Location
Pioneer Lodge, Red Deer
Basketry Workshops
Weekend of Weaving
at Pioneer Lodge
in Red Deer
A hands-on basketry weekend with workshops in willow, cattail, bulrush, bark, and other gathered materials.
Two weekends, two rhythms — choose the one that fits you.
About the Weekend
Basketry is older than pottery. Older than metalwork. For thousands of years, people have been working with plants in their hands. Bending, twisting, weaving vessels to carry and hold.
These workshops teach the same foundational skills, with materials that grow where we live.
Workshops
Choose one material, one day, or a whole weekend of different textures.
Materials
Willow, cattail, bulrush, bark. Harvested, prepared, and ready for your hands.
Experience
Beginner-friendly, with options for returning and intermediate weavers.
Two Weekends / Two Rhythms
Choose your weekend
See the full schedule, compare workshops, and register for the classes that fit you.
Location & Practical Details
Pioneer Lodge in Red Deer
Workshops take place at Pioneer Lodge, a historic community hall in Parkvale, next to the arena and curling rink.
The lodge is wheelchair accessible, has off-street parking, and includes a kitchen with a fridge and microwave.
Before you come
What to Bring
- All weaving materials and tools are provided.
- A water bottle, lunch, and any extra snacks you may need.
- Comfortable clothing for a hands-on workshop.
- Any supports your hands or body need for a full workshop day.
Places to Stay
Coming from out of town? These links may help you find a nearby stay:
On the day
Parking
Off-street parking is available. Please arrive with enough time to park, settle in, and be ready when your workshop begins.
Snacks & Tea
Light snacks and tea will be available. Please bring a water bottle, lunch, and any extra food you need for the day.
Longer Workshops
Workshops over 5 hours include a 1-hour break partway through. Bring something to store in the fridge or heat in the microwave, or head out for a bite nearby.
Food & Coffee Nearby
A few downtown options nearby:
Policies
Children & Youth
Children over 12 are welcome in Gentle Beginner and Beginner workshops with a dedicated caregiver.
We ask for a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio, and children must be supervised by their caregiver at all times.
Policies & Waiver
All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable, but may be passed on to a friend.
View policies & waiver →Parking
Off-street parking is available. Please arrive with enough time to park, settle in, and be ready when your workshop begins.
Snacks & Tea
Light snacks and tea will be available. Please bring a water bottle, lunch, and any extra food you need for the day.
Longer Workshops
Workshops over 5 hours include a 1-hour break partway through. Bring something to store in the fridge or heat in the microwave, or head out for a bite nearby.
Food & Coffee Nearby
A few downtown options nearby:
What to Bring
- All weaving materials and tools are provided.
- A water bottle, lunch, and any extra snacks you may need.
- Comfortable clothing for a hands-on workshop.
- Any supports your hands or body need for a full workshop day.
Places to Stay
Coming from out of town? These links may help you find a nearby stay:
Children & Youth
Children over 12 are welcome in Gentle Beginner and Beginner workshops with a dedicated caregiver.
We ask for a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio, and children must be supervised by their caregiver at all times.
Policies & Waiver
All sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable, but may be passed on to a friend.
View policies & waiver →Finding your own rhythm
A note for the workshops with guided instruction. After the guided portion, you'll have time to weave on your own and bring your basket to a finish. This stretch is meant to feel unhurried. Here's what to know going in.
There's no single right pace
Some hands move quickly, some settle in slowly, and both make lovely baskets. If the person beside you is further along, it doesn't mean you're behind. It means you're weaving at your own speed, which is exactly what this time is for.
Getting stuck is part of weaving
Natural materials have their own character, and every weaver hits a moment where something won't sit right. When it happens, set your work down and take a breath. A loosened row or an awkward join is almost always fixable. Try the last step once more, slowly. Often the material just needs a little more coaxing. And if it still won't come, wave me over.
You won't be forgotten
I'll be moving through the room throughout. If I'm mid-lesson with another group when you need me, flag me anyway. I'll catch your eye and come to you as soon as I've set them going.
Finishing at home is welcome
Some baskets come together within the session. Others want a little more time. If you'd rather carry yours home to finish, you'll leave knowing how, and you're always welcome to email a photo if you get stuck partway.
A few things that help
Keep your material in good working condition as you were shown, so it stays supple and easy to work. Tuck your ends in as you go rather than saving them for the end. And ask questions the moment they arise. There's no such thing as a small one here.
Mostly, settle in and let your hands find the rhythm. That's the whole point of this quiet stretch.
Finding your own rhythm
A note for the workshops with guided instruction. After the guided portion, you'll have time to weave on your own and bring your basket to a finish. This stretch is meant to feel unhurried. Here's what to know going in.
There's no single right pace
Some hands move quickly, some settle in slowly, and both make lovely baskets. If the person beside you is further along, it doesn't mean you're behind. It means you're weaving at your own speed, which is exactly what this time is for.
Getting stuck is part of weaving
Natural materials have their own character, and every weaver hits a moment where something won't sit right. When it happens, set your work down and take a breath. A loosened row or an awkward join is almost always fixable. Try the last step once more, slowly. Often the material just needs a little more coaxing. And if it still won't come, wave me over.
You won't be forgotten
I'll be moving through the room throughout. If I'm mid-lesson with another group when you need me, flag me anyway. I'll catch your eye and come to you as soon as I've set them going.
Finishing at home is welcome
Some baskets come together within the session. Others want a little more time. If you'd rather carry yours home to finish, you'll leave knowing how, and you're always welcome to email a photo if you get stuck partway.
A few things that help
Keep your material in good working condition as you were shown, so it stays supple and easy to work. Tuck your ends in as you go rather than saving them for the end. And ask questions the moment they arise. There's no such thing as a small one here.
We gather. We weave. We carry something home.