Blue Mountain Baskets

Basketmaking & Growing Willow in the Blue Mountains, Ontario, Canada

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1st Week Open in our New Retail Studio!

Wow! It all started with a post from artist Don Kilby that he was leaving his studio to move up the street in Clarksburg.  My business partner, Kerrie & I jumped at the opportunity to move into his old studio. In only 6 weeks, we hatched the plan to start up a creative community space called Blue Mountain Makers.

Blue Mountain Baskets now has an in-town working studio space combined with a the Blue Mountain Makers retail gallery to showcase over 30 local artists & makers!  All of our Makers are local in the Blue Mountains & the Beaver Valley.  My husband is delighted that all of my baskets, tools & willow have left the living room, garage, basement & porches (which he refers to not so lovingly as my “twigs”) and I am over the moon to have all of my craft located in a studio where I can be readily be creative.

There is space with 2 tables to hold workshops right here, and we will act as a creative community hub in Clarksburg offering special events and gatherings such as Maker Mornings & Artsy Afternoons. Watch for Festive Friday events in this week’s posts…

Our thanks to Julie from mycollingwood.ca who came to our opening and took these lovely photos!

November 2:Basket Workshop presented by the Craigleith Depot Museum

What kind of basket?

This a great first stake & strand basket to try.  From willow sticks, stakes & weavers, you will craft an entire 10″ round basket in one day!

When?

Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 10 am to 3 pm

Time includes a break for lunch (bring one or go out for one).

Where?

Craigleith Community Centre in the Town of the Blue Mountains

Who?

Suitable for anyone including beginners.

How to register?

Register at the Library or follow this link:

https://www.thebluemountainslibrary.ca/chd-programs-events.cfm?is=59

January 25, 2020: Round Basket Workshop

What kind of basket?

This a great first stake & strand basket to try.  From willow sticks, stakes & weavers, you will craft an entire 10″ round basket in one day!

When?

Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 10 am to 3 pm

Time includes a break for lunch (bring one or go out for one).

Where?

Clarksburg in the Town of the Blue Mountains

Who?

Suitable for anyone including beginners.

How to register?

Register at the Marsh Street Centre: https://www.marshstreetcentre.com/events/workshop-round-basket-basketry-with-andrea-matrosovs-2

Workshops for the Library & Museum

 

The Canada Eve Party put on by the Library & Depot Museum is quite the tradition in the Blue Mountains! The Community Centre was busy all night with children’s workshops.  Children came by my table to learn how to make small willow trivets, fish & star wands.

I also volunteered at the L.E. Shore Library in August to teach how to weave little garden gnomes.  We made little garden gnomes using willow, dogwood, bark and wool. Children, parents & grandparents all had fun crafting together!

Mini workshops for mini willow weavers at the Clarksburg Children’s Festival

At the Clarksburg Children’s Festival in June, kids learned to make willow fish and magic star wands. A busy fun day for all!

Week 20: Artisan Market at the Marsh Street Centre

Athe artisan market on the weekend. I’ve made my own signs and shirt using a Kijiji Cricut maker! While at the market I completed a harvest basket of Dogwood and stripped willow.

Week 15: Spiral weaving workshop

Crafty pals enjoying the morning together making a spiral weave willow basket starting from a wood base. This project can be done in 2 hours and I love how each one turns out differently using the same technique!

April 13 Morning Workshop: Willow Spiral Weave Basket on Wood Base

Introduction to Basket Weaving: Willow Spiral Weave Basket on Wood Base

This workshop is a great introduction to basket weaving using a special weave. Starting with rustic wood base, you will learn how to do a spiral weave to create a small basket. See more details here: Willow Spiral Weave Basket on Wood Base.

  • Saturday, April 13 from 10 am to 12 pm
  • Upstairs at 185 Marsh Street, Clarksburg in the Blue Mountains
  • $40 per person (all materials included)
  • Tools, coffee & tea provided, just bring a snack if you like.
  • Please email andrea@bluemountainbaskets.com to register. Cash, cheque or card can be paid on April 13 when you come.

 

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