Willow Bark Necklace Basket

Create a tiny basket you can wear in this hands-on willow bark necklace basket class. This project combines traditional basketmaking materials with jewelry-style details to make a small, eye-catching piece that is both natural and decorative.

 

In this class, you will weave a miniature basket from willow bark that the instructor hand-gathered and processed along with waxed linen and a variety of beads as embellishments for the base.

 

You’ll learn how to handle and weave willow bark, shape the basket form, add a fancy rim weave, and neatly finish the piece so it can be worn as a necklace. The necklace cord is woven separately using a 5-strand waxed linen technique that creates a round cord, giving the finished piece a handcrafted look from top to bottom. 

 

By the end of class, you’ll take home a finished willow bark basket necklace, along with the basic skills to continue exploring small-scale basketmaking and decorative weaving. This class is a good fit for experienced makers who enjoy small projects, natural materials, basketry, jewelry, and wearable art.

 

 

About the Instructor: Cathryn Peters

 

Your instructor will provide the following materials:

A basket mold that can be used in class, a pattern, prepared and cut willow bark, waxed linen, and beads for embellishments.

Students are asked to bring:

• 1 bucket or dishpan for soaking the willow bark
• sharp embroidery scissors or fine, small basketry scissors
• soft fabric measuring tape or ruler
• flat-head screwdriver or basketry packing tool
• spray bottle
• large bath towel
• optional: magnifying headlamp or lighted magnifying table lamp
• wear old clothing that can get wet 
• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, we recommend you bring lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities. 

 

Skill Level 

Intermediate weaving level: prior basketweaving experience required, such as the ability to weave in miniature with narrow willow spokes and weavers, ability to twine weave, plait weave, weave a rim, string beads on waxed linen, and ability to follow written pattern directions. 

 

Age Recommendation

Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

 

Location Details 

Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine Street

Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

 

Cost Details

Tuition: $110

Materials Fee: $65

Total Cost: $175

 

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy here.