From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, the Jamestown Audubon Center and Sanctuary will offer a basket weaving workshop taught by Laurie Ennis, a local basket maker.
Participants will create a small square market basket. All supplies will be provided.
Baskets take us back to the times and traditions when people handmade objects out of necessity. Baskets were used to gather eggs and the harvest, store potatoes, or shop at the farmer's market. Basket weaving is now a creative and fun craft that produces baskets that are both practical and charming, involving various levels of skill and techniques.
The class will give participants the opportunity to learn a new skill, while creating a unique and practical object for their home. Class members will make a small market basket using reed and a wooden handle.
Ms. Ennis began her basket weaving journey 15 years ago, making a market basket at a beginners' class. Chautauqua Institution, Mercyhurst, Clarion, and the Roycroft are among the places where she has taken classes for what continues to be an enjoyable and creative hobby.
The market basket has been called "the true beginner's basket" because it incorporates the basic skills used in most weaving projects. Weaving a market basket teaches the use of a flat base, upending, start and stop weaving, twining, ending off and lashing.
Participants will be working with their hands, so dexterity is needed.
The cost, including supplies, is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers.
Payment is due with registration. To make reservations, visit the Audubon Center, call 569-2345, email info@jamestownaudubon.org or use the online form at jamestownaudubon.org.
The class is limited to 15 participants.
The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is at 1600 Riverside Road, off Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through October. Exhibits are closed Tuesday through Friday beginning in November.