MAKE A GATHERING BASKET

This is a two day beginning basket workshop where we will make a fairly traditional foraging or “egg basket” with a handle. This European construction method by way of Appalachia is approachable from all levels and you’ll take home a completed gathering basket of your own.

This is a process that aligns perfectly with a meditative ecological way of life using plant fibers practiced by our ancestors.  A wonderful way to connect to our land and community as we think/feel with our hands.  

We will be learning this useful basket structure using reed, along with some locally foraged plant fibers. 

    • Frame Basketry History and Construction

    • Foraging local fiber materials

    • Wicker work guidance

    • Mornings will start with communal preparation of breakfast

    • Teaching will commence at 10am

    • Lunch and snacks will be provided at 1pm for your break

    • 2pm to 4pm is more guided instruction

    • The afternoon is free-form where participants are welcome to set their own pace and work on their baskets and explore local trails at their own pace.

    • Each day will conclude with a woodfired meal (weather depending) which you’ll participate in creating with the host.

    • Post dinner sauna and hot tub is available for those who wish to partake

    • Bring your own towel, pocket knife, garden shears, and flathead screwdriver

  • September 12th & 13th

    2 day event $350 for day time guests covers materials and lunch and dinner both days.

    +$75 Camping 2 nights (Sept 11th & 12th)

    +$200 Private Room two nights (Sept 11th & 12th) can be split by a couple or co-sleepers (queen and king bed)

    One Partial Scholarship Available (contact us via gorgepermaculture@gmail.com

meet your instructor

Carol Shaw-Sutton is a 78 year old fiber artist, who was a prominent figure in the 60’s craft movement. She was head of the fiber department at Cal State Long Beach for thirty-four years where she taught basketry, weaving, natural dying, papermaking, bookbinding and more. She’s made baskets since she was a child and has exhibited her fiber sculpture across the world.

  • We’re a collection of homesteads 30 mins East of Portland International Airport stewarding a total of 20 acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

  • We are located off the 14 freeway in E Washougal, WA.

    If you’re flying in it’s an easy Lyft or taxi from the Airport.

    • Everything mentioned above in descriptions plus..

    • Comfortable outdoor clothes

    • Shoes for hiking and being in the elements.

    • Swimsuit (there’s river access nearby

    • (If you are camping) Tent/pillow/sleeping bag/pad (bring what you need to sleep well and stay dry)

    • Headlamp/flashlight

    • Bowl, plate, cup, eating utensils, water bottle

    • Cooler with food and snacks

    • Camp chair

    • Knife

    • Personal First Aid Kit and any necessary medication

    • Towel and biodegradable soap/shampoo for shower

    • Acoustic Musical Instruments (if you play) or just your voice!

    • A notebook for taking notes during classes (if you are a note taker)

    • Anything you may want to be comfortable and meet your needs

  • All profits are distributed to the workshop hosts in an effort to support the craftspeople who generously share these skills with our community.

    We offer flexible pricing based on thelevel of accommodation desired: from local commuters, to folks who want a private room.

    Private room and glamping tents are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

    Two partial work trade scholarships are available (inquire via email gorgepermaculture@gmail.com)

  • This is a drug and alcohol free space supporting personal responsibility, and earth care. All attendees are expected to treat themselves, each other and the land with respect and care.

    Please pay attention to what you are doing, as well as be aware of what others are doing. 

    We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave the land at any time due to inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • Meals differ from workshop to workshop- from full catering to provide for yourself.

    For this workshop we will be cooking and eating dinner together. Lunch will be served before class starts and after a relaxing morning. You will bring your own breakfast.

    We strive to serve organic, wholesome food to keep everyone feeling good!

    We will have hot water on hand during the day for tea, etc.

    The property is on spring water so please bring containers to fill up.

  • There is space for tent camping and vehicle camping, although we do not have hookups. Fresh spring water is available at spigots on the land. We have a portapoddy and an outdoor shower.  Please come with everything you need to take care of your sleeping accommodations for yourself and your family. Propane stoves and heaters are okay. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out event! We do not provide garbage services for participants. Please take your trash with you and practice "Leave No Trace" at your campsite as well.


  • Due to the farm animals on the properties, please leave your dogs at home

  • Maximum Capacity for the course is 12 people. We have 4 beds, 2 glamp and 4 camp sites available for this event

  • This is a fourteen and up event

  • Due to administrative back and forth capactiy that we don’t have we have a strict cancellation policy. All classes and accommodation payments are due in full upon signing up and no refunds. So make sure you can make it! :)