August 25th to 30th - $950* + tax
(see the Workshops page for individual prices for courses and Accomodations for farm stays during your visit)
Explore both ancient and innovative techniques in willow basketry, ceramics, and wool felting—three tactile crafts that have evolved alongside human hands and culture for millennia.
Located at Lanthorn Farm, in the Gatineau Hills, this program invites participants to immerse themselves in the landscape and connect directly with the natural materials. Walk through the willow pollards before weaving their branches; select natural materials to imprint on your own clay pieces in a barrel fire. Meet the sheep whose fleece you’ll felt into hideless "sheepskins". Learn from skilled instructors, from experimentation, and from the materials themselves.
All materials and tools are included. Snacks and lunch will be provided, with the option to participate in potluck-style dinners. A shared kitchen is available for meal preparation. Limited accommodations are available on-site at an additional cost, and ride sharing can be arranged for trips to the village.
Facilitators: click on names for more info
• Sculptural artist Diana Jackson from her studio in Mississippi Mills, leading saggar barrel firing process with natural materials
• Marie Drolet and Hélèn Sharp of Murai Céramique teaching clay building and offering project support throughout the week
• Johnny Suderman of Lakeshore Willows, teaching a two-day, assymetrical basketry workshop
• Mary Ellis of Lanthorn Farm, leading felting and experimental willow weaving integrated in ceramics pieces
Barrel-Fired Ceramics
The week will begin and end with ceramics, including both traditional and experimental techniques, with opportunities to integrate willow weaving into your finished pieces.
On Day 1, Murai Céramique will guide the initial clay-building session. Participants will continue to shape and refine their work throughout the week, with access to facilities and one-on-one guidance. Toward the end of the week, Dianna Jackson will lead the barrel firing, wrapping works in gathered materials that will embellish them with texture and surprise.
Felting a Hideless Sheepskin
Mid-week, we will shift focus to raw sheep's fleece from the farm, exploring its unique properties through both needle felting and wet felting techniques. Using reclaimed wool blankets as a base, we will needle felt raw fleece directly onto them, creating a hideless "sheepskin" which can be designed in a creative pattern, or kept wild looking. We will finish the pieces with some wet felting for strength and durability.
Participants can create a small, personal piece to use as seat cover, line a basket, create a wall hanging, sculpture, or other textile. Various natural colours and textures will be available to choose from.
Willow Basketry and Integrated Ceramics and Weaving
Johnny Suderman will lead a two-day beginner- and intermediate-friendly basketry course, teaching the Stanislav asymmetrical round basket. The class will cover making a round base, staking up, various weave styles, diagonal finish and handle
Participants will walk away with a unique and functional, medium sized basket
On the final day of unloading the kiln and cleaning pieces, we will integrate woven willow in select pieces, in an experimental session led by Mary Ellis.
Pricing and Accommodations:
See the Workshops page for individual prices for courses, or bundle all 3 for discounted price. Checkout Accomodations for farm stays during your course.