What a joy it was for Elizabeth and me to see what these students had accomplished in four days. These types of introductory workshops are always more about the process than the product, but it is meaningful for students of any age to have physical reminders of what they are learning. I have noticed that when students begin working with Western red cedar bark, the lessons are deep, individual, and ancient. Lessons that are deeper than we are, become remembered, as we weave with this humble and generous material.
Nicole finished an ambitious project, a parfleche, that she plans to use for transporting her students papers. No doubt, when her students ask her, she will have many stories to tell them about her learning process.
Alaina plans to fill this mushroom basket to the brim, with the fresh mushrooms she gathers.
Along with a small cedar basket, Rich made a twill tray and his own version of a hexigonal open weave vase.
Linda’s lovely purse. At home she has the perfect strap and button to complete this.
Shelley made her purse just the right size to hold a sketchbook and pencil set.
Somehow, Elizabeth managed to finish this clutch with a leather lining. At home she also has a special button to complete it.
Dan’s fine work is going to make a certain mother-in-law, very happy! And his students are sure to be working on some cedar projects this upcoming school year.
Don’s sconce was nearly completed, but I’ve always wondered…..
if it actually ended up on the wall?……..or as something else?
Margie’s satchel turned out splendidly….
As did Nancy’s…..
And Michelle’s!
Mary’s Angel Card Basket really turned out nicely with all the iris twining.
Thanks again Julie for taking most of these pictures which help me to remember this great experience we had together last summer. Your square twill basket will be admired for years to come.
Thanks to all of you students, and to all those of you at North Cascades Institute, for providing us with this amazing learning experience. I’m still dreaming about that fresh raspberry shortcake we had, and all the wonderful Skagit Valley grown foods so artfully prepared for us.
