Spring Retreat - 2026
Raffle Basket
Willow Bark Tray by Katherine Lewis. 12” x 2.5”
PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS?
CLICK HERE
About Katherine and the Basket:
“My baskets are woven from willow bark and willow withes using traditional and contemporary basketry techniques. I weave on my farm in the Skagit Valley where my husband and I grow the willows for my baskets. I enjoy working with this beautiful, resilient and sustainable material.
We allow some willows to grow for several years before harvesting, stripping the bark when the sap has risen in the spring. Willows that are a few years old give thick textured barks like the bark used in this tray. When the bark is thick enough that it’s a bit of a challenge to weave, that’s when I think it’s perfect!
The tray is a double layer construction, with two different willow varieties used. The bark layers are woven with the inner bark together so that you see outer bark on both the inside and the outside of the basket. This method of weaving with two layers of bark also helps control the bark’s desire to curl. The tray is completed with a split willow rim, 4 strand round braid of bark for rim filler and is lashed with willow bark.”
Learn more about Katherine at www.DunbarGardens.com.
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WHAT TO EXPECT:
For those who haven’t attended a Retreat before, expect to have a weekend full of exciting basketry experiences! The Retreat is an adult get-away for guild members to take time to focus their attention on basketry. Attendees can learn in classes, bring projects from home for free weaving, visit with others, relax in the natural forest setting, and enjoy the fun evening presentations and events. Retreat can be very intense due to the variety of talented people who attend, concentrated work in classes, and the breadth of projects in the making. We encourage those attending their first Retreat, to plan some free time along with the classes.
SEABECK CONFERENCE CENTER:
Seabeck is on the Kitsap Peninsula in a beautiful location with stunning mountain views across Seabeck Bay. Wander the Hood Canal beach, or around the small lake and trails in the woods. Sleeping accommodations range from single to four-person occupancy. Bedding and linens are supplied. No pets are allowed. Visit their website for additional information: http://www.seabeck.org/
EVENTS:
There are several events in addition to the classes throughout the weekend. The Guild merchandise will be available for purchase, nearby is a table laden with snacks and goodies you bring to share.
You can buy tickets for the Raffle Basket (donated by one of our talented members) and the Bag Raffle on at the registration table. The Bag Raffles take place after dinner on Thursday, and the Raffle Basket Drawing is Saturday evening. Bring donations for each of these events, as well as the Treasure Table, where you can find unusual materials for a small donation.
Friday evening has the end of the Silent Auction, and the Live Auction! This is always an entertaining event, and also the main fund-raiser for the Guild. Bring your enthusiasm and your money!
Saturday evening is the Awl for Baskets marketplace, where members can sell materials and finished items, and afterwards, there is the Gallery Show. Guild members bring up to three of their baskets for this unjuried show, and it’s a great way to see what everyone has been doing. New basketmakers are highly encouraged to bring their baskets! Class baskets are also welcome. And we love to see our teachers’ work, too!