Backpack Basket, Bow & Arrow & Leather Backpack Workshop

Rescheduled for the Spring of 2025

Dates coming soon

Come and join us and make your very own Backpack Gathering Basket, Wooden Bow and arrows or a Leather Backpack.

This class will be taught by Peter Yencken.  Peter is an experienced maker of everyday useable items:  bows, arrows, knives, leather bags, baskets, and so much more.

He grew up on a sheep station in Australia, worked as a ski instructor, taught at Tom Brown's Tracking and Wilderness Survival School and has a degree in Chinese medicine.  He believes that making things by hand that are usable in our everyday life, brings a sense of enjoyment not found in purchased items.  Peter's goal is to teach traditional skills in a way that makes the learning and the using relevant in modern life.  We are in total  agreement with Peter and are beyond excited that we are able to bring him to Turtle Island and offer you the opportunity to meet, learn and build a beautiful basket with Peter.

The wooden bow will be made from a hickory board. You will learn how to tiller (bend wood) to your strength, make a string using traditional string making techniques, sand and finish your bow and learn the basics of how to shoot the bow. This class requires 2 days, October 19-20. Cost $325. Requires 2 days, October 19-20.

You may also choose to make your own arrows. You will make six arrows using wooden nicks and traditional Welsh English feather wrapping technique. This will require you attending an additional day and will be held on the 18 of October. Cost $275. Requires 1 day. October 18.

The backpack basket will be made from ash, black walnut, poplar and cherry weavers as well as leather straps. We will also fit a wooden plywood top. You can mix the different wood colors for your personal design. Pack baskets are durable storage devices that you can carry with you wherever you go. They make a great alternative to that plastic backpack. Cost $425. Requires 2.5 days. Begins October 18th at 5:00pm -October 20.

You may also choose to hand stitch a personal leather backback. You could carry this bag every day and has multiple uses. Cost $375. Begins October 18th at 5:00pm - October 20.

*Note. We offer a discount for local folks and for those taking both the bow & arrow classes. Just contact us directly for details.

Details:

Date/Time: October 18-20, 2024
Arrival time varies, depending on the project you choose.

Bow Making: Arrival Saturday, October 19, 9:30 am - October 20 (until finished)

Arrow Making: Arrival Friday, October 18, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Backpack Basket: Arrival Friday, October 18, 5:00 pm
Departure time is 4:00pm on your designated day (or when your project is completed).

Leather Backpack: Arrival Friday, October 18, 5:00 pm - October 20 (until finished)

Available Spaces: limited to 10 adults (no unchaperoned minors)

Cost: $275 - $425
Includes delicious, nutritious meals, lodging and a beautiful handmade craft chosen by you to take home.

Cancellations: non-refundable deposit (1/2 of total) is retained for all cancellations. Cancellations made the week prior will be non-refundable. No exceptions.

Road Conditions: 1.5 miles off-road gravel - watch the video (link is external)

Location: 8 miles east of Boone, NC - Base Camp at Turtle Island Preserve is just 2 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway - Bamboo Gap Exit           

How to Register

Once you have completed the registration form and completed your order, please click the “Workshop Packet” button for information on how to prepare!