Please click below to be notified when new classes are planned. We usually take a break during growing season and weave again in fall and winter.
Maryann will be teaching twice though during two festivals: North Country Fair and Edmonton Folk Festival.
Maryann will be teaching twice though during two festivals: North Country Fair and Edmonton Folk Festival.
Willow Garden Trellis Class

Ongoing through summer. Please contact Maryann for a private lesson through the contact form.
Willow Backpack - One on One class, Contact Maryann to plan

We will learn two main weaves, as well as the wale that separates them, to get some height onto this oval base. I consider this one of my more "fun" baskets! The colours will come as the willows allow. If you have a stash of dogwoods, straight with NO (zero) branches, please consider bringing them to the class for interest in the weaves.
2 days
All classes have a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 8. Please register a week before the class. Refunds available until then or if class cancels due to low enrollment. If the Class is not yet full, but there is room, last minute registration is possible up to 8 students. Covid protocols include vaccination, masks, and distancing. Please bring your own snacks and drinks. Some day soon we shall potluck again!
other locations: Please contact Maryann directly if you have an existing group that wants to learn and a suitable patch of native willows to gather in advance. borchfam@hotmail.com
Online:
Maryann is hosting an online community of Basket makers called Alberta Natural Baskets ( on facebook). Last winter, there were weekly Sunday Live Sessions where bundles of materials were ordered ahead and delivered to a central Edmonton location ( to be emailed to registrants) , The live videos are still available for viewing in the Past event set up for each session. Please refer to the facebook events, past events section, in that group and read all the details there to benefit from those sessions.
This was the schedule :
Jan. 10 Spiral weave
Jan. 17 Twining in Cattail
Jan. 24 Twining in Dandelions
Jan. 31 Waling Willow on a predrilled wood base, then finishing with a 3 by 2 border (big day!!)
Feb. 7 Round 3 x 3 Base
Feb. 14 Willow Bird feeder
Feb. 21 Willow Plant Trellis
Feb. 28 Scaloming uprights on a tray-type base
Mar. 7 English and French Randing
Mar. 14 Oval Bases
The following will soon resume, assuming Covid numbers continue to decline:
Open Weave sessions. First Saturday of Each Month 10:00 - 3:00 pm. Bring your own weaving materials or seek help from Maryann ahead of time on sourcing local ditch willows, or soaking cattails from here. This is a chance for everyone to hone their skill or perhaps gain a nuance that hasn't been attempted yet. I can show a few things but it is also a time for me to weave with you and not be just the teacher. You may learn by watching as well! We will be gathering around an outdoor fire as long as we can. Email ahead if you are coming. borchfam@hotmail.com Bring your own tools, water bottles and/or thermos with tea/coffee, snacks for yourself ( I can't wait till we can share food again...) And three pairs of wool socks! (cant weave with cold toes, its a known fact :)
Maryann is hosting an online community of Basket makers called Alberta Natural Baskets ( on facebook). Last winter, there were weekly Sunday Live Sessions where bundles of materials were ordered ahead and delivered to a central Edmonton location ( to be emailed to registrants) , The live videos are still available for viewing in the Past event set up for each session. Please refer to the facebook events, past events section, in that group and read all the details there to benefit from those sessions.
This was the schedule :
Jan. 10 Spiral weave
Jan. 17 Twining in Cattail
Jan. 24 Twining in Dandelions
Jan. 31 Waling Willow on a predrilled wood base, then finishing with a 3 by 2 border (big day!!)
Feb. 7 Round 3 x 3 Base
Feb. 14 Willow Bird feeder
Feb. 21 Willow Plant Trellis
Feb. 28 Scaloming uprights on a tray-type base
Mar. 7 English and French Randing
Mar. 14 Oval Bases
The following will soon resume, assuming Covid numbers continue to decline:
Open Weave sessions. First Saturday of Each Month 10:00 - 3:00 pm. Bring your own weaving materials or seek help from Maryann ahead of time on sourcing local ditch willows, or soaking cattails from here. This is a chance for everyone to hone their skill or perhaps gain a nuance that hasn't been attempted yet. I can show a few things but it is also a time for me to weave with you and not be just the teacher. You may learn by watching as well! We will be gathering around an outdoor fire as long as we can. Email ahead if you are coming. borchfam@hotmail.com Bring your own tools, water bottles and/or thermos with tea/coffee, snacks for yourself ( I can't wait till we can share food again...) And three pairs of wool socks! (cant weave with cold toes, its a known fact :)