EVENTS
Our century barn is a place to welcome community and celebrate ruralness. We are striving to be a haven for traditional skills and a rural way of life that is threatened with disappearance. Come and join a workshop and learn a new skill, eat a farm-to-table meal, or take in some live music while enjoying the workmanship of our big, beautiful century barn. Join our mailing list to keep up to date on all events happening on our farm.
Basic Beginners Bread Basket Workshop
This is the ideal basket project for a beginner or someone wishing to improve their basic stake and strand willow weaving skills. You will be making a beautiful basket with a myriad of household uses.
Foraging Basket Workshop
Sian Gwynne of Willow’s Bend Collective is here to teach us how to make this very versatile basket and we will make it out of Nova Scotian grown willow using stake and strand methods to create a strong, durable and beautiful household container.
Flower Harvest Basket Workshop
With summer ahead, the joy of flower gathering will surely be enhanced using your own handmade traditional flower basket just for that purpose. Sian Gwynne Turner joins us again to teach us this one.
Hedgerow Frame Basket Workshop
Join us this Mother’s Day for this one day workshop in which we will make a traditional frame basket often called a hedgerow basket. We will weave two main frames, a handle and rim and then fill in ribs and weavers. This basket is suitable for so many things from clothes pegs to foraging to egg collection. Suitable for beginners or improvers. Made from using NS grown willow, tools and materials supplied.
Instructor: Julie Stinson and Susie Murphy of Willow’s Bend Collective
Date and Time: May 11th, Mother’s Day 9:00-5:00
Location: Big Barn School of Basketry, 717 Meadow Green rd Antigonish county, N.S.
Cost: $135.00 (+tax) = $155.25
Please Fill in the Form Below to Register:
Woven Willow Lamp Shade
***This workshop is currently full***
Please contact us to be added to a waitlist
In this one day workshop we will use basic basketry techniques but without a base or fancy border and produce a beautiful hand woven lampshade. You will be given a selection of willow varieties to make your own unique table or floor lamp shade.
Woven Willow Lamp Shade
****This Workshop is currently full, contact us to add your name to a waitlist****
In this one day workshop we will use basic basketry techniques but without a base or fancy border and produce a beautiful hand woven lampshade. You will be given a selection of willow varieties to make your own unique table or floor lamp shade.
Willow Wreath
***This Workshop is Currently Full, Please contact us to be added to the wait list.***
Make a pair of seasonal wreaths using two different techniques and decorate them with some natural material grown right here on the farm. This class is a good introduction to working with willow as well as an opportunity to make some beautiful decorations for your home!
Willow Stars
Seasonal stars are so appealing especially as the darkness comes back and the holidays approach. In this workshop we will make a variety of decorative stars using different techniques of willow work.
Willow Kindling Basket
****This workshop is currently full****
For two days you will be submerged in the language of willow. We will make a round stake and strand kindling/log/storage basket with inset handles out of cultivated willow grown in Nova Scotia.
Willow Shoulder Basket with Leather Strap
***This workshop is currently full****
Contact us to be placed on a wait list.
This project is designed as a shoulder basket made on an oval base. A practical basket for mushroom picking or as an all-purpose tote. Various weaving techniques will be covered, along with some leather work. Previous experience is an advantage.
Mushroom Workshop
***This Workshop is Currently Full. Please contact us to be added to a waitlist***
For those with fungus curiosity from beginners to long time lovers of the myco kingdom this workshop is for you.
Herbalism, for winter wellness and beyond. With Ember Peters RHP
Do you want to feel prepared and empowered to take care of your health this fall and winter? Are you excited to learn how to make herbal preparations with the plants growing around you? With over 15 years experience, Ember will share essential knowledge of harvesting, preparing and using local abundant plant medicines, and support you in deepening your relationship to the land.
Willow Bark Basket
***This Workshop is Currently Full***
Contact us to add your name to the waitlist
This is a small decorative basket made from cultivated willow stock. In this one day workshop you will learn to prepare and cut the strips of willow and do a diagonal weave.
Garlic Gala, A Botanical Ball
Join us in the Big Barn for our inaugural Garlic Harvest Gala. A night of dancing at our botanical ball with the Donald MacLennan Trio.
Willow Market Basket Workshop
*** Note, this workshop is currently full. Please fill in the form and indicate that you would like to be added to a waitlist.
In this two day workshop we will make a round shopping basket (slightly different than the image displayed) with a wrapped bow handle. This project is suitable for improvers and the handy beginner. Using Nova Scotian home grown materials we will learn the language of willow. All tools and materials supplied.
Willow Berry Basket Workshop
****Note, this workshop is currently full. Fill in the form to add your name to a waitlist.
In this two day workshop, you will immerse yourself in the language of willow. We will make a small round stake and strand foraging basket with a pegged handle. This workshop is suitable for beginners.
Willow Garden Obelisk
***NOTE THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL- Please fill in the form to join the waitlist
Make one these unique plant supports from willow and see what grows! A great workshop for anyone new to willow weaving and avid gardeners alike! This could just be the perfect Mother’s day gift for you or your mother!
Foraged Cattail Basket
****Note, this workshop is currently full.
You are invited to create a small basket full of color and texture. You'll be given a range of materials - cattails, rush, bark and roots - to let your creativity run wild. Several weaving techniques will be covered, depending on your choice of plants.
Woven Willow Christmas Ornaments
In this one day workshop we will make a variety sustainable willow tree ornaments which will last a lifetime. Suitable for beginners and improvers alike.
Click on the image to find out more and to register.
Willow Frame Basket
THIS WORKSHOP IS CURRENTLY FULL
In this one day workshop we will make a traditional frame basket often called a hedgerow basket. This basket is suitable for so many things from clothes pegs to foraging to egg collection. Suitable for beginners or improvers.
Click on the image to find out more and to register.
Willow Weaving Workshop-Kindling/Storage Basket
THIS WORKSHOP IS CURRENTLY FULL Contact us to add your name to a waitlist.
With the heating season upon us a beautiful willow basket full of kindling or veggies is a sight to behold. Come and make your own and learn some of the basics of stake and strand willow basketry.
Click on the image for more information and to sign-up
Willow Weaving-Bread or Fruit basket
This two day workshop will cover all the basics of making a stake and strand round basket out of willow. Designed for the novice maker. This flared basket will display fruit or bread beautifully.
Click on the image for more details and to register.
Make your own Willow Harlequin Tree
In this one day workshop you will create the most striking living willow tree sculpture. By weaving together willow rods we will make this woven living tree that will grace and amaze for years to come!
Click on the image for more details and to register.
Willow Weaving-Berry or Foraging Basket
(Update-This Course is full, contact us to be put on a waitlist)
For two days you will immerse yourself in the language of willow. We will make a small round stake and strand foraging basket with a pegged handle. Designed for the beginner maker.
Click on the image for more details and to register.
Willow Weaving-Bread or Fruit basket
(This workshop is currently full. Contact us if you would like to be added to a waitlist)
This two day workshop will cover all the basics of making a stake and strand round basket out of willow. Designed for the novice maker. This flared basket will display fruit or bread beautifully.
Click on the image for more details and to register.
Exploring Kraut: Fermented Vegetables Made Simple
Dave Maybee of @maybee.ferments, will be joining us for a session on fermenting vegetables for longer-term storage and health. He will go over the essentials of making a basic Kraut and explore some ideas on adding other vegetables and flavours to jazz it up!
(Click on the picture to find out more and sign-up)
Star Maker Workshop
***Update, this workshop is currently full
In the season of darkness stars provide us with hope and light. In this workshop you will learn how to make a variety of star like weavings.
Weave Angels, Trees, Garlic Holder out of Willow
(Update: This workshop is currently full)
In this workshop we will weave a beautiful hanging citrus or garlic holder which can also be used as an outdoor suet holder for birds.
Click on the image for more information and to register.
Hootenanny-Music Festival
A board-shaking, barn-burning, hoe-down showdown on Sept. 3rd. This year's event includes an outdoor afternoon session featuring solo and duo singer-songwriters, and an indoor evening session featuring bands to help you dance the night away!
“A Gorgon’s Tale”-Puppet Theatre
This new puppet spectacle by North Barn Theatre Collective tells the story of a mythical being who brings new growth and change to a world in ruin.
"A Gorgon's Tale"- Puppet Theatre
This new puppet spectacle by North Barn Theatre Collective tells the story of a mythical being who brings new growth and change to a world in ruin.
El Balcon
Come soak up the sun(or hide in the shade of the barn) to the musical stylings of 'El Balcon' next Sunday July 31st 4:00-6:00pm
In the big red barn, 717 Meadow Green rd.
Pay at the door: $20/adult, $10 for 10 and under and 5 and under free.