Basketry Workshops

In Catriona’s basketry workshops you have the opportunity to explore your creativity through traditional basketry with a sculptural perspective. These fun basketry courses are the perfect way to learn a new skill with a focus on exploration and play not perfection.

Basketry courses:
ONE DAY RANDOM WEAVE SCULPTURES Basketry Course
TWO DAYS LEARNING FOUR TECHNIQUES Basketry Course

Scroll down for information about:

ONE DAY random weave basketry course using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence
TWO DAY Weekend Basketry Weaving Workshops. 

  • Learn with a international teacher and expert basketry weaver
  • Make gorgeous basketry sculptures even if you don’t think you can!
  • Get your creative groove on with these basketry courses.

All of my basketry workshops are about exploration and play – not perfection. So they are perfect for those who think they that want to explore their creativity or artistic abilities. It’s a small class so you get hands-on tuition from expert basketry weaver, Catriona Pollard and all materials are included. Suitable for beginners, or intermediate weavers.

“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

  • Learn with a international teacher and expert basktery artist
  • A day workshop so you can leave with a completed basket or wall sculpture (this is not a technique you can learn in just a few hours)
  • You’ll make a gorgeous basket or a wall sculpture even if you don’t think you can!
  • Get your creative groove on!

Join this fun filled full day workshop and learn the random weave basketry technique using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence.

The 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 it and leave with finished basket or sculpture.

This course is for you if:

  • You want to learn the ancient 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 bookout.

“A joyous experience. I highly recommend it. Thank you for your kindness, care, instruction, guidance and creativity. Such a wonderful day.” Lynne

“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


MOSMAN -9 February 2025 - Random Weave Basketry Sculptures, Mosman, Sydney

SUNDAY 9 February 2025 – Random Weave Sculptures, Mosman, Sydney

Join this fun filled full day workshop and learn the random weave basketry technique using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence to make a gorgeous basket, or a wall sculpture. You will receive hands-on tuition in this small class, great for someone who’s never weaved before. Suitable for beginners.

Where: The Barn, Mosman Bay, 3c Avenue Road Mosman. (Free all day parking, next to the Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf).

When: 9 February 2025

Time: 10am – 3:00pm

Cost: $220 inc GST and materials

Limited spaces available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

More information and bookings click here


KATOOMBA- Sunday 16 February 2024 - Random Weave Basketry Sculptures, Katoomba

SUNDAY 16 February 2024 – Random Weave Sculptures, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Katoomba

Join this fun filled full day workshop and learn the random weave basketry technique using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence to make a gorgeous basket, or a wall sculpture. You will receive hands-on tuition in this small class, great for someone who’s never weaved before. Suitable for beginners. Accompanying the exhibitionforage: symbiotic (trans)formations’ at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre 

When: Sunday 16 February 2025
Time: 10:30am – 3:30pm
Where: Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke St, Katoomba NSW 2780

Limited spaces available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

More information and bookings click here


GOSFORD - Sunday 23 February 2025 - Random Weave Basketry Sculptures, Gosford

SUNDAY 23 February 2025- Random Weave Sculptures, GOSFORD, Central Coast

Join this fun filled full day workshop and learn the random weave basketry technique using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence to make a gorgeous basket, or a wall sculpture. You will receive hands-on tuition in this small class, great for someone who’s never weaved before. Suitable for beginners.

Where: Gosford Regional Art Gallery, Studio 2, 36 Webb Street East Gosford NSW 2304

When: Sunday 23 February 2025

Time: 10am – 3:00pm

Limited spaces available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

More information and bookings click here


CRONULLA- 2 March 2025 - Random Weave Basketry Sculptures, Cronulla, Sydney

2 March 2025 – Random Weave Sculptures, Cronulla, Sydney

Join this fun filled full day workshop and learn the random weave basketry technique using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence to make a gorgeous basket, or a wall sculpture. You will receive hands-on tuition in this small class, great for someone who’s never weaved before. Suitable for beginners.

Where: Gunnamatta Pavilion, Cronulla

When: 2 March 2025

Time: 10am – 3:00pm

Cost: $220 incl GST and materials

Limited spaces available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

More information and bookings click here


NEWCASTLE - 23 March 2025 - Random Weave Basketry Sculptures, Newcastle

SUNDAY  23 March 2025 – Random Weave Sculptures, Newcastle, Sydney

Join this fun filled full day workshop and learn the random weave basketry technique using the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence to make a gorgeous basket, or a wall sculpture. You will receive hands-on tuition in this small class, great for someone who’s never weaved before. Suitable for beginners.

Where: Henry Park Hall, 28 Thomas St, Hamilton South NSW 2303

When: 23 March 2025

Time: 10am – 3:00pm

Cost: $220 inc GST and materials

Limited spaces available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

More information and bookings click here


CLICK HERE FOR GIFT VOUCHER

Gift Voucher

Give the gift of creativity. Give someone you care about the experience of a day in creativity making 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. 


FORAGED WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP - 1 December, 10am-12pm, Mosman

Embrace the beauty of the season and join me for a hands-on workshop where you’ll craft unique wreaths using locally foraged plants. Over two hours, this experience invites you to connect with nature as we explore the art of wreath making, using an array of gathered materials like native plants, branches, seed pods, and wildflowers.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced maker, this workshop will guide you through wreath-making techniques while celebrating the textures and colors of the season. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind wreath to adorn your home and the inspiration to forage and create with nature all year long. All materials will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your own foraged finds to personalise your wreaths.

What to expect:

  • Guided foraging insights and wreath-making techniques
  • An array of seasonal, locally foraged plants and natural materials
  • A relaxing, creative environment perfect for connecting with nature and others
  • Leave with a beautiful wreath for your home

When: Sunday 1 December 2024
Time: 10am – 12:00pm
Where: The Barn, Mosman Bay, 3c Avenue Road Mosman. (Free all day parking, next to the Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf).
Cost: $180 inc GST and materials

More information and bookings


WEEKEND BASKETRY WEAVING RETREAT

Learn my favourite 4 basketry techniques in 2 days. 

“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 my favourite basketry techniques with materials you can easily access after the class so you can keep on weaving:

  • random weaving with cane + inclusions
  • random weaving with long leafy plants
  • twining with jute with a pattern
  • looping with paper string
  • Bonus: cordage/string demonstration

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.

Suitable for beginners, or weavers who are looking to learn these techniques If you’ve never done weaving before – perfect! You’ll love it and leave with finished basketry sculptures and the confidence to do more.

This course is for you if:

  • You want to learn multiple basketry techniques.
  • 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.
  • You deserve the gift of a weekend of dedicated weaving with a group of lovely people.


“I was lucky enough to attend Catriona’s workshop. It was truly a blessing to have full days of creativity being guided and taught by someone who is so talented and inspiring.  I learnt a lot, laughed a lot and it felt so good to be part of such a like minded and creative group. It was a special experience that I will not forget in a hurry.” Allison
________

“This workshop had boosted my confidence and creativity and had taught me practical techniques that I can apply in a myriad of ways. My basketry skills have escalated since doing your workshop! I loved the way you scaffolded each skill we learnt with your teaching style this made the progress smooth and achievable!  Thank you also for your encouragement, reassurance and support.”  Lea
_________

“Led by the dynamic and richly talented Catriona, we mastered new techniques and learned so so so much more about the creative process. It is not always that the practitioner can teach, but despite her own high level of skill, Catriona knew that we needed to learn the elements of the craft before letting loose our imaginations; understood, also, how difficult twining and cording, weaving and binding is for newbies. Patiently she demonstrated and repeated (again and again!) until our hesitant fingers danced to newly mastered rhythms. Her rich imagination and her technical skills together with a profound understanding of the inspiration to be found in natural plant materials enabled us to twine our souls into an exhilarating world of creativity.” Sarah
_________

“I had a wonderful time 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


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.