Industrial Waste Basket Weaving Workshop with Elaine Imoto

Basket Weaving Workshop

Join us at Waikiki Community Center for a hands-on workshop with Elaine Imoto. We'll transform discarded plastic bale straps (previously used to bind boxes, paper, and pallets) into beautiful hanging plant baskets.

This basket design was created by artist and activist Professor Gaye Chan, who has been on a mission to keep these plastic straps from entering our landfills and oceans. She collects, cleans, and weaves these straps into chic, utilitarian baskets to make an environmental statement and reclaim the value of basket weaving as an art form.Elaine Imoto, MD, is helping Gaye Chan with this cause and believes strongly in finding a use for these otherwise discarded straps. By joining this workshop, you’ll be part of a movement that turns waste into something practical, sustainable, and beautiful.

What we'll do:

Each student will make two baskets: one to take home, and one to donate to Waikiki Community Center. We'll sell the donated baskets at our upcoming Plant Sale to help raise money for our canned food distribution.

Take-Home Materials: Extra straps will be available to create another basket at home.

Bring wire hangers if you have any—we’d love the extra donations!

Since 1978, Waikiki Community Center has served the community as a private nonprofit. Join us for this fun and meaningful workshop—help us repurpose waste, support our food programs, and create something beautiful for your garden!

*Sorry, classes are non-refundable.

Host or Publisher Waikiki Community Center