Black Ash Quatrefoil Tub Basket
Journey into the intricate world of Shaker basket weaving. Guided by master weaver Alice Ogden, students will challenge themselves with complex weaves the Shakers were so well known for.
Not scheduled right now. Last taught 2026.
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The workshop
Journey into the intricate world of Shaker basket weaving. Guided by master weaver Alice Ogden, students will challenge themselves with complex weaves the Shakers were so well known for. The Quatrefoil is a clover design that requires a bit of patience and skill. Working with finely prepared black ash splints, students will construct the woven bottom with illustrations and written directions along with the help of the instructor.
After the bottom is woven, students will then weave the sides of the basket over a tub shaped wooden basket form. After the basket is dried the process of finishing off the top edges preparing it for the rims and handles will be done in class. The final step of single lashing will finish off this beauty. Final piece measures 7.5” at the top opening. Height is 3.5”. Basket experience is a must.
Skills and techniques
- Weave narrow 1/16 black ash materials
- Learn the twilled, herringbone weave to start the basket bottom
- Weave a square bottom into a round base to fit a wooden basket form
- Tree prep will be discussed in class, and the process of log pounding will be shown
Before you come
Details for students
Where
One of the farm's studios, confirmed at check-in. See the campus
Staying on the farm
Housing, meals, the daily schedule, and places to stay nearby are on Prepare for your workshop.
Your instructor
Alice Ogden
Alice Ogden of Salisbury, NH is a traditional Black Ash Basket maker. She has been making baskets for over 40 years. Her baskets are made from the wood collected from the woods and swamps of NH by Alice herself. None of her materials are store bought. Some of her achievements include: She has been a member of the League of NH Craftsmen since 1980 and was their annual ornament maker in 2013 making nearly 5,000 basket ornaments. Member of the N.H. State Council of the Arts since 1992. Teaching artist in residency programs across New England. Recipient of the Individual Artist Fellowship from the NH State Council on the Arts in 2012. And Recipient of the Regional Art Fellowship, New England Foundation for the Arts in 1995. Baskets featured in the Cole-Ware Collection of American Baskets, Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Art Museum (2013), Martha Stewart Living, American Made, featured article 2018.
Questions about this workshop, housing, or meals? Email registrar@sanbornmills.org or call (603) 435-7314. Please read the workshop policies before you register.