Ash Tree Basketry
Ash trees are deciduous trees of medium to large size, characterized by a rounded crown of dark green foliage. Their leaves are lanceolate pinnate and grow in groups of five, seven, or nine leaflets. Most mature ash trees have gray bark with diamond-shaped ridges. Traditionally, Ash Baskets have been made using black ash trees that grow in low-lying areas. However, in our region, white ash trees are more abundant, and so we will use this variety for our basket making. It is worth noting that the ash tree has been attacked by the Emerald Beetle and we will learn about the this.
My vision is to connect people and trees using traditional practices from native knowledge, increase Ash tree appreciation, and raise awareness of the Emerald Ash Borer’s impact. Through sustainable practices and sharing knowledge, I aim to inspire a deeper connection with nature and a more harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
In this workshop, we will have four specific goals: 1) to teach participants how to identify ash trees by their bark, leaves, and habitat, 2) to demonstrate the process of extracting the rings of growth from the ash tree by pounding the log, 3) to guide participants in refining the strips of the rings of growth into fine ribbons, and 4) to help participants build a basket that they can take home.