Join us at Joe Hollis’ Mountain Gardens as we “embrace the invasives” in this kudzu/bamboo= “KuBoo” Basket Weaving class w/Aaron McCarty of Carolina Bamboo! Get to know split bamboo and kudzu as weaving materials. Learn how to harvest and strip a kudzu vine. Engage with refined, hand-crafted split bamboo. Weave the Kudzu and Bamboo together to create your own personalized and unique KuBoo basket!

Space is limited, reserve your spot!

In this class students will learn how to make a circular basket from wildcrafted kudzu and bamboo harvested locally from Spartanburg County.  We will provide split bamboo and stripped kudzu vine for incorporation into the KuBoo basket.  Aaron will give a short demonstration of the first two bamboo splits starting with a whole cane of bamboo so that students will better understand the work and skill that goes into producing these traditional Japanese hand splits.  These skills were passed down from Aaron’s mentor, Keiji Oshima of Haiku Bamboo Nursery.

The kuboo basket dimensions will vary based on student proclivity and aptitude.  Students can expect to walk away with a completed KuBoo basket of a minimum of 6” diameter by 5” tall, with the option to upgrade to a maximum of 12” diameter by 8” tall.  Additional upgrades such as dyed kudzu and bamboo (in an available assortment of colors) and a bamboo handle can also be added to a student’s basket for an additional fee.

The skills involved in making a kuboo basket require decent hand eye coordination as well as healthy hands.  Most important is the willingness to practice dedication, discipline, determination, and patience.  Anyone with these qualities can create a kuboo basket successfully.  

While we weave, Aaron will be available for a Q&A session about bamboo. Bamboo is a mysterious plant to many. Ask Aaron questions to learn more about bamboo while you weave.