Native people have been coiling baskets since the beginning of time. Students will learn about the various types of pine trees, their geographical regions, and the Indigenous people who harvested their pine needles.

In this workshop, participants will create a beautiful Pine Needle and Sweetgrass Pendant and enough supplies to make a mini pine Needle basket either in class or as a take-home project. Grab a friend and spend the afternoon immersing yourself in this exciting cultural, traditional artform called Coiling.

Refreshments, prizes and laughter are included! No experience required.

All supplies included. TMA members receive 10% off all registrations.

Debra Morningstar | Art Educator

Debra Morningstar’s inspiration for basket-making comes from her Oneida great-grandmother who was an accomplished Black Ash basket weaver on the Oneida reservation. Debra discovered the joy of basketry later in life and is proud to say she is a self-taught artist often learning from some of the best.

“I find great joy spending time in the woodlands and marshes harvesting natural materials to be used in my next creative piece…and, as a storyteller—it is often the place where new stories are born.”

She delights in attending workshops and conferences to gain more knowledge from accomplished weavers and coilers throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

Debra Morningstar, professional storyteller, fiber artist, and Oneida Tribal citizen has presented Native storytelling performances, Keynotes, and Earth-based healing workshops across the US and Canada for the past 28 years. Some of Debra’s past work includes cultural residencies in Elementary and Middle schools throughout Wisconsin and beyond, Cultural sensitivity trainings for Educators, Librarians, University Diversity programs, Department of Corrections, Mental Health, Sexual/Domestic Violence organizations, AODA services, Veterans Services, Native American Urban Indian Centers, National and regional Storytelling and Art organizations. Additionally, Debra’s CD, Tales From the Lodge, a collection of Native American children’s stories, was nominated in 2008 for a Native American Music Award (NAMA).

Image: Laura Schneider of Studio L