I just got back from two wonderful weekends of willow workshops at Greendoor Folkschool in Michigan, and at inchbyinchwillows in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
It has been a great start to the year. I love teaching and we have some great workshops coming up. There are still spots in several of them, listed below. Would love to see you there!
Willow Suet Feeder
March 12, 6-8 pm, Glen Helen Vernay Building, Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Members $30, non-members $40.
Registration at https://glenhelen.org/programs-and-events/
Land-based Crafting Series: Cold Process Soap
April 11, 9-12, 9 am to 1 pm. Centerville-Washington Park District. SOLD OUT
Fee:: $75 residents, $95 nonresidents
Register at https://cwpd.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=5356
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 1
Join Beth Bridgeman, a full-time maker from Yellow Springs, Ohio. We will learn to make soap through cold processing, using lye and fat to build our bars as well as essential oils and natural colorants. Participants will walk away with 8-10 bars of gentle, natural and handmade soap along with information, history, and the confidence to make your own soap at home. All materials are included. Light refreshments will be provided.
Herbalism Folk School Weekend Workshop
April 25-26. Agraria Center for Regenerative Practice, Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Registration coming soon at https://www.agrariacenter.org/events-2-1 Traditional Medicine, Food as Medicine, Community-supported Herbalism.
In this two-day class, you will learn to make teas and tinctures, syrups and salves. We will forage some of our materials and other materials will be provided.
In addition to hands-on activities, participants will learn about the history of herbalism in US, traditional ecological knowledge, plant communication, suppression of herbalism in US by pharmaceutical lobby, etc and be provided with book and resource list.
You will leave with ideas for creating your own Materia Medica and knowledge to continue your own folk herbal crafting at home.
Willow Backpack
April 17-19, Green Door Folk School, Cedar, Michigan.
Register at https://greendoorfolkschool.com/class/willow-backpacks/
Practice the craft of willow basketry while creating the perfect vessel for hiking in the woods or toting things around town. In this three-day workshop, you will learn to make a willow backpack with straps. We’ll begin by making an oval base and inserting stakes. Then we’ll weave the upsett, and begin weaving the sides, using the French rand method. On the second day, you will continue by weaving to the top of the backpack, ready for the border. On the third day, you will weave the border, add a footer if you choose, cut the straps to size, make the straps, add the buckles, and insert the straps onto your backpack. Experience the gratification of having an heirloom backpack that you’ve made yourself!
Willow Basket Workshop
May 30-31, Gracious Farm, Goshen, Ohio Cost: $325
Register at https://thegraciousfarm.com/booking/ola/services/willow-basket-workshop
Learn to make a stake and strand willow basket to use as a gathering basket, in the garden, or at the farmer’s market. In this two-day workshop, you will learn the basic willow basketry techniques of creating a base, twining, waling, randing, and making a border and handle. At the end of the two-day workshop, you will take home a sturdy heirloom basket that will last for many years, along with the confidence to make your own future basket on your own.
Willow Foraging Bag
June 6-7. Tillers International, Scotts, Michigan. SOLD OUT
Register at https://tillersinternational.org/events/willow-foraging-bag/
In this course, you will learn to work with willow, making a stake and strand foraging bag that you can use for many years. Cost: $280.
On the first day, you will learn how to make an oval base, insert stakes, weave the upsett, and begin weaving the sides, using the French rand method. On the second day, you will continue the weaving, weaving to the top of the bag, complete the border and add a carrying strap. You’ll Walk Away With:
- A beautiful, handwoven bag you made yourself and that will last for decades
- The skills to make an additional bag on your own at home
- Hands-on experience with creating bases, twining, waling, French randing and borders
- Confidence to try again!
Willow Asymmetrical Basket
September 19-20 National Apple Museum, Biglerville, PA SOLD OUT
Register at https://inchbyinchwillows.com
We will weave an asymmetrical basket with the instructor Beth Bridgeman. This will hold the space open for you for the 2-day class in September. More information to follow. Location will be at the National Apple Museum in Biglerville, PA 17307. The full cost is $327. This registration fee will be rolled into the final cost. This registration fee is fully refundable up to 14 days prior to the class date.
Local (Yellow Springs, Ohio) Workshops
Note: I will be adding several local workshops soon. Check back here.
Private Lessons and Workshops
Have you been thinking about taking a workshop to learn how to weave a willow basket?
Private basketry lessons are offered for one or two individuals at a time in my home studio in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Individual lessons are $200 per day plus materials for one student, $175 per day each plus materials for two students.
Group lessons can be booked at your location for a minimum of four students (maximum eight). Group lessons at your location are $150 per day plus materials, per student, for groups of 4-8, plus mileage.
Contact me about dates and times that will work for both of us.
Some baskets can be made in a day, but most classes require two days. Some, such as backpacks, often require three.
I offer workshops in specific baskets, such as asymmetrical, round and oval shoppers, garden baskets, backpacks, foraging totes and purses, lipped trays, charcuterie boards, bird feeders, etc. I will also work with you to make a basket of your own choosing.
To book a private class for one to two people, or a group class of 4-8, please send an email to bethbridgeman1@gmail.com.
