Cass Schorsch
Workshop: Tree Bark Treasures
Dates: April 20-26, 2026
About Cass
Cass has been weaving bark baskets since 1981 and teaching since 1985. The unique aspect of Cass’ basketry is that she gathers and prepares all the materials she weaves and teaches with.
Being formerly from Michigan, her materials were Birch Bark, Eastern White Cedar, and numerous pine barks. Her gratification is creating legacies to these trees.
Cass co-authored the book, “Natural Baskets”, in 1992. She has been published in the Crafts Report and Fiberarts Magazines. Her work is featured in “Baskets Now”, 2022 and “500 Baskets”, 2006. In 2005, she was chosen for a solo exhibit at the Boston Arts and Crafts Society, where some of her work went on to Switzerland. She was published in “Plaited Basketry in Birch Bark” release in 2009, and in 2012 she was featured in “New & Different Materials for Weaving & Coiling”.
Her work has been represented by the Gingass Gallery at the SOFA Show in Chicago, and three of her baskets are in the permanent collection at the Michigan State University Museum.
Workshop Details
Student Level: Advanced Beginners and Above
Tools: Scissors, Shears, micro clips, pocketknife, couple small towels, small bucket
Students will receive complete instructions for every class this week.
DAY 1 PINES & PETALS 4”Diameter x 10” high
This could be your husband’s favorite basket you bring home, and you might be surprised to get fresh flowers every now and then. You will start with a rattan base. Then we will attach to a glass vase. Continue with rattan and even create a design if you wish. Then the fun begins. You will design the sides of your vase using various barks along with dyed rattan. After reaching the shoulder of your vase, we will finish the weaving with rattan. In this class you will learn many wicker techniques, which will continue into the border. This could be a challenge if you do not have round-reed experience. Weavers will have no problems.
Material Fee: $65
DAY 2 CEDAR CLUTCH PURSE 8” X 5 ½”
This little clutch purse is woven entirely of Eastern White Cedar, which Cass harvested in the UP of Michigan, usually in the month of May. This is woven over a cardboard mold. The majority of the purse is woven with 1/4” cedar. The instructor finds it easiest to weave a simple 2-2 twill for the entire purse. She will have some dyed cedar for you to use as a design element. She will also have 3/32” cedar if you would like to twine a couple rows or use to encase your dyed cedar. As always there are many design possibilities. Hopefully, you can finish in one day, but if not, we will be using Friday to finish unfinished projects.
Material Fee $125
DAY 3 UNDERCURRENTS
This will be your chance to learn how to create Hills & Valleys. The magic happens in the very beginning of the basket. Starting with dyed rattan, you will create a base using wicker techniques, then by-spoke. Continuing with rattan for 6 rows, you will then learn how to create hills and valleys. Throughout the basket you will weave with barks, seagrass, and rattan. During the course of the basket you will decrease spokes allowing you to create a smaller top. Finish with a wicker technique border. Not only will you have numerous barks to weave with, along with dyed seagrass, you will have dyed rattan.
Material Fee $65
DAY 4 FULL TURNED TWINING
This is a technique learned while staying in the Northwest for a couple of months. It is used to create designs on Sally Bags. Your bases have been woven. This is for saving time allowing you more time to learn the technique for full turned twining, which is done with different colors of yam. The baskets will be lined with stiff felt covering all the ends of yarn on the inside of the basket. Cass is sure you will love this technique. Concentration is a must.
Material Fee $65
DAY 5 SMALL PROJECTS AND FINISHING DAY 1 THRU Day 4
Students may finish projects started earlier in the week or make a small basket based on samples the teacher will bring.
Material Fee for small baskets: $35-$50
Overnight Packages
5-Day, 6-Nights Overnight Package Includes: 6 nights onsite lodging, private chef prepared meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 5 days of instruction in a private venue.
Supply fees paid directly to instructor.
Meals and Lodging: $ per person private room, $ per person shared room
Tuition/Fees $660
Non-refundable deposit of $250 due to hold workshop space. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to workshop start date.