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July 10-12, 2026
9am-5pm
Hexagonal shapes are some of the strongest shapes found in nature, with honeycombs and snowflakes being some of the most common. Perhaps this is why this basket can be fun and interesting to weave: it connects us to nature, one good triangle at a time. Using scissor, knife and slitting gauges, and working with locally harvested and hand-processed pre-shrunk, choice Black Ash heartwood and sapwood splint, participants will weave a hex basket (with a hex base) most fitting for cheese making, herb-drying, your table centerpiece, or a special place on your wall. The finished basket will measure 4” in height, with a 10"-12” diameter, or thereabouts.
All materials and tools will be provided by the instructor. If you have a favorite scissors or knife to work with, you may bring that and we will determine if it is suitable. Resources dependent, we may incorporate a few dyed weavers into the mix or twist up our own cordage for the rim.
For further enhancement, a table will be set up on site with a variety of baskets, resource material, and basket making tools.
Tuition: $325
Materials: $65
Since this is an all day course, lunch is included.
This course is for adults 18+.
We at the AHFS never want finances to be an obstacle in participating in something that you really want to experience. We have scholarship funds available for a limited number of spots. Please reach out to us if this is something that will help you say yes to this experience. Contact us for more information.
If you’re willing and able to donate to the scholarship fund to help others attend, donate here. Support the Scholarship Fund.
If you’re traveling from out of town, onsite camping is available for $10 per night. Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents and camping gear. Camping is primitive, with no hookups or electricity. A portable toilet is located near the camping area, and while there are no showers onsite, a shared restroom inside the house is available for use. Potable water and a hand-washing station are provided, and outlets in the workshop can be used to charge phones and other electronics. We also have several great local lodging options nearby if camping isn’t your preference.
Your Instructor
APRIL OGIMAAKWE STONE
(she/her)
April Ogimaakwe Stone, an Ojibwe Black Ash basket maker from the Bad River reservation in northern WI, has been working with black ash since 1998. She spent one year studying a basket in use before attempting to weave her first basket in the spring of 1999 and ended up falling in love with all things connected to this craft including live harvest and log processing of raw material into usable splint for weaving. Since 2000, she has researched and traveled extensively, sharing her skills with young and old.
April harvests all of her raw materials for her own basket making and for various programming from the ceded territory swamps and forests of northern WI. and processes all of this material by hand. She has received much recognition for her working knowledge of Black Ash basketry, while being thought of as a patient and gentle educator.