Willow weaving classes in Wainfleet, Ontario

The event of willow weaving classes here at Lakeshore Willows, Wainfleet, Ontario last week with Danish basket maker Anne Mette Hjornholm was - once again - a great success.
With students coming from Canada's East coast to USA's West coast and many places in between it is without doubt that there is an interest for learning willow basketry from some of the World's most talented weavers.

Paying attention to Anne Mette's introduction

We worked in the barn most of the time with a few of us migrating outside when the sun finally decided to chase away the clouds. 

This year we had 4 days of classes arranged as two 2 day classes so that students could choose to take one or both of the classes.

Those who chose to be here for all 4 days had a wonderful opportunity to start and finish different projects during the course of the 4 days and some brought home 2 and others 3 baskets.       
 As each two-day class didn't have a specific basket to be taught, you could work on your projects at your own pace without having to take home half finished baskets or idle for half a day as is sometimes the case when you have to "follow" the class.


We had planned the classes over the theme of round and oval bases being the foundation to master when making baskets.
Each student could choose which basket to make guided by Anne Mette and paying attention to her level of experience and many beautiful baskets were created.
There was a lot to be learned for both beginners and experienced weavers alike and we were all so very inspired by Anne Mette, her talent and workmanship. 
I know that I am not the only one looking forward to next time!
In the meantime I am looking forward to Danish basket makers Ane Lyngsgaard and Eva Seidenfaden visiting to teach here in just over 3 weeks. Check it out here at the Willows blog in my last post and on Lakeshore Willows' website.

Words and photos by Lene Rasmussen,Willows.