Basketry – Twined

Learn the ancient craft of twined basketry, using plant fibres to create something useful and nurture your connection with the environment.

Person holding handmade basket

Turning plant fibres into a functional and attractive basket is not only immensely satisfying but it nurtures our connections; with the land, through intuitive natural fibre handling knowledge and with time, to one of the oldest known crafts in the history of human civilisation.

Whilst basket weaving styles and materials used vary depending on location, the technique of ‘twining’ fibres together to create a basket is common in many cultures across the globe.

In this workshop, you’ll:

  • Create your own small ‘twined’ basket using locally gathered plant fibres.
  • Wander through CERES Community Environment Park to identify suitable plants for weaving
  • Discuss the history of traditional and contemporary basket making.

Note: We recommend Basketry – Stitched and Coiled for beginners and Basketry – Twined for those further developing their skills.

Course details

Sat 15th of Jul or
11am – 4pm

Sun 1st of Oct or
11am – 4pm

Sun 10th Dec
11am – 4pm

CERES Brunswick, corner of Roberts & Stewart Streets, Brunswick East, Victoria

$150*
Concession available

Caroline Hawkins is a sculptural fibre artist, basket weaver and tutor. She has been creating and teaching art for 30 years. Trained in 3D design in London, Caroline is now based on Victoria’s Surf Coast.

A fascination for weaving with natural materials harvested from her surrounding environment threads a common theme through Caroline’s work. Development opportunities have seen Caroline learn from Indigenous weavers. Several overseas trips to learn basket weaving from other cultures have seen Caroline discover that weaving methods are similar across cultures, except materials vary as they relate to what’s available locally.

Caroline is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others, believing that practising art and crafts can form an important part of a person’s identity and support their well-being.

What will I learn?

  • The ancient craft of basketry
  • How to start, shape and finish a basket using the twining technique
  • How to identify, select, gather and prepare plant fibres for weaving

What will I take home?

  • Take home your own handwoven beautiful and functional basket/work of art

What should I bring?

  • An old towel
  • Two pegs
  • Sturdy garden scissors
  • A water spray bottle
  • A darning needle

What should I wear?

  • Casual, comfortable clothes

Terms and conditions

Our booking and refund policies, concession pricing information, FAQs, as well as other general terms and conditions can be viewed here.

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