Threads 108: Basketry Classes Across Canada - Part 2
In this Threads, we will introduce you to four basketry schools in Ontario. For our next issue, please let me know if you can recommend any basketry schools in western Canada.
Lakeshore Willows
Over 25 years ago, Lene Rasmussen was visiting her homeland in Denmark when she noticed the many fences and baskets made with willow. Returning to Canada she started planting, growing and then selling basketry willows grown on her property in Wainfleet. She also took many classes in basketry before teaching in Canada. Recently she retired and Johnny Sunderman, an energetic young man, took over her business. He is still operating the willow farm, selling willow and cuttings. He is teaching in the Community Room attached to the Glen Morris United Church and a variety of locations across Ontario.
https://www.lakeshorewillows.com/site/home
Branch Ranch
Small Round Baskets with The Branch Ranch
The Branch Ranch is located just north of the picturesque village of Warkworth, Ontario. Established around 2014 and 2021, Jess and Chris York, along with their family, proudly took ownership, moving operations to their farm.
At the heart of The Branch Ranch are its workshops, which provide hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and nurture skill development. Whether participants are weaving baskets, constructing living willow structures, or learning to grow and prepare willow, these workshops are designed to be enjoyable and enriching. Workshops run year round and include a variety of weaving projects and welcomes guest instructors.
They sell living willow cuttings, dried willow, and custom willow structures.
Find out more about workshops and purchasing resources https://thebranchranch.ca/workshop
Wind and the Willow
Sian Pritchard, lives in Grafton Ontario, has been growing Willow for several years. She teaches regular workshops throughout the year, baskets, decorative and living willow sculptures and recently interested in caskets. https://windandthewillow.com
Lanark Highlands Basketry Museum
Reprints of the Basketry Express are available
Last, but not least is the Lanark Highlands Basketry Museum in McDonalds Corners. We are offering five workshops, with five local materials and five techniques. The workshops run June through November. Materials will include cedar bark, spruce roots, cattails & rushes, grapevine and willow.
I also reprinted three volumes of the Basketry Express, a quarterly magazine from 1985 -2000. They can be purchased at the museum and online.
