Basketry Looping Workshop – Primrose Park, Cremorne, 23 August, 10am-12pm

Description

Looping Basketry Workshop

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.

All materials included. Just bring an empty jar (approx. 15 cm wide x 6 cm deep).

What to expect from this Basketry Workshop:

• Learn the traditional looping technique of weaving in a relaxed, supportive space
• Create a complete basket using natural materials provided
• Receive step-by-step guidance from Catriona in a small class for personalised instruction

Who this Basket Weaving Class is perfect for:

• You want to learn basket weaving for beginners and don’t know where to start
• You’re looking for a creative, hands-on workshop that connects you with nature
• You want to unwind with a relaxing morning of making, learning and connection
• You’re an artist or crafter wanting to expand your skills with eco-friendly materials
• You enjoy mindful making and slow, meaningful craft experiences

Whether you’re completely new to basketry or looking to expand your weaving technique, you’ll love it and leave with a completed basket form.

What participants are saying:

“What a wonderful day it was, learning to weave with Catriona. Worth every minute (and cent!) Highly recommended.” – Sarah

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

“I love looking at my little sculptural basket – its colours are changing and it’s just magical. I feel more centred. Such a gift – thank you again.” – Kim

“I had a wonderful day creating, learning, using natural elements and chatting with like-minded women. What a gift to take time out with Catriona guiding us with enthusiasm and care.” – Robin

“The 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

“I’ve attended Catriona’s Random Weave Workshop as the Looping 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

Catriona Pollard – Basketry artist and teacher

Catriona Pollard is a contemporary artist and educator specialising in sculptural basketry. Over the past decade, she has taught more than 1,000 students across Australia and internationally, guiding them to transform foraged plant fibres into expressive, organic sculptural works through weaving techniques.

Her practice is grounded in both making and teaching, with a strong focus on fostering meaningful connections between people and the natural world. Through her workshops, courses, and demonstrations, she empowers students to see the creative potential in overlooked natural materials—branches, leaves, and seedpods—while developing their own artistic voice. This teaching philosophy sits at the core of her work: using creativity as a pathway to deepen personal and collective relationships with nature.

Catriona delivers sold-out workshops, teaches for leading craft and design organisations, and has built a global student community through her online platform, SchoolofBasketryArt.com. Her teaching reaches a diverse audience, from beginners to experienced makers, across both in-person and digital learning environments.

Alongside her teaching, Catriona maintains an active exhibition practice. She has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions and has been recognised as a finalist and award recipient in major art prizes, including the Australian Textile Art Award, International Art Textile Biennale, National Capital Art Prize, Environmental Art & Design Award, North Sydney Art Prize, Australian Fibre Arts Award, Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize, Northern Beaches Art Prize Emerging Artist of the Year (Craft NSW), and Mosman Art Gallery.

Her work is featured in galleries, high-end design spaces, and private collections nationally, and has been profiled across major media including ABC TV’s Gardening Australia, Good Weekend (SMH/The Age), and the book Woven Together: Weavers and Their Stories. Watch her talk about her art at ABC TV and Gardening Australia and read in the feature in Good Weekend, SMH/The Age.   See the media section for more talks and media.

Read more about at www.theartofweaving.com.au/about

Cancellations & Refunds
Refunds are available for cancellations made more than 14 days before the workshop date and will be issued minus the 2.6% payment processing fee. No refunds are available for cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop, including non-attendance or change of mind. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your booking to another person. If the workshop is cancelled by me due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.