Exploring Side-Weave Patterns in Willow

With Jes Clark

Rands! Slews! Zig Zags! In this three day class intensive, advanced beginner to intermediate level willow weavers have a chance to explore and learn as many side weave patterns as they dare.

Not scheduled right now. Last taught 2026.

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The workshop

Rands! Slews! Zig Zags! In this three day class intensive, advanced beginner to intermediate level willow weavers have a chance to explore and learn as many side weave patterns as they dare. From a simple English rand to a double Irish wale/open weave and anything in between is fair game. Having a variety of side weave patterns to choose from can greatly diversify and enhance what you can weave from a simple round basket. Because the focus of this class is side weaves, students will have the option to start with pre-made round bases and prepared stakes, but making a basket from the start with minimal instruction is also encouraged. We will also refine our border-laying knowledge to finish the baskets. Willow is a stronger more tension-y material than many other basketry materials, strong hands are recommended for this course. Care and use of finished pieces will be discussed in class.

Skills and techniques

A review of the baskets weaving process in willow stake and strand
Learning a plethora of “side weaves” – weaving patterns used to build up the sides of a basket after the upset wale and before the top wale
Learning what weaves should/could be used in what context, e.g. to use up cut-offs, to create movement in the piece, to create a make to measure piece, etc.
Learning the use of willow weaving specific tools:
Bodkin
Rapping Iron
Fid
Shaping ties and hoops
Clippers in a willow context

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

Jes Clark

Jes Clark (they/them) is the farmer and weaver at Willow Vale Farm in Stanfordville, NY. Jes weaves traditional and contemporary functional pieces and the basket forms created are a result of their conversation with each stick of willow. All of their willow is grown without pesticides using regenerative practices and with loving care.

Jes has been teaching weaving since 2018 and has taught hundreds of students ranging from absolute beginners to experienced weavers looking to refine their craft. They have taught at the Stowe Basketry Festival, for the Northeast Basketmakers Guild and National Basketry Organization, just to name a few, and also privately in one-on-one tutorials. You can discover more of their work at instagram.com/willowvalefarm and https://www.willowvale.farm/

Questions about this workshop, housing, or meals? Email registrar@sanbornmills.org or call (603) 435-7314. Please read the workshop policies before you register.