COME JOIN US IN WORLD FAMOUS STOWE!!

Study with and learn from our internationally renowned teachers as you enjoy  the beauty, charm, and history that makes Stowe, VT one of the nation's most  cherished year round resorts and getaway destinations.  More 200 years old, Stowe remains as enchanting as when visitors were first entertained before the Civil War!

 When not weaving and learning, visit Stowe's world class shops and restaurants, climb or drive  up Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's  tallest peak or enjoy the simple  splendor of a relaxing stroll along  our six mile paved community recreation path. Of course, no visit to Stowe would be com-plete without dropping in on the storied hilltop enclave of the von Trapp family. If you listen closely, you'll note that the hills are indeed still alive with the Sound of Music!

THE ROUND HEARTH AT STOWE

Base of operations for the 15th Stowe Basketry Pre Festival and the 19th overall Festival, the uniquely designed Round Hearth will also host most participat- ing faculty.  The Round Hearth  Lodge, located right on  Stowe's famous Moun tain Road, will serve as the focus of daily and evening activities,  informal gatherings, and scheduled evening seminars & mini-workshops.  During the full seven days of the STOWE BASKETRY  PRE-FESTIVAL & FESTIVAL, budget accommodations & meals as well as all evening programming will be  offered at the Round Hearth. The lodge's open layout offers ample -- & bright -- workspace

2010 STOWE BASKETRY FESTIVAL

Join us amidst the splendor of Vermont's majestic Green Mountains for as many as seven exciting & fun basket-making days in June. Our internationally recognized & honored staff of 11 teachers ensures workshops & lectures of unparalleled value & excitement. Learn from the very best as you study & work on your favorite basketry styles & theories ranging from traditional to classic to contemporary & beyond. 4 PRE-FESTIVAL two day workshops followed by 21 FESTIVAL workshops of one & two days allow you to tailor your areas of interest along with balancing your schedule so as to maximize your time & the offerings presented. To ensure quality teaching & individual attention, all four Pre-Festival Workshops are limited to just 10 students. Wednesday through Sunday Festival Workshops are limited to 12 students each.

Monday, June 7, 2010 - Sunday, June 13, 2010

PRE-FESTIVAL: Monday & Tuesday, June 7-8, 2010
STOWE BASKETRY FESTIVAL: Wednesday-Sunday, June 9-13, 2010

(Scroll below for our 2010 workshops and class offering's)

For more information contact Merry Vigneau in Maine at (207) 647-2813
or email: info@roundhearth.com. 

Download a PDF of the available workshops

Download a PDF Registration Form ( if you do not wish to use the online form)

Click here to join our Stowe Basketry Festival E-Newsletter for the latest news and updates on workshops and events.

Class Updates and Availability

12/18/2009: Class B is FULL!

01/11/2010: Class 12: FULL!

01/11/2010: Class 17: FULL!

03/01/2010: Class 1: FULL!

03/01/2010: Class 21: FULL!

05/03/2010: Class 15: FULL!

05/03/2010: Class C: FULL!

05/03/2010: Class 2: FULL!

(Please check back often for updates and availability)

CLASS "A" - Classic Fishing Creel
 
Duration: 2 Days (Monday & Tuesday)
Instructor: Ms. Flo Hoppe from Rome, NY.
Ability Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Materials Fee: $56.00
(Includes a Shaker tape strap - A braided leather strap can be ordered for an additional $35.00)
Dimensions: 10.5" diameter x 10" h.

Class Description:
Don't' miss this Classic Fishing Creel taught by one of our most "classy" teachers. This basket incorporates several willow techniques. You will scallom the spokes onto the base, lid frames and rod borders. The sides are woven with 3-rod wale and randing, shaping the basket slightly inward. Students will learn how to weave a hole into the lid and bind it with cane. The lid is attached with leather straps and the fastener is a slide closure that runs through a loop braided onto the basket.

CLASS "B" - Twill Basket

12/18/2009: CLASS IS FULL!!!

Duration: 2 Days (Monday & Tuesday)
Instructor: Ms. Keiko Takeda from Tokyo, Japan.
Ability Level: Advanced
Materials Fee: $80.00
Dimensions: 16" l. x 7" w. x 12" h.

Class Description:
Keiko is back with a new basket using a material new to Stowe. Using Eco-Craft (paper bands made from regenerated paper) students will make a large twill bag. Using the dyed Eco-Craft paper to weave a lovely wickerwork pattern, you will bring out a beautiful hue and light featured in this lovely basket.

CLASS "C" - Market and Yarn Baskets

05/03/2010: CLASS IS FULL!!!

Duration: 2 Days (Monday & Tuesday)
Instructor: Mr. Jeremy Mitchell from Clever, MO.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $110.00
Dimensions: Market Basket: 10" l. x 17" w. x 15" h. Yarn Baskets: 11" diameter x 8" h.

Class Description:
Jeremy has returned to Stowe to share with us his lovely, functional baskets made entirely from White Oak grown in the Ozark Mountains. In this class you will get two for the price of one! Jeremy will lead you through the weaving and lacing of each basket while providing you with a detailed history of white oak basket making. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to expand your horizons!

CLASS "D" - Weaving with Polymer Clay

Duration: 2 Days (Monday & Tuesday)
Instructor: Ms. Karen Woods from Odessa, FL.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $35.00
Dimensions: Variable

Class Description:
Open your mind to a new and exciting technique. Whether it is used as an embellishment, an overly, or incorporated into the weave, polymer clay is finding its way into traditional basket weaving. Karen will introduce you to the properties of polymer clay, help you to explore a variety of ways to create pattern and surface design, how to use it in overlay work, and to incorporate it into basket construction. Bring a market basket or bias woven basket to use as a base on which to apply clay weavers. Tricks with beads and embellishments will be taught to add finishing touches to your work.

CLASS # 1 - Canterbury

03/01/2010: Class is FULL!!!

Duration: 1 Day (Wednesday)
Instructor: Ms. Flo Hoppe from Rome, NY.
Ability Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Materials Fee: $52.00
Dimensions: 8" h. x 11" diameter

Class Description:
Flo has once again used her magic to create this lovely basket. Canterbury is filled with giant arrows which require weaving both to the right and to the left. Most of the arrows are symmetrical, with one being "broken" or offset. The lightning bolts at the top are woven only to the right and a 4-row border finish off the top of this stunning basket.

CLASS # 2 - Cutting Corners

05/01/2010: Class is FULL!!!

Duration: 1 Day (Wednesday)
Instructor: Ms. Cass Schorsch from Scottville, MI.
Ability Level: Intermediate - Bias-plaiting experience is helpful
Materials Fee: $70.00
Dimensions: 3" w x 3" l x 5-6" h

Class Description:
Take this opportunity to cut some corners with Cass. After many years of teaching, she has decided it is time to retire! She is going out in style with, in Cass' own words, a workshop devoted to "bias-plaiting fun!" Rather than bias plaiting a square on a square, you will start with a rectangle. From there, it's all fun and up to you how tall you would like to make your piece. To finish you will "cut corners" wherever you choose to bring your basket to an end. For stability, you will add a half-round oak foot. Your masterpiece makes a great candy dish or napkin holder.

CLASS # 3 - "3D" Market Basket

Duration: 1 Day (Thursday)
Instructor: Ms. Mary Smith-Stokes from Battle Creek, MI.
Ability Level: Intermediate
Materials Fee: $49.00
Dimensions: 12" l x 16" w x 15"h with handle

Class Description:
Viewers will do a double take when first seeing this three-dimensional weave technique. Mary will teach you how to create this illusion on a basket with a solid woven base using filler spokes and a D-handle. A minimum of ten rows of the Gretchen or rolled border finishes off the top edge using dyed and natural reed for a swirl effect, adding both beauty and stability. Students will be enticed with several weave options and several shades of dyed reed. The base will be partially started to save class time.

CLASS # 4 - Chameleon Clay (Faux Stone Techniques in Polymer Clay)

Duration: 2 Days (Wednesday & Thursday)
Instructor: Ms. Karen Woods from Odessa, FL.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $35.00
Dimensions: Variable

Class Description:
Polymer clay earns its name as the chameleon clay as it is transformed into old ivory, granite, malachite, wood, turquoise, jade and much more. It not only fools the eye, but let's the weaver shape and incorporate beads and embellishments into your piece. You can even make polymer clay bases. Learn the formulas and tricks to making faux stones that are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, but are much easier to use.

CLASS # 5 - Boxes and Baskets

Duration: 2 Days (Wednesday & Thursday)
Instructor: Mr. John Excell from Westport, Langport, Somerset, England.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $55.00
Dimensions:    
BOX: 2.5" l x 2.5" w x 4"h / BASKET: 12" l x 7"w x 2.5" h

Class Description:
Here is your chance to work with the ever popular and ever charming Englishman. John will teach you basic chair caning techniques, however, instead of a chair you will begin by caning around a small colored box. Once this is accomplished, you will move on to caning around mold onto a pre-drilled rim of kooboo cane. There will be plenty of tools to borrow so all you need is your time! The result will be amazing!

CLASS # 6 - Ajiro Triangle Basket

Duration: 2 Days (Wednesday & Thursday)
Instructor: Ms. Keiko Takeda from Tokyo, Japan
Ability Level: Advanced
Materials Fee: $96.00
Dimensions: 15" l x 5" w x 13"h w/ handle

Class Description:
No wonder there is always a waiting list for Keiko's classes. Using hand-trimmed cane, students will learn three types of Ajiro twill patterns to fashion this lovely bag. Don't miss this opportunity to work with Keiko!

CLASS # 7 - Oxford

Duration: 1 Day (Thursday)
Instructor: Ms. Flo Hoppe from Rome, NY
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $46.00
Dimensions: 15" l x 5" w x 13"h with handle

Class Description:
Flo has done it again! This charming lidded basket is woven with 3-rod wale over a number of spokes divisible by three so that there are vertical bands of color. Color changes happen almost at each row to make an interesting patchwork of color. The lid is finished with a trac border that ends in a collar on the underside of the basket.

 
CLASS # 8 - Grape Basket

Duration: 1 Day (Thursday)
Instructor: Mr. Jeremy Mitchell from Clever, MO.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $48.00
Dimensions: 15" l x 8" w x 7"h

Class Description:
This lovely basket will fit perfectly in any room! Jeremy has returned to Stowe to share with us his sturdy, functional baskets made entirely from White Oak grown in the Ozark Mountains. Students will be lead through the weaving and lacing of this basket while also being provided with a detailed history of white oak basket making.

CLASS # 9 - Hug or a Squeeze?

Duration: 1 Day (Thursday)
Instructor: Ms. Cass Schorsch from Scottville, MI.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $65.00
Dimensions: 2" l x 2" w x 3.5"h

Class Description:
Cass will make you decide if you would prefer a hug or a squeeze. This basket begins with straight plaiting. Once you arrive at your desired height you will add weavers allowing you to bias plait and give your basket the hug or the squeeze. Your final decision will be whether to leave it plain or embellish with curls! If you can't decide, extra material will be available for a nominal fee.

CLASS # 10 - Pick Your Poison

Duration: 2 Days (Thursday & Friday)
Instructor: Ms. Deanna Savoy from Athol, MA
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $50-$360 (It's up to you!)
Dimensions: Variable

Class Description:
Deanna said she would never offer an open enrollment class where students can pick from a selection of many different Nantucket styles again, but she has!  Here's your chance to take that class you missed or basket you have always wanted to make. Students can choose a basket from Deanna's vast variety of molds, from as small as a pin cushion to as large as the picnic basket. Choose a wine cooler, cracker basket, beach bag, table tray, double wine tote (that also can be a purse tote) or start the round lidded series.  Some molds are limited and they will be offered first come, first served.  This class is being repeated on Saturday and Sunday.  Those daring enough may continue and finish your nest!

PLEASE NOTE: Deanna has a wide selection of baskets to choose from for this class. Please visit her website for a catalog of baskets to choose from: http://mysite.verizon.net/deanna.savoy

CLASS # 11 - Pas de Deux

Duration: 1 Day (Friday)
Instructor: Ms. Flo Hoppe from Rome, NY
Ability Level: Advanced beginner
Materials Fee: $40.00
Dimensions: 5" h x 8" diameter

Class Description:
Take this opportunity to work with a master - on a fun project. This double walled basket is a challenge from both the standpoint of shaping the inner and outer walls as well as weaving the color patterning on the top sides. The inner wall is twined while the outer wall is woven with 3-rod wale and wave weave. A 3-row rolled border finishes the final edge at the bottom.

CLASS # 12- Olivia's Oval Twill Basket

01/11/2010: CLASS IS FULL!

Duration: 1 Day (Friday)
Instructor: Ms. Mary Smith-Stokes from Battle Creek, MI.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $26.00
Dimensions: 9" l x 5.5" w x 5" h

Class Description:
Mary's debut at the SBF in 2009 brought rave reviews. She's back with another treasure. In this class, students will learn how to determine the number of spokes needed when using molds, as well as adjusting the number of spokes for the desired pattern. Students will understand shaping and inserting spokes into an oval base which is specifically designed and cut for the "take-home" mold. Olivia's Oval Twill has an inside twill design as well as a false twill design on the outside. The folded rim is lashed with a coordinated shade of waxed linen. Choose from several dyed cane choices to make your basket uniquely yours!

 

CLASS # 13 - Mad Weave Tray

Duration: 1 Day (Friday)
Instructor: Ms. Keiko Takeda from Tokyo, Japan
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Materials Fee: $35.00
Dimensions: 12" deep x 2" h

Class Description:
Keiko's imagination has taken a tray that is traditionally constructed in wood and rattan and replaced those materials with Eco-Craft paper bands made from regenerated paper. Experiment and discover how the Eco-Craft creates beautiful natural color and lines in your work of art.

CLASS # 14 - Day Shopper

Duration: 1 Day (Friday)
Instructor: Mr. Jeremy Mitchell from Clever, MO.
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $65.00
Dimensions: 10" l x 5" w x 9"h

Class Description:
Who would have thought that you could build this large, functional shopper in one day? Jeremy Mitchell! In addition to instructing your use of White Oak grown in the Ozark Mountains, he will share the history of white oak basket making. The combination will be sure to inspire!

CLASS # 15 - Six Feet of Fun

05/03/2010: Class is FULL!

Duration: 1 Day (Friday)
Instructor: Ms. Cass Schorsch from Scottville, MI.
Ability Level: Intermediate (Bias plaiting experience is helpful but not necessary)
Materials Fee: $65.00
Dimensions: 4.5" diameter x 3" h

Class Description:
Not only does Cass come up with great names for her projects, she comes up with great projects! In Six Feet of Fun, students will use premium birch bark and learn a "Star" beginning. Next you will learn to create a base with "6 feet". Although it looks complicated, Cass' instruction makes it easy! After bias plaiting the sides you will complete your bowl with a sawtooth finish.

CLASS # 16 - Cedar Bark Wallet

Duration: 2 Days (Friday & Saturday)
Instructor: Ms. Dianne Stanton from Pembroke, MA.
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Materials Fee: $85.00
Dimensions: 5" diameter x 6" deep

Class Description:
Dianne's inspiration for this piece comes from a Tsimshian (British Columbia) cedar bark basket pictured in several books that highlight the collection at Harvard's Peabody Museum. Students will learn how to prepare and dye cedar bark and may choose to prepare some of their own weavers. The base is plain woven and the side weaving incorporates "corrections" to produce the concentric square blocks, right angles and checkerboard patterns that appear in the basket. Your masterpiece will be finished with a traditional wrapped cedar bark rim.

 
CLASS # 17 - Gradation Bag

01/11/2010: Class is FULL!

Duration: 1 Day (Saturday)
Instructor: Ms. Keiko Takeda from Tokyo, Japan
Ability Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: $30.00
Dimensions: 12" l x 5" w x 18"h with handle

Class Description:
Here is your last chance to work with Keiko before she returns to Japan. Once again, Keiko uses Eco-Craft (recycled paper packing bands) to create a work of art. Using two different colors students will create a lovely bag with beautiful gradation colored lines. The handle is almost as gorgeous as the bag!

CLASS # 18 - Kentucky Egg Basket and Its Mini Companion

Duration: 2 Days (Saturday & Sunday)
Instructor: Ms. Mary Smith Stokes from Battle Creek, MI
Ability Level: Advanced
Materials Fee: $39.00
Dimensions: 9" l x 11" w x 12"h with handle / 2.5" l x 2.75" w x 3.5" h with handle

Class Description:
This is one of Mary's signature workshops. Students will complete the larger basket before tackling the mini. While weaving these round reed baskets, shape control will be emphasized, starting by continuously weaving a domed base. Techniques covered include bi-spoking, three-rod wale with a step-up, double woven rows and braided rims. Both baskets are finished with a unique "X" wrapped handle. Round reed experience is a must!

CLASS # 19 - Bamboo Collared Silk Fusion Basket

Duration: 2 Days (Saturday & Sunday)
Instructor: Ms. Wendy Durfey from Rockwood, Ontario
Ability Level: Advanced
Materials Fee: $55.00
Dimensions: 5.5" l x 5.5" w x 8"h

Class Description:
Here is your chance to immerse yourself in Wendy's silk fusion technique. Using painted archival paper and a hardwood base, students will weave plain sides for the inner basket. Using silk fusion, you will next apply colorful silk as the outer layer of the vessel. Finally, a layer of bamboo spokes will be inserted into the base, secured by a bamboo collar and bead or button embellishments. The elegant result is a true work of art.

CLASS # 20 - Pick Your Poison 2

Duration: 2 Days (Saturday & Sunday)
Instructor: Ms. Deanna Savoy from Athol, MA
Ability Level: Advanced
Materials Fee: $50.00 to $360.00 (It's up to you!!)
Dimensions: Variable

Class Description:
Deanna said she would never offer an open enrollment class where students can pick from a selection of many different Nantucket styles again, but she has!  Here's your chance to take that class you missed or basket you have always wanted to make. Students can choose a basket from Deanna's vast variety of molds, from as small as a pin cushion to as large as the picnic basket. Choose a wine cooler, cracker basket, beach bag, table tray, double wine tote (that also can be a purse tote) or start the round lidded series.  Some molds are limited and they will be offered first come, first served. 

PLEASE NOTE: Deanna has a wide selection of baskets to choose from for this class. Please visit her website for a catalog of baskets to choose from: http://mysite.verizon.net/deanna.savoy

CLASS # 21 - Exploring Combination Weaves for Basketry

03/01/2010: Class is FULL!

Duration: 1 Day (Sunday)
Instructor: Ms. Dianne Stanton from Pembroke, MA
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Materials Fee: $55.00
Dimensions: Approximately 10" diameter x 7" deep

Class Description:
Who would be better to explore with than Dianne Stanton. As she explains, in many baskets, two or more weavers can be used to create original patterns on the sides of the basket. This class will focus on exploring patterns produces in twill and plain weave. First, Dianne will guide you in producing these patterns in paper and then working out the number of spokes needed to weave a basket. The base is a woven twill and the side are chase woven using dues flat oval reed. The shaping is free-hand and the basket is completed with sturdy rims and lashing.