Intro to Basketweaving: Plaiting a Pencil Cup! with Traycee Bosle

3-Hour Workshop

Date: Saturday, September 13

Time: 1PM – 4PM

Description: Have you ever wanted to try basketweaving but didn’t know where to start? During this three-hour studio workshop, you’ll get an introduction to the tools, terminology, and techniques of traditional checkerwork basketry while weaving your very own 5in diameter Spiral Plaited Pencil Basket! Yes, this class will also cover what “checkerwork” basketry is! (a basic way to think of checkerwork is that the weaving is done with flat splints of material and the pieces are woven at 90 degree angles to each other).

This class is designed for beginning students with little or no experience in basketweaving, or for those who may have dabbled in the past and would like to brush up on their skills.

From how to start (making the base) to finishing your basket; Traycee will take you through all of the steps and share her joy of basketry the whole afternoon!

Tools, towels and bins (that is, everything you’ll need to make the basket) will be provided.

Tuition: $65 + $12 materials fee

Note: We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class.

Please fill out the application here! You can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks.

If you have any questions, email Jamie Boyle, Fibers Program Manager, at jboyle@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for them at 412-465-1639.

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Paper Studio, which is on the first floor of the building.

There are 2 entrances to the Timmons Studios.

• One entrance is facing Butler Street. To access the Paper Studio from the Butler Street facing entrance, there are a total of 8 stairs to ascend.

• One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. The Paper Studio is located down the hall from this entrance.

If there are accessibility accommodations we can provide, or if there is anything that would be helpful for us to know before you arrive, please leave a message for Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1639 or by email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded by check, to your credit card, or Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

About the Artist

Traycee Bosle is a professional basket weaver at Craftisinal Creative Works—her arts studio in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a member of the Handweavers Guild of America and the Fiber Arts Guild of Pittsburgh. With over 1500 works in several different weaving styles under her belt, you can find her work in homes across the U.S.

Basketweaving is an ancient art that crosses nearly all time, geographic, political, and social boundaries. It’s rooted in history, mathematics and pattern, color theory and design—with so much to offer—yet it’s nearly a lost art. Traycee has made it her mission to share her love for this once ubiquitous and critical skill with people of all ages. Her classes are fun, informative and personalized! She provides hands-on, individualized instruction using her own specially designed basket kits to teach the fundamentals of the art and meet each student where they are in their skill level. Whether you are an absolute beginner or have already made a few baskets, you will walk away with new skills and a beautiful basket you can use every day.

Check out some samples of Traycee’s basketry work! (note, these images are for your reference and to celebrate Traycee’s artistry. Your pencil cup will be similar to the image at the top of the listing.