Weave Something New
Upcoming workshops
Instructor: Dee Clements
Format: 2-hour Workshop
Date(s): May 6, 2026
Day/Time: Saturday, 6 pm to 8 pm
Join weaver and artist Dee Clements for a fun evening learning to weave a simple round woven basket bowl, using reed! In this workshop, you'll learn to create a small basket from start to finish, including how to begin the base, build the side walls, use two basic weaving techniques, and finish with a border rim.
Materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
Cancellation & Workshop Policies
Please review our FAQ page before registering. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our cancellation terms and health guidelines.
Instructor: Dee Clements
Format: 4-week in-person course
Date(s): May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6-8 pm
In this 4-week fiber design course, we’ll explore basket weaving as a method for crafting sculptural lighting. Using a wood base and basketry reed, participants will design and build lightweight hanging pendant lights. We will explore using armatures and hands-on exploration of material, structure, and translucency. Participants will create one fully realized and usable structure and learn how to wire it for lighting use. This workshop invites experimentation at the intersection of craft, utility, and atmosphere.
While we prefer that participants have some basketry experience or have taken our beginning basketry workshop, we will welcome all skill levels for this class.
Materials Provided by Instructor
Reed
Slotted wood
Scissors, pliers, clamps
Plain black cloth cover cord with thumb switch, socket cup
Students Should Bring
Sketchbook or notebook
Lightbulb for their finished work
Any personal material for weaving (colored twine, scrap fabric, rope, etc.)
Pricing Breakdown
Tuition: $400
Materials Fee: $65 (electrical components, reed, wood base)
Total per student: $465
Cancellation & Workshop Policies
Please review our FAQ page before registering. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our cancellation terms and health guidelines.
Images
Top: Latice Woven Pendant Light by Dee Clements
Bottom: Woven Pendant light by Dee Clements
Instructor: Emma Rossoff
Format: In person, 1-day
Date(s): April 18, 2026
Day/Time: Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Join us for a day-long broom-making workshop where you’ll learn a variety of heritage broom-making techniques and create a broom that’s both functional and deeply meaningful. Over the course of the day, we’ll explore traditional broom-making methods, including whisk brooms, pot scrubbers (perfect for cleaning cast iron), and cobwebbers (long-handled brooms ideal for reaching high places), all made from broomcorn and finished with woven details for a decorative touch.
Whether you use your broom for sweeping floors, clearing energetic space, or displaying it as a handmade work of art, your finished piece will be an expression of your personal style and intention.
All skill levels are welcome—come ready to work with your hands, connect with tradition, and leave with a broom you’ll treasure.
Cancellation & Workshop Policies
Please review our FAQ page before registering. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our cancellation terms and health guidelines.
Instructor Artist bio
Emma Rossoff is a sculptor, furniture maker, and woodcarver with a deep passion for craftsmanship and material exploration. She studied woodworking at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, broom making at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, and earned an MFA in Sculpture from the University of Texas at Austin. With experience spanning fine furniture, sculpture, and hand carving, Emma brings a distinctive blend of traditional woodworking techniques and contemporary design to her practice.
As an instructor, Emma is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment. She helps students build confidence in their craft skills through hands-on learning, problem-solving, and creative exploration. Whether guiding beginners through foundational techniques or mentoring advanced students in fine craftsmanship, she is passionate about sharing the joy of thinking with one’s hands.
www.modernwitchhome.com
www.emmarossoff.com
@emmalouiserossoff
@modernwitchhome
All images, courtesy Emma Rossoff
Instructor: Dee Clements
Format: 2-day workshop
Date(s): April 25 + 26, 2026
Day/Time: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day
In this workshop, participants will learn and apply basket-weaving techniques to create three-dimensional forms, structures, and vessels. It will begin with weaving a round base and practicing various techniques using colored reeds, exploring how these methods can produce different patterns. Additionally, participants will investigate form and structure by examining sculptural basket work from both historical and contemporary perspectives. There will be opportunities to create small-scale projects, either by using molds and formers or by working freehand. The focus will be on mastering basketry techniques to explore patterns, form, structure, and sculptural ideas.
This workshop is ideal for artists looking to incorporate basket weaving into their work, as well as beginners interested in exploring a new craft. Bring your imaginative ideas and creative spirit! Each student will receive 2 lbs of reed to use during class and take home. Additional tools, such as scissors and packing tools, will be provided for use during the class.
Provided Materials: Reed, dye, tools.
What to bring: A bag/box to transport your work/materials home. And any materials you are excited to experiment with in class.
Cancellation & Workshop Policies
Please review our FAQ page before registering. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our cancellation terms and health guidelines.
*Please note there is a small and friendly dog on the premises.
Image Credits: Sculptural Basket Piece by Victoria Pater, image 2 taken by Dee Clements, image 3 The Weaving Workshop by Dee Clements
Art, Friends, Making
Discover joy in making at The Weaving Workshop, Chicago’s artist-run school for basket weaving. Founded by artist and educator Dee Clements, The Weaving Workshop offers hands-on workshops that blend tradition, creativity, and community for all skill levels. Join us to learn, create, and connect.
