Make a Basket at Bok Tower Gardens This September

A quiet morning of making something by hand can be a welcome change of pace. On Saturday, September 12, Bok Tower Gardens is scheduled to host a beginner-friendly basket-weaving workshop that combines a traditional craft with a pleasant Lake Wales outing.

The class, titled Weave Your Way to Creativity, runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Alexander Discovery Center. Participants will build a basket from natural rattan reed and finish it with a sturdy oak handle. The planned color palette uses teal, light blue and dark green, creating a piece that can be decorative or practical at home.

A Traditional Craft With Room to Slow Down

Basket weaving rewards patience and attention to small details. The workshop is planned as a four- to five-hour experience, giving participants time to learn the pattern, work through the shaping process and complete a finished basket rather than rushing through a short demonstration.

No previous weaving experience is required. Instructor Connie Adam says she began weaving in 1989 and has taught basket weaving since 1993, alongside a 29-year career as an elementary teacher. That long teaching background should make the session approachable for someone trying the craft for the first time as well as for a returning maker who enjoys guided projects.

What to Know Before Registering

Bok Tower Gardens lists the price at $70 for members and $90 for non-members. Registration is required, and payment is due when registering. The ticket includes general admission to the Gardens, so participants may be able to enjoy part of the grounds before or after class if the day’s timing allows.

The venue advises visitors that class check-in begins 30 minutes before the start time and encourages arrival at least 10 minutes early. Because this is a lengthy hands-on session, consider whether several hours of seated craft work will be comfortable. Anyone with questions about accessibility, hand-strength requirements, tools or accommodations should contact Bok Tower Gardens before purchasing a place.

The published policy asks participants who need to cancel to request a refund or exchange at least 24 hours before class, although some materials-based classes may be designated nonrefundable. Review the current registration page and policy carefully before completing payment.

Turn the Class Into a Lake Wales Day Out

The workshop takes place at Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales. The setting makes this more than a stand-alone craft class: the admission included with the ticket can add garden paths, views and the Singing Tower to the day, subject to the Gardens’ current hours and visitor guidance.

A finished basket also gives the outing a satisfying conclusion. Use it for flowers, small household items or seasonal displays, or simply keep it as a reminder of an afternoon spent learning a traditional skill with neighbors and fellow makers.

Class capacity and event details can change. Before making plans, visit the official Bok Tower Gardens event page to confirm that registration remains open and to recheck the date, price, location, check-in instructions and cancellation terms.