Cass Schorsch
Workshop: Walk In The Woods
Dates: September 7-12th, 2027 (Tuesday-Sunday)
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” released 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
Come spend a week with Cass experiencing weaving with cedar, willow, vines and twigs, and various sweet grasses.
Day 1. - Cedar Wallpocket
Weaving over a mold we will use cedar for spokes and putting our design hats on, decide when to incorporate it with weaving with raffia or sweet grasses or both. I have always found the finished product comes with a great deal of satisfaction and something you will enjoy for years to come. The class sample is from 1997. Material fee: $75
Day 2 - Freeform Looping
This is by far one of my favorite things to do. I like to use small twigs, no bigger than your finger, and no longer than 10-12”. Using waxed linen you will learn the technique of looping. You will incorporate cedar strips, some copper wire, beads if you like. You are welcome to work on two pieces at once. I like to do this as while I am working on one piece, I’m looking at the other deciding what I might do next. It’s a great project to do while traveling. Look in your stash of waxed linen, bring a spool that you would like to use. Some of my favorites are black, white, butterscotch, turquoise, and rust. Pick which color you would like to work with and bring a spool. Bring those small pieces of driftwood and we will create something you will be very proud of. No two will be alike. Material Fee: $45
Day 3 - Cedar Needle case with handmade felt
We will start class with making our felt sheets, in order for them to dry. Then using pre-cut cedar, you will weave the cover for your needle case. I do a simple 2/2 twill, then a folded over border. It’s pretty simple . . . the fun part will be making your own felt. Bring a plastic garbage bag (13 gal) bubble wrap, spray bottle, small towel. I will bring the olive oil soap, mesh & noodles for rolling. Material Fee: $75
Day 4 - Finishing
I found the last time I taught, almost everyone needed this last day to finish up previous projects. It’s a more relaxed, laid-back environment for all and a good time for questions and answers. Throughout the week, I will talk to you about harvesting and preparation. If you can find it, cedar is running at $5 an ounce.
Tools: 1-2 spools of 4-ply waxed linen thread, scissors, shears, micro clips, pocketknife, couple small towels, small bucket, plastic garbage bag (13 gal), bubble wrap, small pieces of driftwood if you have them
Student Level: Advanced Beginners and Above
Overnight Packages
4-Day, 5-Nights Overnight Package Includes: 5 nights onsite lodging, private chef prepared meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 5 days of instruction in a private venue.
Materials fees paid directly to instructor.
Meals and Lodging: $1,172 per person private room, $757 per person shared room
Tuition/Fees $715
Non-refundable deposit of $250 due to hold workshop space. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to workshop start date.