Darwin Community Arts, Darwin NT

Wednesday 16 September 2026, 5.30 - 8.30pm

Did you know there’s a whole world of basket-making beyond the familiar blanket stitch?

In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn four different coiled basketry techniques from around the world in one evening. As you make a mini basket of your own, you'll also discover new insights into the stories behind the stitches. Three of the techniques have complex histories in the Americas, and were formerly known as Mariposa, Navajo and Lazy stitch. The fourth is inspired by Lip Work, an endangered basketry tradition from the British Isles.

While we make our own beautiful pieces we’ll explore what these techniques tell us about how basketry knowledge is named, shared and preserved, and what it means to work with these stitches today. 

The workshop is suitable for beginners as well as anyone who’s tried to make a basket, loved it, and wants to explore more beyond what they already know.

The workshop brings the findings of the research project 'Mapping Mariposa: Bringing Australian Basketry Education into the 21st Century' directly into the studio for the first time, sharing brand-new insights as the research unfolds. The research is made possible by the Australian Government Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.

Central Craft, Alice Springs NT

Last Thursday of Every Month, 6 - 8 pm

Come along to this relaxed evening of basketry, fibre crafts and soft socialising at Central Craft! Bring along your own basketry, weaving, string or fibre project, your favourite materials, and settle in.

There’s no pressure to finish anything, this is all about sharing inspiration, conversation and creative company in a welcoming space. Beginners, experienced makers and the fibre-curious are all warmly welcome. Feel free to bring some snacks to share, too.

Gold coin donation for Central Craft Members to help cover costs, or $10 for Non-Members for casual use of the space.

Facilitated by Kirrily Jordan and Beck Tyler (@baliwick_design).

2026 dates:

• 28th May

• 25th June

• 30th July

• 27th August

• 24th September

• 29th October

• 26th November

Alice Springs NT

This is a 4-week program. Classes will run on Saturdays, 10.00am - 1.00pm:
​Late 2026 TBC

Come along for a deep dive into the art of basketry. In this series of four Saturday workshops, you'll learn four distinct basketry techniques: the ancient craft of two-strand twining, lattice twining, and two beautiful approaches to coiled basket making.

Working with natural, easily accessible materials like raffia and jute, you’ll create something truly unique in a supportive small group setting. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to deepen your skills, this series is the perfect way to build your confidence, get inspired, and immerse yourself in the calming, creative rhythm of making baskets by hand.

Alice Springs NT

November 2026 TBC, 10am - 1pm

In this workshop, you’ll work with jute cord to create your own unique, handmade drink bottle holder - perfect for camping trips, festivals and everyday wandering. Along the way, you’ll also learn the foundations of cordage, an ancient practice of twisting plant fibres into string for all kinds of creative projects.

March 5th - 14th 2028

JOIN US IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON ON A SMALL GROUP TOUR

Travel to the Amazon and weave with the Indigenous People of Santa Ana and El Chino, two small villages a boat ride away from the Amazonian capital Iquitos. We will spend a day in Iquitos exploring its markets and museums, before setting off by boat down the Amazon River on the trip of a life time! We will be hosted by local villagers who will show us how they harvest, dye and weave with local fibre chambira. There will be opportunities for incredible side trips, like sampling street food and tropical fruits in Tamshiyacu, visiting a weaving social enterprise, or a guided wildlife walk. No weaving experience is necessary - just a sense of adventure!