Half Moon Baskets

11/01/2026

To all my Moon sisters and my Star sisters,

We’ve followed the sun through another summer, watched the days grow shorter, and now, at last, the season of gathering is upon us.

The leaves have fallen, the first snow has come and gone, and the willow stands bare beneath the November sky.

The earth is settling into its winter slumber, but for us the season is just beginning.

Soon we’ll be wandering the fields and ditches, following the willow wherever it grows, gathering armfuls of slender wands and dreaming of the baskets waiting within them.

I look forward to crossing paths with you out there, beneath the winter sky, rosy-cheeked and snowy, with secateurs in our pockets and bundles of willow under our arms.

But first, this Monday, let’s gather from wherever we are, for a little talk of willow and weaving.

Bring your questions about the harvest, the mysteries of willow, and the old and wonderful ways of making baskets. Bring the basket that’s giving you trouble, the technique that has you tangled, or a curiosity that’s been tugging at you.

We’ll share what we know, puzzle over what we don’t, and pass a little knowledge around the circle.

And to the beginners, the curious souls, and those who have yet to weave their first basket, you are most welcome among us.

You needn’t bring a question, a basket, or a single scrap of weaving knowledge.

Come as you are, and spend a little time among the willow folk.

There is no cost to join us. Let us know you are coming at: https://luma.com/bjlxf6dg

Or comment "sticks" and we will send you the link to register.

LET’S TALK BASKETS A free online basketry Q&A, hosted live on Zoom. Join me for an informal hour of basket weaving questions and conversation. Bring along a…

10/30/2026

10/24/2026

Calgary, I’ve got some baskets to weave with you!

I’m packing up the willow and heading your way!

I’m so happy to be joining the lovely folks at Workshop Studios as a guest instructor on January 7 & 8!

We’ll be making berry baskets from locally harvested willow, with a one-day workshop on each date. I’d love for you to come spend a day weaving with us!

Whether you’ve woven before or are picking up willow for the very first time, you’re very welcome. I’ll bring the willow, you bring yourself!

I’m looking forward to meeting some new Calgary weaving folk and hopefully seeing a few familiar faces too.

You can find all the details and register here:
https://workshopstudios.ca/art-and-craft-guestworkshops/

Or comment “CALGARY” and I’ll send you the link!

10/21/2026

Between firelight and starlight, we gathered in the mountains to weave.

Three days of willow bending beneath our hands. Of slow mornings, warm meals, and conversations that wandered long after the plates were cleared.

One by one, piles of willow became baskets. Big, beautiful, wonderfully imperfect baskets, each with a character all its own.

Roni of Roni's Kitchen kept us nourished with the most beautiful food, made with so much love and care.

And somewhere between the weaving, the laughter, and the last cups of tea, a group of strangers became something a little more familiar.

Thank you to everyone who shared this beautiful weekend with us.

We’ll be back in the spring for more weaving, more gathering, and more nourishment.

Photo 8 and the last two photos from Keeley Smith.

10/14/2026

Four years ago, I wove my first willow basket. I had absolutely no idea where it would lead me.

Since then, I’ve spent countless hours wandering through willow patches, learning from other weavers, experimenting, making mistakes, and slowly getting to know this wonderful material.

And now, I’ve written a little book!

Basket Weaving for Beginners: How to Forage Willow & Weave a Berry Basket is making its way out into the world.

I wrote this zine to keep you company through those first steps of weaving with willow. From finding your first patch and learning when and how to harvest it, to preparing the willow you bring home and weaving your first small tray.

I love the thought of someone reading this little book, recognizing a patch of willow they’ve passed a hundred times, and realizing they could make a basket from it.

I’m so excited to finally share it with you!

You can find a copy through Nine Ten Publications:

Is the terminology of basket weaving… suggestive? Yes, it sure is. Obscene? Depends on your perspective. Whether the words make you giggle or blush or raise an eyebrow, this zine provides a t…

10/13/2026

Four years ago, I wove my first willow basket. I had absolutely no idea where it would lead me.

Since then, I’ve spent countless hours wandering through willow patches, learning from other weavers, experimenting, making mistakes, and slowly getting to know this wonderful material.

And now, I’ve written a little book!

Basket Weaving for Beginners: How to Forage Willow & Weave a Berry Basket is making its way out into the world.

I wrote this zine to keep you company through those first steps of weaving with willow. From finding your first patch and learning when and how to harvest it, to preparing the willow you bring home and weaving your first small tray.

I love the thought of someone reading this little book, recognizing a patch of willow they’ve passed a hundred times, and realizing they could make a basket from it.

I’m so excited to finally share it with you!

You can find a copy through Nine Ten Publications.

https://shop.ninetenpublications.ca/products/basket-weaving-for-beginners-zine

10/06/2026

Join us November 13–15 for a Weekend of Weaving at the historic Pioneer Lodge in downtown Red Deer, Alberta.

https://www.halfmoonbaskets.com/weekend-of-weaving-november-2026

This November, we are focusing on willow, with a weekend of workshops exploring different ways to shape, weave, and work with this beautiful local material.

Each workshop is designed as a doorway into a particular technique or basket form, with options for complete beginners as well as those ready to build on their existing skills. All weaving materials and tools are provided, so you can simply arrive ready to learn.

Choose the date and time that works for you. Workshops vary in length and price, and you are welcome to join us for one, spend the day weaving, or make a whole weekend of it.