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Winter Basketry Courses

Winter Willow Weekends

Nature Nooks Retreat

Viroqua, Wisconsin

  home • process • learn

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Weekend immersions in beginner and intermediate willow basketry are here!

 

Students will spend the weekend in an intimate small-group setting harvesting willow, weaving, drinking tea, and taking in the stunning river valley.  All beginner courses include an opportunity to meet at least one species of wild willow and learn about wild-tending and coppicing for basketry in a fun and supportive learning environment.

 

Weekend classes take place at a cozy retreat on the West Fork of the Kickapoo River just outside Viroqua, WI.  For non-local students, there are a variety of options for on and off-site accommodations.  You can take your pick of classes, learn about accommodations options, and sign up at the form below!  â€‹â€‹

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You can hear what previous students have to say about classes here!

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The Courses

 

Beginner Baskets

December 6-8

Tuition:  $350

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In this class, students will use wild willows we harvest on site as well as pre-prepared materials grown on the farm to make a traditional stake and strand round-base basket using hundreds-of-years-old techniques from northern Europe.  Participants will learn the basics of harvesting, sorting, and preparing willow for basketry, making round bases, waling, randing, staking up, bordering, and footing their baskets.  Each student will leave with a beautiful medium-sized basket and reference materials to support a continued practice at home.

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Schedule:  Friday • 1 - 5 PM • 6 PM Potluck

Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Accommodations available for Firday & Saturday night

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Fannypacks

January  11-12

Tuition:  $275

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In this class, you will learn or brush up on the basics of oval bases and complete a fannypack that can be worn around the waist. This class will heavily focus on control and shaping as we explore making small work, which is typically more challenging than making larger pieces for most weavers.  Students will practice waling, randing, bordering, and footing.  Previous experience is preferred for this course, but skilled beginners can be accommodated.  This class can help prepare students for a willow pack basket course, or set the foundations to make a pack basket on their own at home. 

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Schedule:  Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Accommodations available for Saturday night

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Willow Hampers

January  24-26

Tuition:  $375

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In this class, you will complete a round-base laundry hamper using wild willows we harvest on site as well as pre-prepared materials grown on the farm.  Students will learn the basics of round-base stake and strand basketry, including staking up, randing, waling, packing, built-in handles, rod-bordering, and footing.  This class is suitable for both beginners and intermediate students looking to solidify skills in the above techniques.  

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Schedule:  Friday • 1 - 5 PM • 6 PM Potluck

Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Accommodations available for Firday & Saturday night

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Oval Market Basket

February 8-9

Tuition:  $300

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Prior experience with willow basketry is preferred for this class, which explores more intermediate level techniques. In the class, you will learn or brush up on the basics of oval bases and complete a sturdy traditional handled shopping/harvest basket.  These baskets are incredibly versatile for daily use, and are some of my favorites to have around the house in large quantities! 

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Schedule:  Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Accommodations available for Saturday night

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Solstice Stars!​​

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Saturday December 21

12:00 - 3:00 PM

Cost:  $45

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Grab a loved one and join us for our seasonal short course special!  In this afternoon class, you will weave your very own willow solstice star using wild and homegrown materials.  Willow stars make beautiful handmade holiday gifts, and can be strung at the top of the family tree, used as a table centerpiece, or hung on the wall all year round to add some warmth and beauty to a space.  This class is great for beginner-level weavers who may be interested in learning basketry in the future, or as a one-off chance for some quality time with loved ones over the holiday season.  Either way, you might just find yourselves addicted to this fun and accessible weaving project, and find yourself star-studded for years to come!  Unlike regular basket classes, this class is for ages 12 and up.

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This class includes all materials, and will take place at Anni's home near Bloomingdale WI. 

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Accommodations

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All weekend courses are taking place at Nature Nooks Retreat, a beautiful rural retreat and conservation project nestled in the rolling hills of the Kickapoo River valley between Viroqua and La Farge WI.  Our classroom is a beautiful space that includes a full kitchen where students can cook and prepare meals throughout the weekend.  

 

There are a range of on-site accommodations available depending on budget and needs, ranging from a private cabin to a bunk-house style bed in our classroom space for the scrappy traveler.  It's a good idea to stay on site if driving in unpredictable winter weather is a concern. 

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1.  The cabin at Nature Nooks has one private bedroom, 2 open loft beds, and a sofa bed and is $200/night + $25/extra person after the first two guests. If 3 students split the cabin, it would be $75/night per student for a mix of private and communal sleeping options.

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2.  The classroom bunkhouse option is $25/night and consists of either a futon or air bed that can be broken down during the day and set up at night for sleeping, with all linens provided.  This communal low-budget sleeping option involves sleeping in the same room with potentially several fellow students, with access to all the classroom amenities.

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3.  Anni's mom runs a 4-bedroom guesthouse in the town of Viroqua, a 10 minute drive from our venue.  Students who want to split an affordable, more private sleeping arrangement can book the guesthouse off-app for a special rate of $150/night + $25/extra person. If 4 students split the guesthouse and commute each day to class, it would be around $60/night per student for the weekend for a private room.

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4.  Our rustic cabin (bottom of this page) will likely be free for most of our class dates, and if you'd like a cozy solo space a short drive from the venue with the flexibility of being able to book extra nights on either end of class, reach out about this possibility.

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Simply indicate in the registration form whether you're interested in accommodations, and which ones if so! 

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A note on Cost

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Class tuition is based on the course length and amount of materials needed for each.  Tuition includes all materials, use of tools, and educational materials to support continued learning. Accommodations are booked separately to course tuition.  Payment plans are available for students who need, and as always, I encourage prospective learners to seek out funding through work or nonprofit organizations.  A reminder to farmers, herbalists, craftsfolk, etc, a basketmaking course can be a tax deductible business expense.

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Accessibility

 

While we want our classes to be accessible and welcoming to all, weaving the baskets and learning about material preparation requires a degree of able-bodiedness that is sadly exclusive to some. Working with willow requires a surprising degree of physical strength, and while our classroom itself is wheelchair accessible, students will need to be able to walk on uneven ground for harvesting materials. Those who are able to attend should plan to take good care of their bodies and bring whatever supports - physical, herbal, medical, etc. - you need to keep yourself healthy and feeling good while partaking in prolonged strenuous activity. Also, if willow doesn't suit your physical needs as a basketry medium, try experimenting with reed, rattan, pine needles, and other more gentle basketmaking materials as an alternative.

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Group Culture

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Anni is queer/trans-affirming instructor who intentionally strives to make a space that is welcoming to all who wish to learn these crafts. We invite all students to agree to be kind and respectful to one another, to the indigenous land we gather upon, to the plants we work with, and generally cultivate an attitude of reverence as we enjoy a weekend of weaving and learning

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Words from Past Students

 

"This class is incredible. Wherever you are on your willow journey you will walk away with so many new skills / teachings all wrapped up into a new beautiful basket. It is so wonderful to be immersed in a craft with others for the duration of a weekend!"

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"10/10 experience overall. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. It was a sweet group of people in a gorgeous space, and Anni is an excellent, thoughtful teacher. The learning and work were rigorous enough to be engaging and satisfying without being too much, and the atmosphere was always so pleasant and welcoming."

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"I can't recommend a willow basket class with Anni enough - their dedication to both the quality and accessibility of their craft, their delightful teaching style, the cozy and curious learning environment they cultivate."

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"Learning to weave a basket gave me a new outlook on life. It was powerful stuff, and I'm so grateful! Since I got home, my husband has been putting the basket over his head every 15 minutes. I think he is addicted to the smell. He says he wants willow extract, a willow codpiece, and a willow coffin 'to lie in while he's still alive'. Should I be concerned?"

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