Baskets & Blacksmithing: Make A Basket & A Forged Handle For The Basket

In this class, you’ll make a medium-sized market or tote basket. Then, once your basket is woven, you’ll forge the metal handle for the basket.

On Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday, Denise will cover basket weaving basics, including the techniques used to lay out a base, incorporate color and shape your basket. Students of all weaving experience levels are welcome. More experienced basket weavers will be offered more challenging design options to incorporate into their baskets.

Please bring the following items for the basket-making part of the class: clippers or strong scissors, several clip clothespins, a flexible tape measure, a pencil, a spray bottle, an old towel, a pail or bucket and a small flathead screwdriver.

On Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday, James will introduce you to the art of blacksmithing while you forge the metal handle for your basket. This will be an “exploration” of the possibilities forging and forming can open as you make a handle that will complement your basket. You and the other students will work together with James to design, create and apply your “creations.”

Please bring the following items for the forging portion of the class: cotton clothing, some form of hair restraint (if needed), leather-palm gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and closed-toe shoes or boots.

Denise Arzberger began weaving in 1989 and has not stopped. Appreciating baskets for their function as well as their beauty, Denise enjoys designing baskets for a specific purpose. Her students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and explore creative options. Denise lives in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.

James Viste was raised on a farm in Wisconsin. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master of fine art degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He is a nationally known blacksmithing demonstrator and exhibitor and has participated in several national Ironwork Restoration Projects, including at Cranbrook Educational Community and the Detroit Institute of Arts. He has worked for studios in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Mexico and Michigan. He is currently the Manager of Edgewise Forge LLC in Detroit and is employed as an instructor/technician by the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

Denise or James will contact students prior to class.

Level: All Levels for baskets and Beginner/Intermediate for blacksmithing
Materials Fee: $45 ($35 for baskets supplies and materials and $10 for metal handle supplies and materials)
Shop Fee: $10

Pricing (per person):
$1045 Dorm Room Package*
$1145 Two-Person Room Package*
$1705 Single-Person Room Package* (limited availability)
$615 Commuter Package** (limited availability)

*package includes tuition, lodging & 16 meals
**package includes tuition & 7 meals