Basketry Masterclass with Lissa

Is it time you left the day to day to reconnect with nature, took time out to learn new creative skills and be present with a group of like-minded people?

We are pleased to bring you the wonderfully talented Lissa de Sailles from Beyond Basketry, an internationally renowned basketry and fibre sculptor who splits her time between working in her studio in Nowra and exhibiting her work when she isn’t overseas!

You will start the day with a short bush walk around the peaceful surroundings of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to help you ease yourself into the day, get to know Lissa and the rest of the group. Lissa will introduce you to how to identify plants for making and weaving baskets, answer any questions you might have about what’s ahead and guide you into your projects. We may even find materials to use during the day!

We will then return to our beautifully airy historical classroom where Lissa will demonstrate and teach age old basketry techniques such as looping, twining, and coiling and assist you to combine these skills into practice to produce a sample cache that will enable you to create your own masterpieces independently. You may choose to make a small basket or a wall piece on the day to display in your home as a lasting memento of this unique experience. You might discover an innate skill and get to do both! Let’s play and see where inspiration takes you on the day!

We will then break for a lovely relaxed lunch and then continue with our artwork. This is a hands-on creative experiential workshop so we look forward to you coming with eager hands, an open mind and heart!

A note from Lissa: ‘’I wish to empower women with knowledge and wisdom learned over a lifetime of following my creative passion in both fibre arts and dance. I have travelled the world learning from master teachers and conducted independent study in contemporary and tradtional basketry skills and am committed to imparting as much knowledge to my students as I possibly can. I am thrilled to be collaborating with Le Workshop to deliver an unforgettable and perhaps, life changing experience.’’

The optional materials kit will include Korean washi paper for making string and vessels, Irish waxed linen thread, needle, raffia, paper string, various samples of thread, fabric, beads, found objects, plant material.

If you decide to bring your own materials instead then we will provide you with a list of suppliers.

Please note:

The short bush track is a little uneven so be sure to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

A certain amount of dexterity is also necessary to make the most of the skills that Lissa will teach you on the day.

Any questions, please reach out to eugenie@leworkshop.com.au.

All materials, tea, coffee, yummy lunch and take home notes included.

A minimum of 8 participants is required for us to host this unique experience and we’ll host a maximum of 10 depending on social distancing rules at the time for the best possible experience.