Basket Weaving with Connie Denton

At the edge of Ogden's urban grid, the Ogden Nature Center hosts a rare half-day immersion: Pine Needle Basket Workshop with Connie Denton, held in the shaded Dumke Picnic Grove pavilion in Ogden, Utah. For six focused hours you'll learn to construct a woven pine needle basket from a stone center to a finished vessel, using long-leaf pine needles, Irish waxed linen, beads, and hand-applied embellishments. Connie Denton, a master basket weaver with 25 years of teaching and making experience, guides students through stitch placement, needle preparation, and choices for centers and finishes.

The hands-on class moves deliberately—students practice stacking stitches to build vertical walls, anchor seams around a stone base, and add decorative beads. Beginners find the pace approachable; more experienced makers appreciate Connie's attention to tidy finishes and natural-dye techniques she also practices. This workshop stands out in the Ogden area because it ties a traditional craft directly to the region's natural materials and public lands.

Held in a picnic grove rather than a closed studio, the class lets you hear wind through pines while you work, and discusses which local needle types are suitable for basketry. The combination of craft education and outdoor context makes this an especially appealing add-on for visitors exploring Ogden's trails, raptor habitat, and neighborhood parks. Plan to bring a sack lunch (a refrigerator is available), a towel for your workspace, and a small pair of sharp scissors; organizers supply needles, linen, beads, and stones.

The course is open to ages 12 and up and most areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Expect a full six-hour session where focused manual work alternates with short demonstrations and individual feedback. Practical notes: cancellation is allowed up to 48 hours prior for a full refund (less card fees); late cancellations are considered case by case.

Class size varies, so arrive early to set up and choose a comfortable spot in the pavilion. If you're booking while visiting Ogden, this workshop pairs well with a morning on the nature center's trails followed by an evening in downtown Ogden. For makers seeking a tactile, slow-paced outdoor craft experience, Connie's workshop is both a skill-builder and a way to leave with a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

You'll walk away with a finished basket, new techniques for natural materials, and a better understanding of how local pine species translate into functional arts. Connie also teaches natural dyeing and punch-needle rug techniques, so this class can spark further creative projects and seasonal workshops. Many students leave with plans to source sustainable pine needles and continue weaving at home; instructors can recommend local suppliers and foraging ethics.

Reserve ahead—space fills for weekend dates—and come ready to slow down and make something you'll keep proudly.