Apprenticeship Program 2027
I am so exited to let you know I am planning to start another small group of Apprentices! My 2025 program was so wonderful all around and very successful we all decided we couldn’t be done after just one year so we jumped in a year two and had a blast. Now I call them my dear friends and am eager to watch them grow in to their own weaving practices. If you join the 2027 group you will have a chance to meet them as they will be making appearances during our weaving time to support, talk story and share the weaving love!
The 2027 program also has a potential of continuing in year two, this all will depend on the the participants! The apprenticeship is tailored to each individual group.
Who is it for:
This is a journey for those who are eager to pursue a deeper, intensive and long term relationship with willow - a plant that for centuries has offered masterful artistry and functionality.
The curriculum and course work is a unique opportunity rarely offered in this scope within the United States.
The intimate size of the group (5) provides each student with attention and exploration space/time into their own artistry and craftsmanship.
Applicants should already have a basic understanding of working and weaving with willow.
Must apply by October 20th, 2026
Where and when:
You will be required to travel to Orcas Island,Washington State, and work 9am-5pm for 3 consequent days once a month in my little studio. This is a 7 month program starting in January 2027, so 7 visits total.
Tuition
tion:The tuition for this 7-month in-depth apprenticeship with over 168 hours of in-person learning is $7,550 .This cost includes all teaching fees, materials fees, make your own sandwitch lunches during the in-person days, and willow kits to take home. This fee does not include transportation or accommodations . There is one work trade opportunity for a local person. The tuition is $2800 and 136 h work trade.
I will offer an optional opportunity to connect between our in-person meetings via a Zoom call. While not required, the purpose of the call is to provide an opportunity to check-in, provide updates to each other and me, and for me to answer any questions you may have.
The apprenticeship will be tailored to group interests, with other opportunities such as more willow and willow bark harvest, assisting teaching in classes, participating in creating a large willow sculpture and more.
Tentative Apprenticeship outline
January 22-24
Willow harvest, sorting, collecting cuttings, learning about different varieties, growing styles
Hoop making, tadzka
February 19- 21
Round basket, straight walls, study of round bases, Pairing/reverse pairing, planning your basket, shaping, handle
Bellied round basket,
March 19-21
Round laundry basket, study of a wale, when to use what kind, decorative/ structural, English rand, inset handles. border sizes
round balled basket with herringbone weave
April 16-18
Oval stick and strand, shopper and a more flared garden basket
May 14-16
Fitched tray with braid border,
Framed oval, scalloming, scalloming with by stakes and fitching,
June 11-13
Ribbed baskets, shaping, willow splits
introduction to roping
July 19-11
Catalan base, pack basket with a lid , spanish harvest basket with roped border and roped handles
What to expect:
A deeper dive into all aspects of growing, harvesting, material preparation, and a wide range of weaving techniques.
You will participate in harvesting dormant willow from 3 different ways of cultivation than sorting and preparing willow for weaving. You will start with a round, stick and strand basket and build on your skills adding handles, lids, varied weaving patterns including French randing, English randing, slewing, packing, and zig-zag, Irish window. We will study different bases, rod borders and everything in between.