Responsable : danielle@theguelphoutdoorschool.com

Lieu : GOS Stone Road Site | 733 Stone Rd E, ON , Guelph, ON, N1L 1B8

Description :

PlantCraft is a 5-month, arts-based immersion into the world of plants where we learn by making and doing. We’ll explore local plant ecology through an arts-based lens, weaving baskets, carving with local wood, crafting herbal remedies, harvesting plant fibers and much more. Each month, you’ll be introduced to local species of plants and trees and their use in a variety of projects. 

Using plants for food, medicine, utility and adornment are practices both ancient and timeless. In this program, you’ll be invited to reconnect with skills that have been woven into our cultures, histories, and bodies for generations. Whether you’re an experienced artist or curious crafter, PlantCraft is designed to help you carve out time each month to nurture your creativity, on the land, in good company.

This program is for those who want to

• Deepen relationship with the plant world through embodied skills

• Cultivate hands-on skills and practices to share with your community

• Gain direct knowledge of key species that make up our local ecosystem

• Learn in a community setting with like-minded folks

PlantCraft is guided by an ethic of care for the land. We’ll be working with plants for their beauty and utility, as well as investigating their role in the landscape. Along the way, we’ll learn responsible harvesting guidelines and practices for stewarding wild plant communities. 

Session Dates and Information

PlantCraft consists of 7 sessions from May - October 2026, each from 10 AM to 3 PM at GOS’ Stone Road site.

Sunday, May 10th: Weaving and Wild Basketry with Jen and Annie
In our first session, we'll meet some locally abundant plants that can be used to create baskets and other vessels. We'll discuss ecology, ethical harvesting, process and working with local plants for basketry, and create a small vessel to take home. Focal species include dogwood, willow, iris and more. (Note: May 10th is Mother's Day!)

Sunday, June 7: Earth, Water, Fire with Annie and Jen
New for 2026! This session weaves the elements into our land-based art practice, and might include working with clay deposits on the banks of the Eramosa, making artist charcoal ove rthe fire, and more.

Sunday, June 22nd: Wild Foods with Annie and Dani
Take an edible tour of field and forests surrounding GOS, foraging and preparing delicious local ingredients over the fire. Focal species include dandelion, nettle and staghorn sumac.

Sunday, July 13th: Carving with Annie and Dani
Identifying, harvesting and techniques for working with local woods to create utilitarian and artisan carved items. Focal species include poplar, basswood and pine.

Sunday, August 10th: Medicine Making with Dani and Jen
This session places special emphasis on herbal medicine for self-care: Luxuriate in herbal footbaths, enjoy wild-foraged tea and learn to make plant-infused first aid remedies for your medicine cabinet. Focal species include plantain, bee balm, elder, and pine.

Sunday, September 14th: Botanical Dyes and Ecoprinting with Jen and Dani
Welcome to the art and science of extracting colour from local plants, including vat dyeing, bundle dyeing, making inks and pigments, and eco-printing with plants and minerals. Focal species include goldenrod, black walnut and buckthorn.

Sunday, October 13th: Plant Fibres & Cordage with Dani and Annie
Processing plants into workable fibres, and transforming those fibres into cordage (rope and string) is one of the oldest human technologies. We'll look at producing cordage from local bast fibres like basswood, stinging nettle, milkweed and hemp dogbane, and explore how our cordage translates to mediums like sewing, embroidery, and weaving. We'll learn how to turn cordage into useful items like looped bags and coiled baskets.
 

Sliding scale pricing is available. Visit https://www.theguelphoutdoorschool.com/economics-for-a-changing-world to review options and select a coupon code that meets your financial needs.

 

Places disponibles : 7 sur 12

Prix : 698,00 $ Taxes en sus

Âge requis : Plus de 18 ans au jour de l'activité

Étiquettes : Adult Workshop

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