Basket Skills for Everyone

Using natural fibres, this hands-on course will teach you the basic techniques used in traditional and contemporary basket making.

Each day, you’ll learn at least one different technique and learn how to identify the right fibres and techniques to start and complete baskets. Over the five days, you’ll develop the confidence to start weaving your own baskets at home.

This course is suitable for all levels. Beginners will grasp how easy it is to make beautiful, simple forms from their local plants and with basic equipment. Students with previous experience will be supported to explore and develop ideas and techniques beyond the basics.

You’ll make and take home at least six different styled baskets.

Enrol
  • Full days - Monday to Friday - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Suitable for ages 18 to adult
  • Beginner, Intermediate
  • Join waiting list

Course Info

Day One
History, ethics, material, terminology and the basketry community. Create and complete basket one. Start on basket two using different techniques, skills and materials.

Day Two

Continue basket two and incorporate the next skill. Create and complete basket three using a new set of skills, techniques and materials.

Day Three

Complete basket two. Create and complete basket four using a new set of skills, techniques and materials

Day Four

Create and complete basket five using a new set of skills, techniques and materials.

Day Five

Creative and individualised basket six based on each student’s personal enthusiasm and direction.

Please bring the following on your first day of class:

  • Scissors
  • Secateurs
  • Assortment of pins and needles
  • Sewing threads
  • Cardboard

Your class has an extra cost of $80 – this cost includes:

  • Plant materials for each basket

Payment details will be provided on booking.

For beginners, as well as those looking to expand their skills and knowledge beyond the basics.
Zimmi Forest
Course Tutor

Zimmi Forest

Zimmi has been making, exhibiting and teaching basketry nationally and internationally for over twenty-five years.

Her knowledge and passion are for foraging, making and teaching all things fibre based. What started as a simple environmental curiosity led to a business and career as a fine artist and teacher.

She has taught at Fibrearts Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Sturt Craft School, TAFE, Indigenous colleges in the Northern Rivers and at Indigenous women’s gatherings in NT and SA, community colleges, through regional galleries, private businesses, privately organised groups, to art students in public and private institutions and one on one classes. Zimmi has organised and attended international basketry gatherings in Australia and Europe.

Her teaching skills are broad, relaxed and comprehensive able to reach each student’s individual way of learning.

She has several art diplomas from TAFE. Her work has been exhibited in over twenty nationally significant exhibitions, including Sculpture by the Sea, JADA, Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize, and Blake Prize.

She has been commissioned to create work for hospitals, businesses, resorts and private collections.