Bamboo, Glass & Thread: A Contemporary Basketry Workshop

Explore the Art of Bamboo, Glass & Thread What happens when the strength and simplicity of bamboo meet the color and light of glass? In this hands-on, two-day workshop, you’ll discover how these materials can come together to create a beautiful, sculptural basket that is entirely your own. Working with prepared bamboo strips, you’ll learn how to construct a square bamboo vessel before exploring a range of decorative techniques that bring your basket to life. You’ll experiment with patterns, shapes, textures, and the interplay of bamboo, glass, and thread to create a piece that is both functional and artistic. What You'll Learn Throughout the workshop, you'll learn and practice techniques including: • Constructing a square bamboo basket from prepared strips • Heat-bending bamboo to create clean corners and graceful shapes • Tying, joining, and finishing bamboo elements • Creating decorative bamboo rings and checkerboard patterns • Shaping bamboo into leaf-like forms • Incorporating glass elements into bamboo and thread designs • Exploring knotless netting and decorative threadwork • Sewing and attaching decorative elements to your basket • Arranging shapes, colors, and patterns to develop your own artistic composition Make It Your Own This workshop is about more than learning techniques. It’s an opportunity to explore materials, experiment with ideas, and discover your own creative approach. You can follow examples demonstrated in class or combine the techniques in your own way. Whether you’re drawn to geometric patterns, organic forms, delicate woven details, or the contrast between bamboo and glass, you’ll have opportunities to develop a design that feels uniquely yours. I’ll demonstrate each technique and guide you as you work, sharing my experience with bamboo and sculptural construction along the way. Who Is This Workshop For? This class is ideal for artists, makers, basketry enthusiasts, and curious creatives who enjoy working with their hands and exploring new materials. Previous bamboo-working experience is helpful but not required. Come ready to experiment, learn new skills, and discover how a simple bamboo framework can become an expressive piece of decorative art. At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with your own embellished bamboo and glass basket and a collection of techniques you can continue exploring in your future work. Come play with bamboo, glass, and thread—and make something extraordinary.