Intro to Coil Basketry: Weaving with Pine Needles

Join us for an immersive Intro to Coil Basketry Workshop where you’ll learn the ancient art of basket weaving using local pine needles. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own coiled basket while discovering traditional techniques, weaving patterns, and sustainable harvesting practices. Perfect for beginners, this experience fosters both creativity and connection with nature through the beauty of handcraft.

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Welcome & Overview of Workshop
Gather, introductions, and overview of sustainable pine needle gathering and preparation.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Introduction to Coil Basketry Techniques
Learn foundational basket-weaving skills, including coiling, shaping, and securing.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Guided Basket Weaving
Begin creating a coiled basket with guidance on technique and form.

1:30 PM – 1:45 PM | Lunch Break (Please bring a packed lunch)
Time to relax and recharge.

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Finishing Touches & Creative Personalization
Continue weaving, adding any personal embellishments, and perfecting basket shape.

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Closing Circle & Reflection
Share finished baskets, reflections on the workshop, and appreciation for natural materials.

• Weaving Basics: Learn foundational techniques of coil basketry, including shaping, coiling, and securing your basket. Our instructors will guide you through each step to create a beautiful, functional piece.
• Cultural Insights: We’ll discuss the history and cultural significance of coil basket weaving, giving context to this timeless art form and its role in different communities.
• Community Connection: While weaving, we will create a container for discussion and connection surrounding various topics that are on our hearts and minds this winter.

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• Skill Level: No experience required. This workshop is designed for beginners and those looking to expand their handcraft skills.
• Materials Provided: All weaving materials, including pine needles, twine, and a sewing tool, are included in the ticket price.
• What to Bring: Please dress comfortably. We will be indoors for the majority of this course but may venture outdoors to go for a brief plant walk.

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Matt Hale is a mycologist and naturalist from the Skykomish Valley of Washington State. His lifelong passion for wilderness, plants, and fungi led him to studying at Alderleaf Wilderness College where he graduated in 2015 with Permaculture Design and CyberTracker Level II certificates. Over the last 10 years, in addition to teaching wilderness skills to youth and guiding wilderness therapy trips, Matt owned and operated a farm and forage business in Sedro-Woolley.

Ansley Roberts is an Appalachian-born, desert-grown kid with more tree sap running through her veins than blood. She apprenticed with Ariella Daly of Honey Bee Wild in beekeeping, dreamwork, and goddess study as well as in wilderness ceremonial leadership with Cascadia Quest. As a trained herbalist, wilderness rites of passage guide, and dreamtender, Ansley has the great honor and joy of leading others to their belonging on this earth and to the stories in their bones.

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Standard Rate - $60

If you would like to know more about our sliding scale model and how to select which tier you fall into, please read our blog post about Sliding Scale Pricing.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tyee, 21301 Tyee Road, Mount Vernon, United States