Summer is a wonderful time to slow down, relax and spend a few hours learning something new while creating with your hands (in the AC, of course!).

This month we’re focusing on one of humanity’s oldest—and most fascinating—crafts: basketry. Whether you’re curious about weaving your first basket or simply enjoy learning about traditional crafts, we hope you enjoy this month’s update.

Four Ways to Weave

Basket weaving is one of humanity’s oldest crafts. Archaeologists have discovered woven baskets dating back more than 10,000 years, and woven containers almost certainly existed even earlier. Long before pottery or metal vessels, people around the world relied on baskets to gather food, harvest crops, store grain, carry belongings, and organize everyday life.

What many people don’t realize is that there isn’t just one way to weave a basket. Nearly every culture has developed its own techniques, materials, and styles, resulting in an extraordinary variety of forms. Basketry has remarkable depth, and even experienced weavers continue discovering new techniques throughout their lives.

This summer Harbor City Art is offering workshops exploring four very different basket-making traditions.

Stake and Strand

Our Classic Reed Basket Trio Workshop introduces the traditional stake-and-strand method of basket weaving. You’ll create three beautiful baskets while learning the same foundational techniques used in larger reed baskets. It’s the perfect introduction to traditional basketry.

Rib Construction

The graceful Melon Basket Workshop uses a rib construction method that creates an elegant open-weave basket. Functional, beautiful, and surprisingly relaxing to make, it’s one of our favorite projects this season.

Twining

Twining is one of the world’s oldest weaving techniques. In the Twined Rope Bowl workshop you’ll learn how to transform simple cotton rope into a contemporary basket with wonderful texture and sculptural form.

Coiling

Natural raffia creates baskets with warmth, softness, and beautiful texture. The Raffia Basket Trio workshop introduces students to coiled basket making while creating three charming baskets you’ll enjoy using around your home.

SPECIAL GUEST WORKSHOP

Pine Needle Basket with Carol Crotts

We’re delighted to welcome Carol Crotts back to Harbor City Art for an another Pine Needle Basket Workshop.

Pine needle basketry is one of North America’s oldest basket-making traditions. Using longleaf pine needles and the traditional coiling technique, you’ll create a beautiful handcrafted basket while learning a style of basketry that has been practiced for generations.

Carol brings years of experience and a passion for preserving this beautiful traditional craft. If you’ve always wanted to try pine needle basketry, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Basketry may be our July spotlight, but there’s plenty more happening at Harbor City Art this summer.

• July 9 — Abstract Acrylic Painting

• July 10 — Watercolor Florals

• July 12 — Polymer Earrings Workshop

• July 18 — Fused Glass Workshop

• July 26 — Wire Crochet Necklace

• July 28 — Watercolor for Beginners and Beyond (6-week series)

• July 29 — Drawing for Beginners and Beyond (6-week series)

All of our classes are taught in small groups, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced artists who enjoy learning in a relaxed, supportive environment.

SEE YOU IN THE STUDIO

Thank you for being part of our creative community. Whether you’ve taken one class or many, your support helps Harbor City Art continue offering small, inspiring workshops for adults throughout our community.

We hope to see you in the studio soon!