Willow is a favorite at Sievers, in many ways. This past weekend, it was used by students to make Bent Willow Chairs with instructor, John Rezachek. Although this furniture-type willow was sourced elsewhere in Wisconsin for the class, Sievers has several varieties of basketmaking willow planted and growing behind the Walter Studio, for use in Jo Campbell-Amsler’s willow basketry classes and by other weavers. Incidentally, the very first basket making class at Sievers was Willow Basketry with Char TerBeest-Kudla, held in 1980, our second year of classes. We love our history with willow!
This past weekend’s class joins others already in the willow history books. Led by John, students had the chair frames together only a few hours after class started and everyone was ready to bend the willow and create the seat, back and arms on the next day.
At the end of that next day, all the chairs were finished, ready to be enjoyed after many hours of shaping and bending. Supper was shared in the studio while sitting in their new chairs.
This was another group from near and far, representing WI, IN, IL, TX, AZ, VA and CA.
Have chair…will travel? Or, I’d like to build a bent willow chair…will travel?
One of the great things about the fall season are the day-to-day changes. It gives us a great opportunity to share the colors in several blog posts, as long as the leaves last!
Now summer is over, more fall scenes to come!
Beautiful willow work! Beautiful weather!
Thank you, Eileen! It’s amazing how the willow is transformed into a chair.
Beautiful! Next year I hope! Miss you all.
Peg
We miss you, too, Peg! We look forward to seeing you again.
A true craft, thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Gail! We’re so fortunate to have this class, a favorite for so many years, and one that’s not found in many places.
Thank you for the mention. Loved those willow days with you. This looks like a fun class. Willow is so giving and you get to take home a chair! Wow!
You truly created a willow legacy here at Sievers, Char! Thank you so much for all the classes and for growing the willow family tree for all those that have taught and taken classes here. Hugs from all of us, Carolyn
That is a great achievement for the people in the bent willow chair class! Congratulations. We are still enjoying the chair my husband made years ago in this class!
Thanks, Janet! We love that you’re still enjoying your chair. It’s especially meaningful that Joe made it himself.
We still enjoy the chairs that Bob and I made with Rich, many years ago. It was such a satisfying accomplishment. I love your classes and the variety of activities. Happy Fall
Hi Karen, I’m glad your chairs continue to be treasures. I’m sure they also hold good memories of making them. We’re enjoying every minute of fall and hope you do, too! Take care,
Carolyn
Have not heard Karen’s name in a long time. Wanted to say hello and that Penny is visiting me this week. Oh so many memories with Sievers and yes with you Karen and Jeanette’s basket gals. I am so glad I was a part off of the meet ups. fun fun fun
Thanks to everyone at Sievers –
chris
Thanks for connecting, Chris! Please say hello to Penny. We miss seeing her (and you)! Such good memories! Take care and hugs from all of us, Carolyn