Basketry Techniques in Metal with Martha Ferguson, October 17, 2026

Saturday, October 17, 2026 
10:00 am - 1:00 pm PT

Instructor: Martha Ferguson

Basket making is one of humanity’s oldest crafts, dating back over 10,000 years. Predating pottery, early humans wove plant fibers into vessels for gathering, storing food, and carrying water. The craft has continually evolved from a survival necessity to a recognized fine art form. Basket making is traditionally worked with natural plant fibers. However, they can also be applied to metal. Traditional basketry techniques such as twining and coiling offer the opportunity to work in new ways with the familiar forms of metal wire. With these techniques, one can explore color, pattern, texture, structure and scale. In this workshop students will have the opportunity to explore basketry techniques to incorporate them into jewelry or small sculpture.

Intermediate Level – Participants should have introductory experience with sanding, sawing, filing and soldering.

All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. The Zoom link, handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page. The Zoom link and handout (if any) will be available 24 hours before the class starts.

You also get 1 free session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following your class. The Zoom link can be found on the course video access page.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.

Supply List for Students

Use the links below to purchase any supplies you don't already have for your class. This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Recommended Materials:

For Warp/ Spokes:

Most warp lengths are determined by the final shape you which to produce. It’s a good idea to have more length than needed and the ends can be trimmed later. Copper is highly recommended for beginners and for making maquettes.

• I will be demonstrating with copper and sterling round wire: 16 and 18 gauges
  

For Weft/ Weaving wire:

You want to have many yards of weft, so purchase wire that is spooled. Weft wire should be Dead Soft. Often you will be weaving with one continuous piece to complete a woven bowl or shape. Copper is highly recommended for beginners and for making maquettes. (Rio Grande sells both 26 and 28 gauge. copper wire in 4 oz. and 1 lb. spools)

• I will be demonstrating with 22 gauge copper, 26 gauge sterling and 28 gauge sterling

Recommended Reading:

Textile Techniques in Metal by Arline M. Fisch

Recommended Tools:

• Scribe
• Sharpie
• Jeweler’s pliers: flat, chain, round, and wire cutters
• Large flat file
• Needle files
• Saw frame (3 - 5”)
• Sawblades (2/0, 4/0)
• Basic soldering supplies
• Small Ball Peen hammer
• Small steel bench block
• Soft Brass brush