Reflecting on a Wonderful Weekend at the Western Kentucky Basket Guild Spring Retreat

This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of teaching at the Western Kentucky Basket Guild Spring Retreat—an event that never fails to bring together passionate weavers, eager learners, and incredible talent. This year was even more special as the guild celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of dedication to the art of basket weaving. 

The retreat was a true celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and community, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it once again.

The Classes

I had the honor of teaching three classes this year, each one filled with students who brought their enthusiasm, determination, and joy to the weaving process:

• Love, Honor, and Respect – A meaningful and intricate design that allowed students to explore both technique and symbolism.
  
  

• Sleigh Ride with You – A festive and fun project that sparked excitement as we worked through the weaving process.
  
  

• Beginner Pine Needle Pendant Class – A delightful introduction to pine needle weaving, where beginners embraced a new skill with creativity and curiosity.
  
  

Each session was filled with laughter, learning, and that special moment when a new technique clicks for someone. Watching students gain confidence in their weaving is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching, and this retreat was no exception!

A Heartfelt Thank You

Events like this don’t happen without an enormous amount of effort from dedicated people behind the scenes. A huge thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to organize and execute this retreat—from coordinating the schedule to setting up spaces, gathering supplies, and making sure every little detail was just right. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and it truly makes this gathering such a warm and welcoming experience.

To all the students who took my classes—thank you for your trust, your willingness to try new things, and your passion for weaving. It was a joy to share these projects with you, and I can’t wait to see how you continue to weave your own creative paths!

To those who purchased from me, whether it was a kit, materials, or tools, I appreciate your support more than I can say. Your excitement for weaving fuels what I do, and I love knowing these supplies and projects will continue to spark creativity beyond the retreat.

Finally, a big thank you to the other teachers—the talent and inspiration in this community is simply incredible. Watching others share their expertise and passion always reignites my own creativity, and I’m so grateful to be part of such a skilled and supportive group of artisans.

Looking Ahead

The Western Kentucky Basket Guild Spring Retreat is always a highlight of my year, and this one was no exception. If you’ve never attended before, I highly encourage you to mark your calendar for next year—you won’t regret it!

Until then, keep weaving, keep creating, and keep sharing your beautiful work with the world.

Happy Weaving!