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: Thursdays, 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: Dee Clements
Format: 1-day workshop
Date(s): May 9, 2026
Day/Time: Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This introductory workshop is a welcoming entry into the foundations of sculptural weaving. Participants will learn foundational techniques for creating three-dimensional woven forms while developing an understanding of basketry structure, materials, and tools.
Working with reed, students will begin by constructing a lashed or woven base, learning how spokes and weavers function as the structural framework of a basket. Through step-by-step demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants will explore several essential weaving techniques.
The focus of this class is building confidence with material and technique while beginning to understand how woven structures create form. Students will complete small sample pieces that introduce the possibilities of sculptural basketry and prepare them for more complex projects.
This class is ideal for beginners, artists, and curious makers who want to explore basket weaving as both a craft and sculptural practice.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the structure of basket-woven forms
Learn how to prepare and work with reed
Construct a lashed or woven basket base
Practice foundational weaving techniques
Construct a finished border/rim
Develop an understanding of how weaving builds three-dimensional form
Gain familiarity with basketry tools and materials
Complete sample projects that demonstrate core techniques
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.
*We prefer participants to take our Beginning Basketry workshop before enrolling in Sculptural Basketry. However, this is a welcoming and encouraging environment, and we welcome anyone who wants to learn, regardless of their background or experience level.
Instructor: Dee Clements
Format: In-person, 1-day Workshop
Date(s): May 16, 2026
Day/Time: Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm
This workshop introduces weaving for furniture with a project: footstool weaving! Participants will build a sturdy wood footstool frame and weave a patterned design with colored reeds to create a functional, beautiful handwoven footstool.
The workshop emphasizes working with your hands at a steady, thoughtful pace while offering both a grounding making experience and a small finished furniture piece to take home and use.
All materials are included in the class fee, and all skill levels are welcome.
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.
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.
