Willow Hamper Basket Workshop
On January 18-19, MMAM hosted an immersive workshop that allowed participants to dive into the ancient craft of willow basket weaving. Led by instructor Zac Fittapaldi and his partner Maddy Boler, the class offered a perfect balance of tradition, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
Willow basket weaving dates back to around 5000 BCE, and its enduring appeal is no mystery. The pliability and durability of willow make it an ideal material for crafting functional, yet beautiful, baskets. In addition to its use in crafting, willow plays an important ecological role, particularly in the Upper Mississippi watershed. As a fast-growing plant that thrives near water, willow helps prevent soil erosion and supports biodiversity in wetland areas, making it not only a valuable crafting resource but a key element in maintaining the health of our environment.
During this workshop, participants learned the technique of weaving hamper baskets using sustainably grown and harvested willow from Sandstone, MN. Willow’s natural flexibility and strength make it perfect for creating sturdy and versatile baskets. The workshop focused on making a small hamper basket, a style that combines several weaving techniques for a functional, yet attractive end result.
The process began with creating a strong base, then participants added vertical stakes, locking them in place using a three-strand twine. From there, the weaving progressed through French randing and three-strand twining, finishing with a neatly crafted 3-behind-1 border.
Throughout the weekend, Zac and Maddy’s passion for both the craft and the environment shone through in their teaching. Zac shared his journey, which began with a year-long apprenticeship in 2008, and how his experiences led him to establish his own willow farm in southern Minnesota. His belief in the importance of reconnecting with earth-based skills in an increasingly technology-driven world resonated with many attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to step away from their daily routines to learn a new craft with their hands.
“Thank you for the life-changing enjoyment that I received from my MMAM workshop. I also enjoyed meeting and visiting other class attendees who share my goals and passion for making art and working with our hands.”
Another participant reflected on the significance of MMAM's role in the community: “It is very obvious that MMAM serves as an artistic center-post to the local community and the Minnesota state art scene...I feel privileged to have participated in this class...I sincerely hope that MMAM can expand their workshop availability and applicability to veterans, and others in the community.”
The workshop not only provided an opportunity for participants to learn a traditional skill but also allowed them to connect with other like-minded individuals who share a desire to spend more time learning hands-on skills.
MMAM is proud to offer these types of workshops that provide education, inspire creativity, and foster a deeper connection with nature. We’ll be adding more workshops throughout the year; we hope to see you at the next event!
