You can choose to view (and/or download and print the Retreat Brochure in its entirety by clicking the Retreat Brochure image. Or you can browse online by the access links on this page.
When choosing your basket classes, please note the skill level, tools required, and time allowed to make sure you are able to meet all requirements. Please remember that it is not fair to the instructor or the other students to take a class that is beyond your skill level of expertise and that you are not ready to handle. Some classes may have special tools required. Also note the dimensions of the project as some may be larger or smaller than they appear in the featured photo. Some classes may offer more than one project within the same class. Others may offer color options. Please make sure you have made all your choices, or one may be assigned for you.
Advanced – Advanced weavers are proficient. They have mastered most weaving techniques and are ready to be challenged. Teachers are confident these students will not need assistance with basic weaving skills. Advanced weavers often design their own baskets and are quite experienced in most techniques.
This is a fun project! Your ladder wrap bracelet is woven on a leather cord (a variety of colors to choose from) with stone or glass beads of your choosing (prices average from $5 to $20 per bracelet). It’s a hot fashion statement right now and they’re not only fun to weave … they are lovely to wear too. A selection of roundels, charms, drops, and buttons also available to choose from.
Special Tools Required: Sewing Scissors. Ott Light is helpful.
Love color? Then you will love making your whisk brooms. The Tri Color Whisk is inspired by a Japanese broom having three colors. The Toe Sock Broom is named after the colorful toe socks we all love. There will be color choices in both the broom corn and the cording.
Special Tools Required: Basket shears and towel. Other tools will be provided by the instructor.
This classy basket is an eye catcher with the bold overlays. Easy and fun to weave! Class Act is a nice sized basket that can be used anywhere in your home or office. Techniques include start / stop weaving, filling a base, twining, and using overlays. The accent color is black and a pretty leather-like buckle finishes it off.
Special Tools Required: Standard weaving tools.
Expand your knowledge of stitches and techniques! Over a dozen stitches are used on this canister including incorporating beads. Those with basic experience will learn new stitches and improve their coiling. Students select from either a footed cherry or walnut base and choose from a selection of beads. The canister uses close to 1# of needles! The sampler will hold your needles and provide a reference for stitches in future coiling projects.
Special Tools Required: Sewing Scissors. Ott Light is helpful.
This is a fun project! Your ladder wrap bracelet is woven on a leather cord (a variety of colors to choose from) with stone or glass beads of your choosing (prices average from $5 to $20 per bracelet). It’s a hot fashion statement right now and they’re not only fun to weave … they are lovely to wear too. A selection of roundels, charms, drops, and buttons also available to choose from.
Special Tools Required: Sewing Scissors. Ott Light is helpful.
It's time to do some shopping! The highly anticipated Teacher's Marketplace will be begin at 5:30 pm. Many teachers will have a variety of kits, patterns, and other basket related supplies available for your shopping pleasure. This is a such a fun time ... even if it does get a little chaotic with the adrenaline rush of being the first to find the best bargains!
Our vendors, MJE2Weave (Jimmie Earl & Mary McKinzie), Bonnie's Baskets (Bonnie Rideout), and Phoenix Rising Ultd. (Artgal's Studio / Barb Nelson) will also have their booths open for these extended shopping hours.
Perfect for your door for spring or summer. If you haven't woven on a "quick weave" handle before, you will love it! Fun, easy basket to weave. Perfect for the beginner or fun for the experienced weaver alike. A summer metal embellishment finishes it off. It also makes a great housewarming gift!
Special Tools Required: Standard Weaving Tools.
CLASS IS FULL - Lauhala is the most common weaving material in the Hawaiian Islands. It is the Lau (leaf) of the Hala tree also known as Pandanus or Corkscrew Pine Tree. Students will make woven Lauhala bangle bracelets (TWO) on wood and wire bases. Begin with the larger base and then make another one on the smaller wire bangle. These bangles look great in multiples on your wrist.
Special Tools Required: Scissors.
CLASS IS FULL - Every weaver needs a water bottle so why not have one that displays your handiwork? Weave on a pre-finished hardwood base around a 24 ounce (larger sized) misting water bottle. Students will start / stop twill weave and use variations of triple twining and finish the rim with braided sea grass.
Choose from selection of accent colors in class.
Special Tools Required: Standard Weaving Tools.
CLASS IS FULL - This little basket is a perfect hostess gift and a great introduction to painted paper. It's woven with start / stop rows over a form to aid shaping. A simple woven embellishment finishes the design.
Choose from several (pained and pre-cut) color options in class.
Special Tools Required: Bring a small packer, several TOOTHLESS alligator clips, a #22 tapestry needle, and a sharp pair of scissors.
CLASS IS FULL - Create this fun-to-make little broom ornament for your Christmas tree all while learning the basics to tie brooms. What a unique and inspired gift! You'll be making more before the holidays.
Choose your cord color in class.
Special Tools Required: Basket shears and towel. Other tools will be provided by the instructor.
To register you must complete the REGISTRATION FORM provided. The Registration Form with your class selections is the ONLY acceptable application and must be sent via USPS. Emails, texts, and any other means of submitting class choices will not be accepted. Please indicate a minimum of 3 choices, in order of preference, for each day you are registered (also the Wednesday evening class time frame). If you do not indicate at least 3 choices and the classes you have indicated are full, you may not be assigned classes for that day. Making only one choice will not guarantee you space in that class. Do not select classes that you are not willing to take. Once classes are assigned (October 1, 2019), you will receive an EMAIL with your schedule of classes. All notifications to you will be via email. We do not utilize USPS for mailing of any hard copy forms to you.
Complete the Registration Form along with your class selections. Return the signed and dated forms along with payments for the Registration Fee and Tuesday Beach Basket Bingo (if you plan to attend). Class fees will be payable after you are notified of your assigned classes.
Classes will be assigned randomly with a weighted preference to those postmarked by August 15, 2019. However, NO ONE is guaranteed their first choices of classes, but every attempt will be made to insure you are happy with your assignments. Do not sign up for classes that you are unwilling to take. You will be notified by email on approximately October 1, 2019 of your class assignments.
A Teacher's Marketplace will be held in the weaving room on Wednesday evening from approximately 5:30 until 6:30 pm. Teachers will have patterns, supplies, kits, and basketry related items available. The teacher’s email addresses and websites have been indicated on the "Meet the Teachers" page, as well as within the complete brochure which you may choose to download. Please visit their websites and let them know if you would like them to bring you something specific.
In addition to the teachers who may have kits, patterns, etc. available to browse and purchase at their teaching pods, there will be three vendors with booths to purchase basket weaving and pine needle coiling supplies from during the retreat.
Jimmie Earl and Mary McKinzie (MJE2Weave) will have a vending booth this year. They will have an assortment of reed, sea grass, and tools for sale in addition to their basket kits. If you are needing particular supplies, please email them in advance at mje2weave@gmail.com.
Bonnie Rideout (Bonnie’s Baskets) is joining us for the first time and will have a selection of basketry supplies including reed, kits, awesome embellishments, handles, etc. You can contact Bonnie at bonnierideout17@gmail to place an order in advance for pick up at the retreat.
Barbara Nelson of Phoenix Rising Ultd. (Artgal’s Studio on Facebook) will have a large selection of pine needle basketry supplies, basket centers, waxed threads and imitation sinews, gourds, tutorials, plus a variety of other miscellaneous tools and other supplies. For special order kits and dyed pine needles, contact her at bnelson7@cfl.rr.com.
It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider donating an item or items to be included in the silent auction. The proceeds provide seed money for the following year’s retreat. Silent auctions will be on both Tuesday and Wednesday with different items each day. Items should be picked up and paid for (cash, check, or credit card) at the end of each day.
There will be water and coffee in the weaving room. Please bring a PRE-PACKAGED snack – healthy, salty, or sweet – to share.
Your registration fees include a very nice lunch buffet (that includes iced tea and coffee) that will be served at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Dining for lunch will be outside on the patio if weather allows. If you have food allergies, please complete the form (access button below) so that we may notify the kitchen.
To make the most of your weaving experience, it is essential to have the proper tools and equipment. It is suggested that you bring a dishpan or bucket, an old towel, sharp clippers or strong scissors, small and large packing tools, an awl or ice pick, several clips or clothespins, flexible measuring tape, water spray bottle, needle nose pliers, pencil, sandpaper, cable ties of various sizes, and a sharp pocket knife. Make a note of any special tools that may be needed in your class selections. Some of these items may be difficult to travel with so it would be appreciated if you would kindly share if necessary with those in your classes.
There are various options available within close proximity if you need a shipping service for your completed projects (including a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center and a UPS Store).
If you must cancel from a specific class or from the entire weaving retreat, your request must be made in writing (email to beckybechtel@gmail.com) and received BEFORE January 1, 2020. A cancellation fee of $30 will be applied to your refunded registration.
NO REFUNDS OF REGISTRATION FEES OR TEACHER FEES WILL BE MADE AFTER JANUARY 1, 2020. After January 1, 2020, you will be entitled to your kit from your assigned classes. You may have someone pick them up for you or asked for them to be shipped (shipping costs at your expense).
If you have a lanyard that you prefer to wear, please bring it with you. Inexpensive lanyards will be available for those who don’t have one. When you pick up your registration information at the retreat you’ll be given a name tag. Please wear the name tag when attending any retreat related function or class. For easy reference, on the back side of your name tag you will find your silent auction bidder number as well as your class assignments.
A block of rooms is being held at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower Shops in Ft. Myers, Florida (13051 Bell Tower Drive, Ft. Myers, Florida 33907). You must make your own hotel reservations. The room base rate is $165 per night. Rate is for either a king/sleeper or double/double room.
Please Note: The block of rooms reserved for our event will be released on January 1, 2020 for general booking. There is no guarantee that there will be availability or that you will be able to receive this rate when booking after this date.
By phone: Call the Crowne Plaza at 239/482-2900 and ask for the BRIGHT EXPECTATIONS group rate.
By online booking: Please use this website booking link (www.crowneplaza.com). Enter your arrival and departure dates. The IATA #99801505 and Group Code BRE should already be filled in. Click “Book”. The next page opened should have the correct discounted rate.
Hilton Garden Inn – 12600 University Drive; Ft. Myers, FL 33907 (855/618-4697)
Southwest Florida International Airport / Ft. Myers (RSW) is located within 15-20 minutes of the hotel. Complimentary shuttle service is available by the Crowne Plaza (contact them for more information). There are several airlines that fly into this airport - some of which are not always noted when booking through travel related websites (such as Frontier Airlines – www.flyfrontier.com). A listing of airlines that fly into this airport may be found at: www.flylcpa.com/airlines.
The Charlotte County Airport (PGD) in Punta Gorda is a little over 30 minutes from the event location. Airlines that fly into this airport include Allegiant Air (www.AllegiantAir.com) which normally has good fares. Check with your hotel for shuttle service or transport recommendations.
Other airports in the general area that may be convenient to use are Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Tampa International Airport (TPA), St. Pete – Clearwater International Airport (PIE), and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). There are many shuttle and limo services in south Florida that provide transport to these airports also.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located within the Bell Tower Shops which has many stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. For more information, visit their website at www.thebelltowershops.com. Ft. Myers Beach is located only 11 miles away with long stretches of white sand beaches.
Alice is a self-taught basket maker from New Hampshire who has been teaching for over 35 years. Harvesting and preparing her own splints, and “signature” hand-whittled white oak rims and handles with the help of her husband who is a logger. Alice has received many awards including but not limited to: Best in Naturals, Best in Miniatures and the Extraordinaire Natural Basket Maker she has a loyal following. Her baskets can be viewed on her website: www.aliceogden.com and she looks forward to her sunny visits in Florida.
Annetta’s home and studio are full of baskets: the collecting started when she was a child, the weaving, in 1994 when she found a book and begged a lesson. She is still obsessed with baskets and finds great satisfaction working with her hands, merging an age-old art form with the contemporary world. Creating functional art pieces is her passion. Annetta’s work has received many awards.When not weaving, Annetta is teaching basketry, which she enjoys as much as weaving. She has been teaching at basketry events and guilds across North America since 2000. In 2015, Annetta started a blog called the Basket Teacher; you can read it at www.prairiewoodbasketry.com. Besides baskets, teaching basketry and writing about baskets, she loves the people she has met and the places she has visited through basketry.
Annetta was born and raised on the prairies in Alberta, Canada. Today she lives with her husband in woods in Wisconsin.
Barbara was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina where she learned the trade of sweetgrass basket weaving from her grandmother, mother, aunts, and other family members at a very early age. She has since carried on this tradition and has shared her talent with others including her family. Barbara teaches several classes along the East Coast and has her work displayed in several publications including: “Row Upon Row: Seagrass Baskets of the Lowcountry,” a documentary, “Grass Roots: The Enduring Art of the Lowcountry Basket,” as well as the Kaminsky House (Georgetown, SC) and McKissick Museum (Columbia, SC) just to name a few. Sweetgrass basket weaving is an art form that came from West Africa over 300 years ago during slavery.
Weaving baskets started out as a hobby and quickly turned into a passion for Becky. The “passion” quickly created an inventory of baskets beyond what could reasonably be gifted to family and friends! After selling for a bit on Etsy, her website, www.BrightExpectationsBaskets.com became the avenue that turned the hobby into a business venture and paved the way to share her love of all things basketry with others. “The Reed Reader” (a newsletter for basket weavers that you can subscribe to on her website) and the Weaving in the Sunshine State basket weaving retreat (that she organizes) have been wonderful opportunities to meet the most amazing friends and weavers. Teaching the craft of weaving has just been another step on this fun journey.
I have been weaving since 1988 and teaching since 1999. I love to share the joy of basket weaving with those around me and have done so by teaching in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and the Caribbean on the Basket Weaving Cruises. Making basket weaving fun, relaxing, and inspiring is my goal. In 2003 I won the Eiteljorg Museums Weavers Challenge. In 2009 I added broom making as an outshoot of weaving and it too in now a passion. In 2016 I received the honor of being named an Indian Artisan by the State of Indiana.
Billy Owens is the second generation of the “Owens’” White Oak basket makers. His dad, Dale Owens, was self-taught and the first basket maker in the family. His wife Theresa helps with the weaving, as well as the children and grandchildren (the third and fourth generation). “Owens Oak Baskets”, has been around for over 30 years in the Ozarks of Southwestern Missouri. All the material used in their baskets is made from White Oak timber grown here in the Ozarks, which Billy selects, cuts and prepares by hand using a homemade hand tool which was made by his Dad called a "Split Knife". Billy has taught at conventions and workshops all over the United States. In his classes he enjoys sharing with his students everything about the Ozark and Owens method of "White Oak" basketry, from selecting the right tree to how he prepares the material for weaving. It is his goal when he teaches, that first and foremost everyone leaves with a finished basket that will last a lifetime and they can be proud of, as well as have a fun time learning about the process of White Oak basket making. He wants to ensure the Tradition of Ozark White Oak basketry lives on.
I began weaving in 1994. I was president of the Fellowship club where I worked, and we started having craft classes after work. I met a basket maker and invited her to teach. I was hooked! I have tried MANY different crafts/arts, but I always came back to basketry. It is a passion. I have been teaching since 2006, starting in my basement. Five years ago, I built a studio/shop on my property in Decatur, IL. I teach on a regular basis in my shop and on the road at conventions. I started writing patterns shortly after I started teaching. I decided I would rather design my own baskets rather than teach other’s. I have been very active in both the Land of Lincoln Basketweavers Guild and the Basket Art Guild. The guild meets in my shop approximately 9 times a year.
I have so many interests! One I have been pursuing is photography. Currently I am serving as Secretary for the Decatur Camera Club. I also like to create mixed media with alcohol ink and fibers. In the past I have tried about everything including glass work, quilting, beading etc. I waited till later in life to take up a sport – pickleball! I playseveral times a week. It is about as addictive as basket weaving!
Char has been weaving for over 23 years and teaching for the last 12 years. She weaves mainly with reed and loves playing with color placement to get many different and interesting patterns. She teaches at home, at guild gatherings, and many weaving conventions. She loves teaching and passing down the weaving techniques to all. She has opened her website www.charsweavings.com to purchase basket kits and basket related jewelry, and is constantly trying new techniques, colors and ideas! She has been the coordinator for Winter Weave Conference the last 20 years.
Debbie began weaving over 30 years ago at a community education program in Arkansas. She retired from teaching first grade Reading and is now active designing new baskets, traveling, and just having fun weaving! She has taught in many states for conventions, seminars, small groups and guilds. She also taught on the Basket Weaving Cruises. She and Candace Katz co-own the business, Bases to Weave. Weave something new, learn something new and pass it on to someone new.
I am a retired High School Visual Arts teacher. I taught at North-Linn Community Schools. I have my MA in Fiber Arts and Art Education. I have been a basket weaver for 34 years. My first basket class was at the Amana Colonies with Joanna Schantz as my teacher. Since then I have woven over 4400 baskets designing many of my own patterns. Several of my basket weaving skills are incorporated into the making of my hand tied brooms. I have been tying brooms for 12 years. I have taught basket weaving and broom making in Missouri, Arkansas, and Wisconsin. I have a weaving studio in my home, where I have classes. I am a member of the Iowa Basket Weavers Guild and the Missouri Basket Weavers Guild.
Jelena is a mixed media artist and owner of the Banyan Gallery. She resides in Hilo on the Island of Hawaii. Jelena works primarily with fiber and gourds and creates gourds, fiber work and oil paintings relating to the island flora and culture.
Jelena has worked with the hula arts community for many years. The Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted in nature which is her primary influence, and her work is a culmination of her island experiences and knowledge.
Karen has been making baskets since 1983, and teaching since the early 90's. Her material is primarily harvested and processed from her home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Her work has been featured in 2 books and several magazines. She also has pieces in the MSU museum as a part of the basketry heritage project. She has also won many awards for her work including Best Teacher's natural piece AMB Convention 2018. Her piece "Rainy night" will be in the NBO show "Basketry Now: 10th Annivesary Exhibition."
Mary’s love of baskets led her to weaving classes, soon involving Jimmie Earl. Now weaving together for over 20 years, both are juried members of the Illinois Artisans Association.
Students are surprised to discover that Mary and Jimmie Earl both teach, but quickly appreciate the extra instruction this unique teaching duo provide.
They enjoy designing, weaving and teaching basketry at home, at guilds and conventions in IL, MO, IN, OH, KY, TN, OK, KS and NC, and on the Basket Cruise.
Pam has been designing and weaving baskets for 15+ years, however due to a previous heavy work schedule was only able to teach off and on. Retired in 2016, Pam is now full throttle into sharing and teaching her love for basket weaving and other heirloom crafts. She grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City, MO designing, crafting, sewing, and painting in multi-medias from an early age. After a 16 year stint in central Florida (15 yrs as a Girl Scout Leader), she moved to Southport, NC and got bit by the 'basket bug' in 2004. She is a member of the North Carolina Basket Association (NCBA) and the Wilmington, NC based Port City Basket Makers Guild for which she has served as President and designs their annual Basket Raffle brochure. Pam teaches at her guilds annual Port City weave-in, and has been honored or selected to teach at conventions and weaving events in FL, IN, NC, SC, KY, MO, MD and TN during 2018/2019. Pam also teaches basket weaving sessions 3-days per week near her home at the Leland NC Cultural Arts Center and has been selected as their October 2019 3D Gallery Artist. In addition to baskets, this grandmother of two loves to crochet, cook, read, and dabble in all other creative crafty things.
It started with a pine needle basket in June of 1994. Pam has since traveled to Thailand, Ireland, Scotland, Hawaii and Alaska to continue to learn more. She loves everything about weaving, from the gathering and preparation of materials to creating beautiful, mostly functional vessels. The connection of weaving across the cultures continues to amaze and inspire her. Sharing her knowledge and continuing to learn from other weavers brings her great joy. Pam has earned numerous awards over the past 24 years of weaving and teaching. Her work has been featured and on the cover of the Wisconsin People & Ideas Magazine, the National Basketry Organization’s Quarterly Review Summer 2015, as well as in Fiber Art Now in 2015. She teaches all over the country. Her teaching schedule is available at www.pamtalsky.com In 2001 she donated 3 weeks and over 200 hours of time to weave a family of willow Tepees for the Ronald McDonald house, which are still used by the kids today. She completed three baskets for the Hoard Museum of Fort Atkinson, which are permanently displayed in their Mystery of the Mounds Exhibit, opened April 2009. She traveled to Dharmasala, India for 2 ½ weeks in November of 2010 to teach the local women pine needle basketry so that they may have an industry to earn a living and make use of their long leaf Cher pine needles.
Peggy McCarson enjoys going to antique shops for inspiration for baskets. She also enjoys teaching because she learns so much from her students. No two baskets are alike, and no two students read the directions the same way. After weaving for almost 20 years and teaching for 15, Peggy likes the variety that comes with this craft.
Trisha Brown-Medeiros of East Freetown, Massachusetts is an avid basket maker, collector and instructor. Growing up in the basket business, DELS Nantuckets, she wove her first basket at the age of 7 and was immediately hooked! Trisha started teaching in 2005 and devotes her professional career to the art of Nantucket basketry.
When she is not on the road or teaching at the shop she enjoys spending time with her family. She is very active and always keeping busy. Trisha collects orchids, enjoys making Sailors Valentines and other shell crafts and has recently become quite the crazy cat lady!