Willow Weaving Workshop

Learn to make a beautiful, functional oval tray from locally grown willow with gardener and weaver Graham Teeple in this eco-craft workshop.

The Catalan tension tray is a perfect introduction to weaving with willow: a meditative practice that involves concentration, controlled hand strength, and the joy of discovering what you can make with just sticks and tension.

Over the three hour workshop, you'll learn to manipulate rods in tension, use weavers to bind them together, and shape your tray as it materializes. We will also discuss the process of growing and preparing willow for weaving, and a bit of the history of basket making as a sustainable and ancient human technology.

By the end of the workshop, you'll have completed one tray and have the skills and a set of materials to start/finish a second on your own.

Please note: participants will use sharp pruning shears and will be asked to sign a waiver.

When: Sunday, April 19th from 3-6pm

Where: Hanji Gifts on Bloor, Second floor. (645 Bloor St. West, Toronto ON.)

BIO

Graham Teeple is a professional gardener, willow weaver, and plant-based artist based in Ontario. His work explores the relationship between people and the natural world — creating opportunities for personal, tactile encounters with the plants and creatures around us. As a teacher, Graham loves empowering people to engage with natural materials and rediscover the deeply human and joyful impulse to create with plants.

IG: @grahamteeple