Lois Russell
Workshop: Waxed Linen Three Ways
Dates: April 13-19, 2026
About Lois
Lois Russell is a fiber artist whose sculptural work reflects her background as a traditional basket maker. Her current work is primarily twining with waxed linen. She also uses coiling, knotting and random weave. She has won numerous awards in juried exhibitions and has taught at Haystack and Arrowmont among other craft schools. The National Basketry Organization awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and her work was Category Winner in Excellence in Fiber 2016 .
Her work has been collected by the Fuller Craft Museum (MA) and the Racine Art Museum (WI) and is included in 500 Baskets and other books and magazines on fiber arts. Two of her pieces are included in Rooted, Revived and Reinvented: Basketry in America, an exhibition and book on the history of basketry over the past century.
Lois has been the president of the National Basketry Organization and of the Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston. Previously she was on the CERF+ board and is currently a trustee of the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina.
Workshop Details
Waxed linen, with its flexibility and wide range of colors, is a wonderful material to create sculptural forms and baskets. This workshop will provide students and opportunity to experiment with waxed linen using three basketry techniques: twining, coiling and knotting.
In addition to the basic in each technique, the workshop will explore shaping, the use of color, pattern and texture. Students will be able to explore all three or focus on a favorite.
This workshop is about trying new things and exploring how this material can be used creatively.
Tools: scissors and awl
Student Level: All
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.