Bamboo 101: The Basics of Crafting With Bamboo

Learn the basics of working with bamboo as an art material in an artists studio Come explore the beauty and versatility of bamboo—both as a living plant and as an inspiring artistic material! This immersive, hands-on workshop takes place in my cozy 900 sq. ft. studio in Beaverton, Oregon, where creativity and curiosity are always welcome. Weather permitting, we’ll begin with a visit to Bamboo Garden, a truly unique 20-acre bamboo farm in North Plains. Home to over 250 varieties—including rare species not commonly seen—this extraordinary place offers an up-close look at bamboo in its many forms, with select varieties available for purchase after class. As we walk through the groves, we’ll explore bamboo growth, harvesting, grooming, and how to identify types best suited for creative work. We’ll meet at my studio on the morning of Day One and carpool if needed. To close out our first day, you’ll take part in your first bamboo crafting lesson: cutting and shaping freshly harvested bamboo to create your own drinking cup. We’ll then share tea together in the grove, enjoying the environment and connecting with the material in a memorable, hands-on way. Back in the studio, we’ll spend the next three days diving into a wide range of techniques, including bamboo preparation, cutting, heat bending, drilling, traditional splitting, strip-making with hand tools, pegging, hole-making, and a variety of tying and binding methods. Many of these are rare, hands-on skills that are difficult to find in local classes. This workshop focuses on exploration and skill-building, so rather than completing one large project, you’ll create a collection of small samples that demonstrate different techniques. As students gain confidence, there will also be opportunities to request additional demonstrations based on individual interests. On the final day, we’ll celebrate with a relaxed potluck lunch. Students are encouraged to bring a dish to share and incorporate the bamboo pieces they’ve created into the table setting—bringing your new skills full circle in a creative and communal way. This workshop is taught by an instructor with over 27 years of experience working with bamboo, who has exhibited artwork nationally and traveled internationally—including to Hawaii and Switzerland—to teach. You can see her work at www.charissabrock.com. The class size is intentionally small (minimum 2, maximum 6 students) to ensure plenty of individual attention and a supportive learning environment. Details: • Tools and materials are provided • Students should bring a sack lunch each day • A liability waiver must be signed; minor cuts are possible but uncommon • Advanced registration is required • Cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance for a refund of the deposit (minus a $3 processing fee) If weather conditions on the first day are unsafe (heavy rain, ice, or snow, unlikely that time of year), we’ll remain at the studio and begin with prepared materials along with a visual presentation on bamboo growth, harvesting, and processing. If the class must be canceled due to illness or extreme emergency, a full refund will be issued. Please purchase insured travel and refundable reservations. Instructor is not responsible for any fees incurred by cancellation