Ash pack baskets, large splint baskets that are typically fixed with a harness system and worn  on your back, have a rich history here in the United States. Designed to carry heavy loads, the  pliability and resiliency of the material make it some of the best to work with. Made well, these  baskets can last for generations.  

Due to the time one must dedicate for material processing fresh from the log, we will start this  5 - day course by sorting, cutting and scraping our choice, pre-pounded and pre-dried Black  Ash splint. Design and lay-out will follow, prior to free-form weaving and setting to dry our  custom baskets. A freshly harvested Black Ash log will be riven with froe, mallet and wedges,  giving us the wooden billets needed for handle, outer rim, and skid making. Once all of these  parts have been prepared to basket specifications, participants will learn how to tightly lash it  all together, creating a most serviceable, working basket. We will end our time together with  building a custom-fitted harness using leather, buckles and copper rivets.  

Participants can expect to learn about the subtle nuances of the weaving material, including  how material thickness and tension play a key role in shaping baskets and how shrinkage  alters the overall shape, once dry. They will learn how to work with drawknife and shave-horse,  in carving billets to desired widths and lengths before water-bending into handle, rim and skid  shapes for each basket.