Ellen Sue Olivares Schneider, from the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, is a traditional and contemporary basket weaver. Her baskets are made from native California plant materials that she harvests locally from several sites. She learned traditional basket weaving from her aunt and Acjachemen tribal elder, Teeter Marie Romero Olivares.
Ellen Sue will teach us how to create small gathering baskets made of rattan reed. These beginner baskets are a great way to learn the techniques of weaving with earth materials.
Beyond these baskets to take home, Ellen Sue will talk about the methods for other types of local basket making- like baskets composed of juncus textilis or sumac, pine needles, yucca, and deer grass. She will talk through seasonal harvesting techniques.
Ellen was taught traditional basket weaving from her elders and relatives. She grew up in San Juan Capistrano and her baskets are sold at the Mission. We are excited to partner with her in this lesson in traditional basket weaving!