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Information for Course Organizers
Offer for Willow Basketry Classes with Werner Turtschi
This offer is designed for providers of adult education courses in
English speaking countries such as schools, homes, social institutions, further education for teachers and anyone else interested in the traditional craft of willow basketry.
 | The courses are organized, advertised and carried out by the local course providers. I am in charge of the actual instruction time.
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| The courses are organized in blocks (sessions) of three days at a time. It makes sense to have at least one day of rest between sessions. If only two sessions are planned, they could be taught without a break- but this would be quite difficult for the students, because the hands become sore after a short time. It is also possible to offer one session only.
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| The first session provides some basic knowledge which is a prerequisite for the following sessions. It is the most important. All the other sessions are based on the first one. The degree of difficulty increases with each session.
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| Out of consideration for the other participants, a late entrance into a ongoing session is not possible.
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| It is possible, however, to attend only the first and third sessions.
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| No previous knowledge is necessary for session one.
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| The courses are planned for 10 participants. |
| The courses are offered in either German or English.
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| The actual session time can be determined by the course provider. We should be able to work 6 to 7 hours per day.
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| All participants should have at least seven square meters of working space. If at all possible, we would like to work indoors. It is possible to do so outside, but the willow will dry out faster and break easier so we need a shady place without drafts.
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| The floor of the course room should not be susceptible to water and should be easy to clean.
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| All participants need a chair. Tables are not necessary.
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Beginner Courses
The basic offer includes three beginners sessions of three days each. In those the participants learn the basic techniques of willow basketry.
In all courses we work with raw, unpeeled willow.
- In the first session there is a short theoretical introduction to basketry plus we weave a round Potato basket with two handles and a
wooden foot. By doing this, the participants learn the use of tools and get to know the willow.
- In the second session we make an oval basket with a
handle and a woven foot.
- In the third session, a rectangular basket.
Advanced Course
For basket weavers who have had previous willow basket experience, further courses can be tailored to fit the needs of the individual student. Basic knowledge of pairing, whaling,
French randing and how to make borders are necessary.
Mount Vernon, Washington State, USA July 2001
Costs
For information on courses and costs please contact:
Joleen Gordon
121 Crichton Ave.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B3A 3R6 Canada
Phone: +1 (902) 469 2798
Email: joleen.gordon(at)ns.sympatico.ca
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