Basketry Workshops, Woodfest 18-19 October, Bulli, Wollongong

Basketry Workshops, Woodfest – Saturday & Sunday 18-19 October, Bulli, Wollongong

2 workshops!

Saturday – Make a beautiful seasonal wreath with foraged foliage. Saturday 18 October, 1-3pm – More Information and BOOK CLICK HERE
Sunday – Weave a gorgeous random woven basket or a wall sculpture with the wonderful Bangalow Palm inflorescence. Sunday 19 October, 10am-3pm More Information and BOOK CLICK HERE

Suitable for beginners.

When: 18 and/or 19 October 2025
Where: Bulli Showgrounds, Grevillea Park Rd, Bulli, Wollongong, New South Wales 2516

SATURDAY – Seasonal Wreath Workshop

Embrace the beauty of the season and join award-winning fibre artist, Catriona Pollard for a hands-on wreath making workshop where you’ll craft a unique wreath for your home 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 colours 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 participants are welcome to bring their own foraged finds to personalise their wreaths. More Information and BOOK CLICK HERE

SUNDAY – Random Weave Sculptures Workshop

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. More Information and BOOK CLICK HERE

What participants are saying:

“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

Catriona Pollard – Basketry artist and teacher

Catriona Pollard is a contemporary artist who uses traditional fibre techniques to transform foraged plant fibres and recycled metals into evocative sculptural works which investigate human’s personal connection with the natural world.

Her practice has been recognised as a skilful exploration of ideas around nature and human’s relationship, the invisible forces and the movement of energy within it. Central to her work is the investigation of transformation and humanity’s connection, dependence, and the possibility of harmony with the ecological world.

Her sculptures feature intricate and complex weaving techniques that create repetitive patterns which explore the concept of connection and interconnection. Her interplay of shadows extending beyond the physical boundaries of the sculptures opens discussion around light and dark and their role in achieving harmony.

Catriona has been selected for multiple solo exhibitions and exhibits extensively selected, group and touring exhibitions. She has been a winner and finalist in many art awards including 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 and many more.

Her artwork is profiled across major art and design media and is featured nationally in galleries, high end design spaces and private collections. Watch her talk about her art at ABC TV and Gardening Australia and read in the feature in Good Weekend, SMH/The Age. She is profiled in the Book: Woven Together: Weavers and Their Stories. See the media section for more talks and media.

As a dedicated professional educator, she holds sold out sculptural basketry weaving workshops in Australia and internationally and teaches for design and craft centres. She holds demonstrations for organisations including Museums, and gives artist talks at galleries and community groups. She also established the online SchoolofBasketryArt.com with students from around the world.

Instagram: CatrionaPollard. Read more about at www.theartofweaving.com.au/about