Introduction to Basketry (Ages 7-14)

So-called "Oriental" or round-leafed bittersweet is a creeping vine with inedible berries that is considered invasive in North America. Frustrating to gardeners and arborists, and not readily favored by birds, bittersweet is a largely useless bane on wild land. We can use traditional harvesting techniques to tend Asian bittersweet in the wild: harvesting material for baskets while controlling and suppressing future damaging growth. 

Learn to make a beautiful basket of invasive round-leafed bittersweet! We'll cover identification, responsible collection, materials processing and storage, and creation, including the basics of stake-and-strand twining and weaving. $25 includes all required tools, materials, and tuition.

This program is part of our Sapling Skills Series.  Our six-week Sapling Series is designed to provide an approachable, accessible introduction to many small-scale, place-based living skills for kids ages 7-14. We meet once a week on Friday afternoons for two hours at the Eastern Promenade in Portland and facilitate a rotating variety of outdoor activities. Feel free to come by for a single day if you just want to check it out.

Space in this class is limited to 9 participants. Preregistration, along with a paid deposit, is required to reserve a spot in the class. Deposits may be fully refunded in the event of a cancellation a week or more before the class, if the space is filled. Refunds for last-minute cancellations are unfortunately not available. Please plan accordingly. Contact Rewild Maine at (207) 449-7738 or rewildmaine@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Rewild Maine is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We depend on donations from the community to offer free classes and workshops and we are grateful for your support. Scholarships are always available for paid classes on an as-needed basis and nobody will ever be turned away for lack of funds. If you need financial assistance, please contact us. All donations are tax-deductible.

NOTE: Due to the ongoing international COVID-19 pandemic, preventative measures will be strictly enforced.  Please wear a mask or a cloth covering over your face, maintain physical distancing throughout the class, and do not attend if you are feeling unwell.