Date and time: Monday, September 29, 2025. 6:30-9:30 pm PDT
Location: Multnomah Arts Center, Room 30. (7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR)
Cost: $26.00 (includes $6 class fee and $20 per student materials fee)
Maximum number of students: 12
Instructor: Jenna Lechner
Student skill level: All levels
Description:Enjoy the amazing smell and textural experience that comes from working with cedar bark!
In this 3-hour class you will create a 2" tall x 3.5" diameter basket, in a hexagonal open weave pattern. Working with western red cedar bark (Thuja plicata), we’ll learn how to weave in three directions (triaxial weaving) to create a hexagonal pattern, and how to do a basic rim around the basket. Your finished basket works well for holding small trinkets, or it can be displayed as a sculptural object.
Western red cedar bark has been called the “tree of life” due to its many uses and importance to Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples. We’ll discuss how to harvest the bark, process it, store it, and more. Your teacher will process the bark for your project ahead of time, but students are welcome to try their hand at processing a small amount of bark during class.
The hex weave design of this basket is popular in many countries, specifically made popular in the United States by the religious group the Shakers, and is also common in Asian countries, especially Japan. It’s a clever design, in that it provides a strong and sturdy weave, but is also lightweight and uses less material than most plaiting methods.
Instructor will provide written instructions and all weaving materials necessary for the class. Your kit will include: processed cedar bark, extra bark for processing, handout with diagrams & template, plastic sleeve to keep handout dry, extra scissors/soaking totes/spray bottles
Tools needed for class: A bath-sized towel, to keep workspace dry. Small clothespin clips, 5-10. Small scissors for cutting cedar. Spray bottle filled with water. Small tub for soaking cedar (a small, hard plastic tote works well)
Note: This class is meant for Guild members only. If you are not a Guild member, but would like to become one, we welcome you. Click here to become a member.
The last day to register or to get a refund is September 19, 2025. If the class fills, and you would like to be put on the wait list, email ColumbiaBasinBasketryGuild@gmail.com