WILLOW BASKET WEAVING
Make it stand out
june 3, 2026
10am-5pm
Pay-what-you-can
In this one day workshop you will make your own willow basket! Working from an already prepared round base, we will stake up, weave the sides, lay down a border and add a handle. While we are weaving, we will discuss basketmaking history, traditional methods and tools, current practices, growing willow, etc.
Come for a fun day of crafting and learning, leave with a beautiful basket, great for foraging, shopping and much more!
Participants should wear sturdy footwear (no open toes) and durable clothing, we will be using knives and other sharp tools. Participants should also bring their own lunch/snacks/drinks. We will pause for a lunch break and a mid afternoon snack break.
About the instructor:
Julia MacNeil is a willow basketmaker from Unama’ki/Cape Breton Island. Using cultivated basketry willows that are locally grown, she makes functional, beautiful baskets, with a mixture of traditional and contemporary influence. Her passion for baskets began nearly a decade ago, dabbling in wild basketry and learning from many wonderful books and video tutorials. She has spent the last several years deepening her knowledge and skills in willow basketry, taking classes from many renowned willow basketmakers, from North America and Europe.
Wednesday, June 3, 10AM-5PM
Inverness County Centre for the Arts
16080 Hwy 19, Inverness
Please note: spaces are limited. Email chichi@capebretoncraft.com to register.
This workshop is in partnership with Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design as part of Craft Week 2026.
Craft Week 2026 is a week-long celebration June 1-7, 2026, that exists to celebrate, showcase, and elevate the diverse and vibrant craft traditions of Unama’ki Cape Breton. Through a dynamic week of events, workshops, exhibitions, and community gatherings, Craft Week fosters connections between makers and learners, locally and beyond.
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts for Craft Week 2026.
Craft Week workshops will be offered free or on a pay-what-you-can basis because we believe everyone deserves the chance to make, learn, and connect through craft. If you’re able to contribute, your support helps us continue offering opportunities like this. If not, we’re still so glad you’re joining us. If you’d like to contribute, you can send an e-transfer to info@capebretoncraft.com.
Find more Craft Week events and workshops here!