Random Weave with Bulrush
Join us at Pioneer Lodge in Red Deer for a day of weaving!
Wild or random weaving is a playful way to begin working with natural materials, letting the basket take shape through curiosity, movement, and touch.
In this hands-on workshop, you will explore bulrush and its soft, flexible nature as we coax loose strands into a small sculptural vessel.
We will talk about where bulrush grows, how it is harvested and prepared, and how to work with the material as it bends, twists, and settles into form.
By the end of the session, you will have created your own wild-woven bulrush basket to take home, along with a deeper feel for weaving with soft wetland plants.
SKILLS LEARNED
Getting to know bulrush as a soft wetland weaving material
Starting and building a wild or random weave form
Adding structure while following the natural movement of the material
Creating a small wild-woven bulrush basket
GENTLE BEGINNER - Cattail, bulrush, willow bark — soft materials that bend where your hands take them. A good place to start.
WORKSHOP RHYTHM
4 hours · 1 hour guided instruction
WHAT TO BRING
All weaving materials and tools are provided.
A water bottle and any snacks you may need.
Food for longer workshops, if you are staying through a break.
Comfortable clothing for hands-on making.
PIONEER LODGE
Workshops take place at Pioneer Lodge, a historic community hall in Parkvale, next to the arena and curling rink.
The lodge is wheelchair accessible, has off-street parking, and includes a kitchen with a fridge and microwave.
SNACKS & TEA
Light snacks and tea will be available. Please bring a water bottle, lunch, and any extra food you need for the day.
LONGER WORKSHOPS
Workshops over 5 hours include a 1-hour break partway through. Bring something to store in the fridge or heat in the microwave, or head out for a bite nearby.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Children over 12 are welcome in Gentle Beginner and Beginner workshops with a dedicated caregiver.
We ask for a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio, and children must be supervised by their caregiver at all times.
This Workshop is part of a full Weekend of Weaving!
See the schedule at: https://www.halfmoonbaskets.com/weekend-of-weaving-september-2026#schedule
and the full list of workshops at: https://www.halfmoonbaskets.com/weekend-of-weaving-september-2026#workshops