Willow Basketmaking with Renee Baumann | August 14 & 15, 2026 from 10am-4pm in Wassaic, NY

This 2 day workshop is designed to immerse you in the fundamentals of stake-and-strand willow weaving. Led by basketmaker Renee Baumann, we’ll learn how to create a classic round base and build a medium-to-large basket, perfect for heavy-duty gathering, kindling, or storage.

With a basket of this size, you’ll have the opportunity to try several side weaves, including waling, randing, and zig-zag weaving. You’ll also learn how to use traditional basketry tools such as snippers, a bodkin, a knife, and a rapping iron. Participants will have the option to create inset handles or add leather handles (available for purchase).

Willow weaving is a fun and dynamic skill, but it can also be quite physical. Working with this material requires moderate hand and arm strength. Expect to spend two full days fully immersed in learning and practicing this craft. Lunch will be provided each day. Materials fee is included in the price of the workshop. 

August 14 & 15, 2026 from 10am-4pm in Wassaic, NY

Instructor: Renee Baumann

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Renee is a Catskills-based designer, chef, and nature enthusiast with a passion for wild plants and fungi. Trained as both an architect and a chef, she brings a creative, interdisciplinary flair to everything she does—whether she’s crafting baskets from local plants, illustrating mushrooms in watercolor, or whipping up delicious meals from foraged ingredients. Renee teaches workshops and techniques working with local fibers, with an emphasis on creating three dimensional forms from bioregional components. Her work varies from traditional basketry practices in cattail and willow to sculptural felt and spinning foraged fibers.  Renee teaches workshops on identifying, cooking with, and even weaving with plants and fungi growing in the Catskills. Find more of her work @renee_makes_things on instagram.