Basketry Workshops & Fibre Art Workshops
Join award-winning artist Catriona Pollard for exclusive basketry workshops and handmade fibre art workshops. Learn basketry techniques & create stunning sculptures.
Discover Weaving and Basketry Workshops & Fibre Art. In Catriona’s basketry workshops you have the opportunity to explore your creativity through traditional basketry with a sculptural perspective. These fun weaving courses are the perfect way to learn a new skill with a focus on exploration and play not perfection.
“A joyous experience. I highly recommend it. Thank you for your kindness, care, instruction, guidance and creativity. Such a wonderful day.” Lynne
“I had a wonderful time creating, learning new skills, using natural elements and sitting chatting with like-minded women. ” Robin
Story of the workshops on ABC TV
Read the wonderful Good Weekend article
BASKETRY WORKSHOP – RANDOM WEAVE SCULPTURES with Bangalow Palm
Join this fun filled basketry workshop and learn the random weave basketry technique using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence.
The basketry workshop is all about exploration and play – not perfection. So it’s perfect for those who think they have no creativity or artistic ability (we are all creative!)- or want to explore that quality more.
Experience and explore sculptural basketry techniques and learn how to create something from found organic material just using your hands and imagination.
It’s a small class so you get hands-on tuition from expert basketry weaver, Catriona Pollard. Materials included, but if you have access to Bangalow Palm inflorescence then bring it along. Once booked, I’ll give you preparation notes.
Suitable for beginners, or intermediate weavers. If you’ve never done basketry before – perfect! You’ll love this weaving workshop and leave with finished basket or sculpture.
This course is for you if:
- You want to learn the basketry technique of random weaving, but don’t know where to start.
- You don’t have any experience or want to further develop your weaving.
- You’re looking for a fun, relaxing creative outlet, and an enjoyable way to spend your downtime.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL for all workshops as there is limited number of spots available and most often they book out.
“A joyous experience. I highly recommend it. Thank you for your kindness, care, instruction, guidance and creativity. Such a wonderful day.” Lynne
“I had a wonderful day with Catriona exploring weaving and basketry, helping me to reawaken creativity while learning about using foraged and repurposed materials to make beautiful and functional objects. Catriona brings such knowledge and experience to the workshop. Together with her gentle encouragement and positive energy I came away feeling revitalised, enthusiastic and fulfilled. Thank you Catriona.” – Wendy
“Thank you for your fantastic workshop on Sunday. I have been fortunate enough to find myself collecting and connecting to nature yesterday and this morning. May it stay that way. I love looking at my little sculptural ‘basket’ – it’s colours are changing and it’s just magical – it makes me happy. I feel more centered. Such a gift – thank you again. Kim
“I had a wonderful day creating, learning new skills, using natural elements and sitting chatting with like-minded women. What a gift to be able to take time out with Catriona guiding us enthusiastically and nurturing our new skills and self-belief. Thanks heaps Catriona.” Robin
SUNDAY 13 September 2026 – Random Weave Sculptures Workshop, Kendall, Mid North Coast near Port Macquarie
Join award-winning basketry artist Catriona Pollard for an inspiring, hands-on basketry workshop and immerse yourself in the sculptural craft of random weave basketry. In this natural fibre weaving class, you’ll learn how to transform Bangalow Palm inflorescence into a unique basket or wall sculpture.
In this basket weaving class you don’t need any experience, it is all about creative exploration, not perfection. You’ll discover the joy of working with your hands, connecting with nature, and crafting something truly personal from organic materials. It’s a mindful and satisfying experience for anyone looking for a creative outlet or a new artistic skill. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished piece and the confidence to continue your basketry journey at home.
When: Sunday 13 September 2026
Time: 10am – 3:00pm
Where: Kendall Community Centre, Comboyne St Kendall
Cost: $195 inc GST and materials
SUNDAY 20 September 2026 – Random Weave Sculptures Workshop, Newcastle
Join award-winning basketry artist Catriona Pollard for an inspiring, hands-on basketry workshop and immerse yourself in the sculptural craft of random weave basketry. In this natural fibre weaving class, you’ll learn how to transform Bangalow Palm inflorescence into a unique basket or wall sculpture.
In this basket weaving class you don’t need any experience, it is all about creative exploration, not perfection. You’ll discover the joy of working with your hands, connecting with nature, and crafting something truly personal from organic materials. It’s a mindful and satisfying experience for anyone looking for a creative outlet or a new artistic skill. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished piece and the confidence to continue your basketry journey at home.
When: Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: 10am – 3:00pm
Where: Newcastle, Henry Park Hall, 28 Thomas St, Hamilton South NSW
Cost: $220 inc GST and materials
SUNDAY 18 October 2026 – Random Weave Sculptures Workshop, Mosman, Sydney
Join award-winning basketry artist Catriona Pollard for an inspiring, hands-on basketry workshop and immerse yourself in the sculptural craft of random weave basketry. In this natural fibre weaving class, you’ll learn how to transform Bangalow Palm inflorescence into a unique basket or wall sculpture.
In this basket weaving class you don’t need any experience, it is all about creative exploration, not perfection. You’ll discover the joy of working with your hands, connecting with nature, and crafting something truly personal from organic materials. It’s a mindful and satisfying experience for anyone looking for a creative outlet or a new artistic skill. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished piece and the confidence to continue your basketry journey at home.
When: Sunday 18 October 2026
Time: 10am – 3:00pm
Where: Mosman, The Barn, Avenue Rd
Cost: $220 inc GST and materials
SUNDAY 25 October 2026 – Random Weave Sculptures Workshop, Cronulla, Sydney
Join award-winning basketry artist Catriona Pollard for an inspiring, hands-on basketry workshop and immerse yourself in the sculptural craft of random weave basketry. In this natural fibre weaving class, you’ll learn how to transform Bangalow Palm inflorescence into a unique basket or wall sculpture.
In this basket weaving class you don’t need any experience, it is all about creative exploration, not perfection. You’ll discover the joy of working with your hands, connecting with nature, and crafting something truly personal from organic materials. It’s a mindful and satisfying experience for anyone looking for a creative outlet or a new artistic skill. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished piece and the confidence to continue your basketry journey at home.
When: Sunday 25 October 2026
Time: 10am – 3:00pm
Where: Gunnamatta Pavilion (Activity Room 3), Gunnamatta Park, Cronulla NSW 2230
Cost: $220 inc GST and materials
Gift Voucher
Give the gift of creativity. Give someone you care about the experience of a day in creativity!
Random Weave: Make a random weave basket or wall sculpture. It’s so much fun! I run a random weave workshop on a Sunday most months, so once you’ve given them the voucher, they can get in touch to pick the date. When you pay, I’ll email you the voucher.
Cost: $220 inc GST and materials
I also offer gift vouchers for the weekend courses. Contact me here to purchase one.
Basketry Looping Workshop – Primrose Park Art & Craft, Cremorne, 23 August 10am-12pm
Spend a relaxed, creative morning learning the easy and fun looping technique.
Join basketry artist and teacher Catriona Pollard for a hands-on workshop exploring the meditative, sculptural world of looping. This simple and versatile technique has been used across cultures for thousands of years—and once you start, it’s hard to stop.
No experience needed. This is all about enjoying the process, not getting it perfect. You’ll play, experiment, and discover how satisfying it is to work with your hands—transforming natural paper cord into your own unique form.
Expect a calm, creative atmosphere where you can slow down, connect with making, and try something new. Whether you’re curious, creative, or just want a different kind of morning, you’ll feel right at home.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll head home with your own finished piece—and the confidence to keep going.
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00pm
Where: Primrose Park Art & Craft, Cremorne
Cost: $85 inc GST and materials
CLICK TO BOOK – 23 August 2026
CLICK TO BOOK – 11 October 2026
Private Basketry Workshops
Looking for a unique, hands-on creative experience? Book a private basketry workshop with renowned fibre artist Catriona Pollard. Perfect for small groups, team building, or special occasions with friends and family, these custom sessions are tailored to your interests and skill level.
Learn traditional and contemporary weaving techniques using natural materials in a relaxed, inspiring environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced maker, you’ll leave with a beautiful handcrafted piece and new creative confidence. Workshops can be hosted in your space or Catriona’s in Sydney.
Contact us to get more information, pricing and to book your personalised basketry experience today.
Five Star Reviews
What a wonderful time I had with the workshop. I have met some lovely women, who are like minded. We left with a beautiful looped basket. My friends are raving about it. Catriona is an excellent teacher. She is kind, patient and very creative. – Julie
It was so good to spend two days exploring four different weaving techniques. Catriona provided clear instructions and demonstrations and we had the time needed to master the skills.
It was fun to spend time with other crafty/handy people and always amazing to see what everyone produced from the same starting point. – Elizabeth
Catriona is a generous educator with an easy, yet disciplined manner – she manages the class environment and pace well, and meets students at their own level with individual encouragement and support. Her technical explanations are clear and exact, while also being open to individual interpretations. I have also enjoyed listening to her talk about her own artistic journey and creative process and how she brings a very empathetic perspective – an inspiring way to help students progress further along their own creative journeys. – Mark
What a wonderful day it was, learning to weave with Catriona. Worth every minute (and cent!) Highly recommend. – Sarah
Catriona guided a collaborative sculpture making workshop as part of my birthday. Everyone brought a piece of nature and Catriona’s gentle and patient guidance helped us to weave a sculpture together. It was so much fun and very organic. We all loved it. – Bella
Thanks Catriona, that was such a fun way to spend a few hours. It was so interesting that all of us produced different results which were all fabulous in their own way. I would never have imagined this to be a hobby of mine but it certainly is! – Liz
Absolutely wonderful experience that will enable me to experiment further. – Denise
What a fun day with Catriona and a great group of ladies. I began very unsure of what I should be doing but she quickly came to my rescue and made the whole process easier. I’d been Overthinking it. I’m now keen to experiment at home. Thanks Catriona for giving me the confidence to do this. I love my seed pod. – Pamela
Our Workshop catered to all skill levels working with natural fibres that gave a connection to our Australian native flora. Catriona gave us lots of guidance and demonstrated her expertise in weaving techniques so that we all took home our amazing woven basketry or wall hangings. A very inspiring day. – Bronwyn
We had a wonderful start to our Christmas celebration with Catriona. Catriona guided us all through the process while allowing us to all have our own artistic flair to each wreath! It was a joyful, calm and relaxed morning. We will be back in February to do more! – Elaine
Catriona’s workshops are superb. I can’t speak more highly of Catriona, she is a fantastic teacher and you always leave her workshop with an extraordinary piece of art that you have created. Take the time out of your schedule to weave and create. – Natalie
A great weaving basketry workshop held by Catriona. Great facilitator, easy to follow and supportive. Would recommend, it was fun. – Kirsty
Fabulous afternoon of weaving with Catriona, just the loveliest person and teacher we all were so happy with what we made. Such a treat it was. – Cath
A fantastic way to feel grounded whilst creating an art piece from nature. Highly recommend. – Dianne
What an engaging and enjoyable experience. Catriona is a gentle and encouraging teacher. So satisfying not only to learn the craft and also get to take home a lovely basket the result of your efforts. – Yvonne
I’ve attended Catriona’s Random Weave & Looping workshops and highly recommend both. Catriona is very warm & encouraging and teaches with a wonderful balance between technique & freedom of expression. I’m very grateful for this introduction to the wonderful world of weaving! – Julie
I had a wonderful day with Catriona exploring weaving and basketry, helping me to reawaken creativity while learning about using foraged and repurposed materials to make beautiful and functional objects. Catriona brings such knowledge and experience to the workshop. Together with her gentle encouragement and positive energy I came away feeling revitalised, enthusiastic and fulfilled. My little bowl is already filled with treasures in my car. Thanks Catriona. – Wendy
What a great day at the Basketry Workshop at North Haven. Catriona was very patient and supportive. Such a great teacher. Thank you. – Virginia
I had the best workshop and I am itching to do more. It was a calming process. Catriona was lovely person . Thank you – Janet
Weekend Sculptural Basketry Weaving Workshop
Join award-winning basketry artist Catriona Pollard for an inspiring 2-day sculptural basketry weaving retreat.This immersive weekend basket weaving workshop introduces you to four contemporary sculptural basketry techniques, giving you the opportunity to step confidently into the world of contemporary and sculptural basketry. Over two creative days, you’ll learn four versatile techniques and leave with finished sculptural artworks and the confidence to continue your basketry practice.
“Thanks so much for an awesome weekend of weaving! It was wonderful to learn a range of weaving styles and enjoy great company.” Jane
“A fantastic workshop.” Jenny
“Thank you so much for the weekend workshop. It was lovely to learn your techniques with a great group of fascinating women” Venta
You will be learning and exploring basketry techniques with materials you can easily access after the class so you can keep on weaving:
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*Random Weaving with Cane + Inclusions: Experiment with natural textures to create unique, eye-catching designs.
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*Random Weaving with Long Leafy Plants: Embrace organic materials and learn to weave with readily available organic material.
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*Twining with Jute with a Pattern: Discover this structures technique that combines function with beauty.
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*Looping with Paper String: Explore innovative method that can easily be transferred to other materials and forms.
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*Bonus: An exclusive cordage/string demonstration to enhance your creative toolbox.
By the end of this course you will be confident in multiple basketry techniques. Tapping into your creativity, like all of my workshops, it is so much more than just learning techniques, it’s an opportunity to tap into powerful creativity that is ready to surface.
Learning at your own pace, in this hands on, practical workshop is all about exploration and experimentation not perfection. While learning basketry techniques, you will be reconnecting with your imagination and creativity.
It’s a small class so you get hands-on tuition from expert weaver, Catriona Pollard. No prior basket weaving experience is required. This Murwillumbah basketry workshop is focused on creative exploration rather than perfection, making it ideal for beginners as well as experienced makers seeking fresh inspiration. You’ll love it and leave with finished basketry sculptures and the confidence to do more.
PREVIOUS PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
WEEK in the French Pyrenees – BOOKED OUT
Through the lens of nature, explore beyond what you imagine a basket to be. Taping into your creativity, we will be exploring traditional basketry with a sculptural perspective.
During this week long basketry exploration in S W France you will learn much more than just basketry techniques, it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, your stories and tap into powerful creativity that is ready to surface.
You’ll be extending yourself beyond what you imagine a basket to be by using a variety of foraged and natural fibres. You will receive personalised tutoring to develop practical skills in my favourite basketry techniques including random weaving, twining, and looping and will weave vessels and sculptural forms.
During artist-led outings to explore the natural landscape in the Pyrenees you will create woven sculptures that connect to concepts that you want to explore. Together through enquiry, conversation and quiet contemplation we will explore the relationships between land, mountains, plants and humans and how our woven sculptures can articulate this.
With guidance and tuition, you will complete a series of sculptural forms culminating in your very own sculpture using the techniques we have explored and materials that you’ve foraged as well as class materials.
To build that connection to nature we will be doing ephemeral art exercises which is a technique that involves creating temporary artworks using found natural objects (such as leaves and sticks) and placing them into patterns and shapes. Also using ink, to make experimental forms on paper with found natural material which can be incorporated in your weaving.
Suitable for beginners, intermediates or people wanting to explore their creativity through basketry. Learning at your own pace, in this hands on, practical and inspirational workshop is all about exploration and experimentation not perfection. While learning basketry techniques, you will be reconnecting with your imagination and creativity in the stunning landscape of the French Pyrenees.
ANCIENT ART OF TWINING – waitlist
Where: Catriona Pollard Artist Showroom, Level 1, 4 Young St Neutral Bay
Cost: $195 inc GST and materials
Having spent hundreds – if not thousands of hours twining so many different types of materials, I just love twining. It’s my go to basketry technique where ever I am – on the train from Rome to Florence, sitting on the beach or in front of TV. It’s one of those techniques that once you’ve learnt the fundamentals, you can apply to so many materials, forms, baskets and sculptures.
In this basketry workshop, learn the ancient basketry technique of twining using beautiful polished hemp. You’ll learn how to twine and also how to add in to create patterns. During this full-day basketry workshop, there will be time to explore this beautiful weaving technique. Over the day we will be making two small baskets so you will leave confident in the technique, and how to start and do multiple finishes. It’s a small class so you get hands-on tuition from an expert. All materials included.
Suitable for beginners, or intermediate weavers. (If you’ve never done weaving before – perfect! You’ll love it and leave with finished baskets).
Sturt Summer School – Interwoven creativity- weaving natural forms – WAITING LIST ONLY
Spend 5 days with me exploring nature, weaving and creativity at the Sturt Summer School at Mittagong, 3-8 January 2019 . Through the lens of nature, explore traditional basketry with a sculptural perspective. Through a series of creative exercises that will connect you with the natural world, you will uncover the secret life in natural materials. This workshop is all about exploration and play not perfection and you will complete a series of sculptural forms.
Fibre Arts Festival, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
17, 18, 19 November 2018
Want to have an end of the year creative experience? Join me at the inaugural Fibre Arts Festival at the Hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, QLD where you can do a bunch of interesting creative workshops, chill by the pool, do some yoga and hang out with like minded people. Don’t miss out! I’ll be doing twining basketry workshops using hemp and seagrass cord.
Learn Sculptural Basketry with Catriona Pollard – Mosman Art Gallery – BOOKED OUT
In this basketry workshop you will learn the ancient basketry technique of Random Weaving which has been used since the beginning of humanity. You will have the opportunity to transform ordinary natural found objects into something extraordinary. Using the natural fibre of Bangalow Palm inflorescence (seedpods) you will weave a sculptural form. By the end of the experience, you will have a sculptural basket and a deeper understanding of the wonderful art of weaving and your own creativity.
Wild Creativity – Moss Vale, Southern Highlands, NSW
Today, we live in a fast-paced world of technology designed to constantly grab our attention that keeps us constantly switched on. Coupled with relentless deadlines and the pressure of modern day living can all lead to mental fatigue, overwhelm, and burnout. Spend a day with celebrated nature-based artist, Catriona Pollard where you will have the opportunity to slow down, quieten your mind and reconnect with your imagination.
In this one-day basketry workshop you will find renewed inspiration through a series of creative exercises and nature-based experiences including ephemeral art. You will learn ancient basketry techniques which have been used since the beginning of humanity. You will have the opportunity to transform ordinary natural found objects into something extraordinary.
Unwind, Twine and Dine – East Coast Lounge, Mosman
Sit by Sydney Harbour, eat gourmet food, drink fabulous wine and learn the ancient art of basketry with celebrated fibre artist Catriona Pollard. How relaxing does that sound! In this unique workshop you will tap into your creativity and learn the technique of twining using beautiful sea grass cord. Included in this basketry workshops is a gourmet lunch with wine and all the materials you will need to learn how to create a work of art using your hands and imagination.
Formed and Foraged – The School, Roseberry – BOOKED OUT
“Spend a glorious day making a sculptural piece from foraged materials with Catriona Pollard. In a world of digital and tech overload, the winding, the twining, the bending and the tenderness of working alongside nature is a treat in itself. Having fibre artist Catriona Pollard guide you and inspire you makes for a dream day. We consider this creative therapy and we know your hands, your hearts and your walls will be all be richer for this day. In this sculptural basketry workshop, you will learn the ancient basketry technique of twining using various plant and cord materials. This class is all about exploration and play, not perfection. You will learn how to connect with nature, your stories and your creativity. You will leave with your very own twined sculptural basket.”
Sturt Craft and Design Centre – waitlist only
26-27 May 2018
Sturt Craft and Design Centre, Mittagong
Limited to 10 people
Experience and explore play, innovation, creativity and sculptural basketry techniques. Learn how to create something from found organic material just using your hands and imagination.
NZ Art in Nature: exploring your creativity – booked out
2-4 April, 2018
Waverley, South Taranaki, NZ
Limited to 10 people
Explore your creativity: weaving sculptures – booked out
4 February 2018 9:30-4pm, North Sydney Community Centre
This workshop is all about exploration and play – not perfection. Learning traditional basketry techniques you will use organic material such as vines, seed pods and branches to weave sculptural forms. Starting with standing in nature we will explore ephemeral art techniques and you will learn how to connect with nature, your stories and your creativity.
Fluidity – Booked Out Morning and afternoon Sun. 21 May 2017, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm & 2pm-5pm, Warringah Creative Space 105 Abbott Rd North Curl Curl, NSW Experience and explore the sculptural basketry technique of random weaving in conjunction with my Fluidity Exhibition
5 day residential – Sturt Winter School – Interwoven creativity- weaving natural forms – Booked Out
Spend 5 days with me exploring nature, weaving and creativity at the Sturt Winter School at Mittagong, 3-7 July 2017. We all have new growth ready to emerge, and this basketry workshop will help you reconnect with your imagination, nature and give you new insights and perspectives.Suitable for all levels.