Weaving on Picture Frame Looms

Creative Reuse 101 with WasteShed teaching artist Vahnaree Weiss

This workshop is part of Creative Reuse 101, a collaborative workshop series by The WasteShed & the Evanston Arts Center. Each workshop focuses on a different creative project inspired by The WasteShed’s Evanston creative reuse center and is geared toward artists and makers looking to incorporate sustainability into their creative practice in new and interesting ways!

Intro to Weaving on Frame Looms (3-Hour Workshop)

Explore the fundamentals of hand weaving while creating a one-of-a-kind woven piece using reclaimed and unexpected materials. This beginner-friendly workshop introduces participants to frame loom weaving, emphasizing experimentation, texture, and creative reuse.

In this three-hour, hands-on class, participants will learn the basics of weaving from the ground up—starting with building a simple frame loom (out of old picture frames!) and ending with a finished or in-progress woven piece. Students will be led by creative reuse specialist and teaching artist Vahnaree Weiss, who will demonstrate each step of the process and guide students through hands-on practice.
Participants will get to take home their loom!

Students will learn…

• The basics of hand weaving and how woven structures work
• How to build and prepare a simple frame loom
• How to warp a loom with even tension
• An assortment of weaving techniques!

Participants will get to experiment with different fibers, textures, and materials, and will learn how to fix common weaving mistakes along the way. The workshop also covers options for removing work from the loom or leaving it mounted, depending on each student’s goals.

This workshop is perfect for beginners—no prior weaving experience required. It’s ideal for artists, makers, and anyone curious about fiber art, sustainable craft, or bringing everyday materials into their creative practice.

Quick note on Materials:

All tools and materials will be provided, including reclaimed yarns, fibers, and weaving materials sourced from The WasteShed Evanston. Participants are welcome to bring small objects, fibers, or materials they’d like to incorporate into their weaving if they'd like!

Have questions?

Feel free to email [email protected]

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