Invasive Species Weaving Workshop - September 2023

Redd Fish Restoration Society is hosting this Invasive Species Weaving Workshop with Guest Artist Juliana Bedoya!

Join community-engaged environmental artist Juliana Bedoya to learn how to reciprocally and ethically forage plants considered invasive in our bioegion as well as collection methods, fibre processing, storage and preparing the fibres for basketmaking. Participants will practice different weaving techniques to complete a piece at the end of each workshop. The facilitating artist will also address different cultural, environmental and conservation perspectives that support native ecological restoration, cultural integrity and values of revelerence to place.

Day 1: Harvesting Ribbed Basket

This workshop will start with the removal of plants considered invasive in the bioregion including Yellow flag iris, English ivy and more, to be paired with other abundant introduced or native plants to prepare them for basketmaking. Participants will explore the treatment of the fibres and different weaving techniques to create a functional harvesting ribbed basket that will remind everyone of the importance of our reciprocal presence in the land. The group will unpack the gifts, attributes and creative possibilities of the collected invasive plants and put them to good use. You will learn how to shape, assemble and weave a medium sized functional ribbed harvesting basket using all the plant fibre gathered as well as some pre-processed plant fibres the artist will be providing. All tools and materials will be included.

Date: Saturday, September 23

Time: (at least 4 hours)

Day 2: Twined and/or Random Woven Baskets

Using the varied palette of colours and textures of plants gathered in the region including invasives like Yellow flag Iris, Morning glory, Himalayan blackberry, garden trims like Daylily leaves, and other fibres gathered over the summer like Cattail, Juncus, Nettle, corn husks and more, everyone will create a small to medium-sized functional twined and/or random woven basket. Participants will explore the treatment and weaving techniques of the different plant fibres that will be used for basketmaking while unpacking their gifts, attributes, and creative possibilities. All tools and materials will be included.

Date: Sunday, September 24th

Phot credits: Redd Fish Restoration Society