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Basket weaving is a practice of the ancient ones. It is a process where fibres are harvested, prepared and transformed slowly into vessels of creation, through the alchemy of heart and mind, fibre and flow. In a weaving circle, a nurturing, sacred and safe space is created wherein the flow of the weave unfolds in tune with the wisdom of the universe, holding space for each individual weaver to take form, grow and bloom. Each woven piece is honoured for its individual beauty, and for its connection to the energy of the whole. No two pieces are the same, as is with each participant of the group.

Rene will take you on a journey into the flow of the weave – she will guide your learning of the techniques of basket weaving as well as gently direct the unfolding of the energetic weave of the group. This is a journey which includes storytelling (Rene is a bit of a storyteller – of life, of growth and of her ongoing travels into the landscape people and culture of Indigenous Australia).

Come and join a special weaving circle with Rene Bahloo in Newlands, before she returns to her home in Australia.

During this unique and informative knowledge exchange experience, you will learn how to create a twist-looped vessel using natural fibres. You will use natural fibres that can be found growing in local gardens, as well as eco dyed raffia.  

Much more than a technical skills exchange, this workshop  allows for the teachings of the weave to be seen and felt deeply. The voice of every participant is valued and  held in sacred space, honouring the wisdom inherent to each member of the group, and the group as a whole. This is a space for healing and learning, teaching, giving and receiving.  This is a space for the weaving of the fibres of life.

Rene Bahloo is a weaver, teacher, installation artist and cultural exchange facilitator. She weaves with the fibre and flow of nature and life in order to manifest art, beauty community connection and joyful wellbeing. Rene Bahloo facilitates community gatherings to share the active meditation of basket weaving and to guide others to find their inner wisdom. She also initiates educational opportunities for sharing and reviving cultural weaving practises and facilitates intercultural connections, both in Australia and in her native country of South Africa. Rene’s passions stem from her experience of Australian Indigenous culture, leading to doctoral studies in creative arts, based on Indigenous culture, women’s business, living creatively and weaving journeys to wisdom. Her goal is for us all to weave our world into a better place, to weave ourselves in healing and wellbeing, to weave our environment with passion and purpose. She shares her knowledge through gatherings, circles and retreats in Australia and beyond, and is actively seeking partnerships in Southern Africa (her motherland) to share this important work in ever widening circles.