Weaving With Invasives Workshops with Redd Fish Restoration - August 2024

Join community-engaged environmental artist Juliana Bedoya to learn how to reciprocally forage plants considered invasive in our bioregion. Explore effective collection methods, fibre processing techniques, storage, and preparation for basketmaking. Participants will practice various weaving techniques and create a unique woven piece by the end of each workshop. Juliana will also share insights on cultural, environmental, and conservation perspectives that support native ecological restoration and the values of reverence for places and the plant teachers and the interspecies that live in them. 

DAY 1 | AUGUST 10TH: COILED BASKETS

10am-4pm @ Ucluelet Community Center

Fee: $80 (includes materials)

Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry are a well-known invasive plant duo that has naturalized in the West Coast bioregion. In this workshop, we will explore these abundant plants' unique gifts and attributes, utilizing their fibers to create functional coiled baskets. We will begin by discussing the ecological and cultural considerations surrounding these species. Following this, participants will learn how to responsibly harvest, process, and prepare the fibers for basketmaking. By the end of the workshop, each participant will complete a small to medium-sized functional coiled basket. All necessary tools and materials will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their tools including their favourite utility knife and secateurs. 

DAY 2 | AUGUST 11TH: PLAITED BASKETS AND BRACELETS

10am-4pm @ Ucluelet Community Center

Fee: $80

Using the varied palette of colours and textures of plants reciprocally harvested in our bioregion including invasives like Yellow flag Iris, Himalayan blackberry, garden trims like Daylily leaves, and other fibres gathered over the summer like Cattail, rushes, Nettles and more, we will create a small to medium-sized functional plaited basket and/or bracelet. Participants will explore the treatment of these plant fibres using the plaiting weaving technique while unpacking their gifts, attributes, and creative possibilities. All necessary tools and materials will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their tools including their favourite utility knife and secateurs.