is on wooden stools.) In the case of rain, we will be in the garage classroom, which has plenty of ventilation and wooden folding chairs.Participants should bring large scissors, a pocket knife, and a small water bowl (a 9-inch cake pan is ideal); plus any personal snacks, lunch and beverages. Lunch is not included. Important note: Due to the ongoing pandemic, masks are required in indoor spaces for all participants, and we will maintain appropriate physical distance during the class. If conditions change and it becomes necessary to cancel because of the pandemic, your tuition and fees will be refunded._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Fibershed Scholarship ProgramFibershed is offering two scholarships to most workshops; one scholarship if it’s a small class. If you would not otherwise be able to attend, and would like to be considered as a scholarship recipient, please answer a few brief questions on this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7l9dTKeZFD0ZIqphxncMla6weXVbpFslvtwDnvROvqBX6eA/viewform" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Google Form</a>. Responses will be reviewed by Learning Center staff and kept strictly confidential._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and other traditional basketry techniques. He has taught for the Point Reyes Field Institute, East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, the Laguna Center in Santa Rosa and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the Bay Model in Sausalito, Lake County Museum, and another is in the collection of the Oakland Museum. You can also visit a basketry plant garden Charlie has created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.

Photos in collage at top of page: left and top right, courtesy of Charlie Kennard; bottom right, by Paige Green

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Making a Coiled Straw Basket with Charlie Kennard

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