Cost of class $197. Registration fee $22, Class and materials fee $175
The backpack has a 6 inch by 12 in woven Oak herringbone bottom, it is approximately 13 and 1/2 inches deep, comes with an oak handle and leather harness. it will be woven over a mold and everyone should finish with a beautiful piece of the Ozarks.
All materials come from White Oak trees selected, cut and prepared by instructor Billy Owens, using a homemade tool ( split knife) made and used by his father, Dale Owens.
You will weave your backpack basket over a mold, which is provided for use in the class. Everyone will finish making and take home a White Oak basket that should last a lifetime.
This backpack takes 7-8 hours to weave.
The class cost includes materials and is $175.00 per person, due directly to Billy Owens at the beginning of class. He accepts cash of check.The registration fee of $22 is due when you register for this class.
Total cost of class $197
Lodging is available in the park at our Cabins at Dry Creek, newly remodeled duplex-style hotel rooms. There is a Folk School discount for students booking more than 3 days. Call the Cabins office at 800-264-3655 to book with the discount. To book rooms for less than 3 days, visit our web site at OzarkFolkCenter.com
Meet your teacher -
Owens Oak Baskets is located in the Ozark Hills of Southwest Missouri near Branson, MO. It is family owned & operated solely by the Owens family for generations. Dale Owens, was the founder of Owens Oak Baskets. He made baskets many years ago for "Mutton Hallow","Silver Dollar City", & "Shepard of the Hills" in Branson, Missouri. Billy Owens was taught by his father the Owens' traditional way of making baskets and he now carries on the family business and shares his skills with students around the nation.
Billy personally harvests, cuts, and splits, all by hand, the White Oak that is used in all the Kits, Supplies & Baskets. All of the work is done by him & the many Owens family members. Being a large and blessed family, consisting of Billy & Theresa, their daughters, Stacie, Jamie, Bo, Frankie, Dena, and their son Kase, their Sons-in-Law, and their twelve grandchildren. The Owens family all want to say thank you to their many patrons and students for making it possible for them to be able to share their family tradition of white oak basket making.
