
Art is Medicine.
Using the ancient art of Basket Weaving as Meditation, Medicine, and Alchemical Healing.
If you are interested in Medicine Basket workshops, or working with me to create your own personal Medicine Basket, please contact me.
Or if you would like to invite me to your area for a workshop, lets talk.
It is my honor to share my Medicine with you.
I thought I was just making a basket one beautiful Sunday in Ashland. I happened to notice the abundance of long pine needles at the campground we were calling home. I had been weaving for years but had always wanted to create a needle basket. With waxed linen and a book from the public library in hand, I began to gather pine needles with my dog, Kaya. No sooner than a handful of needles hitting the bottom of the basket, Francesca and her dog, Bella, had found us. She asked if I was making a pine needle basket to which I replied that I was about to make my first one.
It turns out that this type of basket is Francesca's art and healing apparatus. She has taught workshops and helped people through a variety of traumatic experiences through weaving with awareness and an increased appreciation of the materials in which you use.
Her exquisite baskets have brought strength and wisdom to people that possess them.
It's funny how things happen sometimes. What are the chances that a skilled teacher finds you and passes on her knowledge when you are most receptive to understanding? Francesca spent most of the day with me as we wove to the sound of the river flowing by...
After this experience, my personal belief that everything happens for a reason is permanently solidified in my being. There truly are no accidents.
Francesca guided me through this weaving experience as a spiritual and sacred activity.
Like I stated, I have been weaving for many years and after one right turn, I now look at weaving as less of a craft to keep me busy and more of a connected construction with nature and I will forever be thankful to Francesca for this... She opened my eyes in my sleepwalking state and plugged me back in to this journey with a renewed awareness.
Blessed Be, my Teacher."
Sincerely, Dama
It turns out that this type of basket is Francesca's art and healing apparatus. She has taught workshops and helped people through a variety of traumatic experiences through weaving with awareness and an increased appreciation of the materials in which you use.
Her exquisite baskets have brought strength and wisdom to people that possess them.
It's funny how things happen sometimes. What are the chances that a skilled teacher finds you and passes on her knowledge when you are most receptive to understanding? Francesca spent most of the day with me as we wove to the sound of the river flowing by...
After this experience, my personal belief that everything happens for a reason is permanently solidified in my being. There truly are no accidents.
Francesca guided me through this weaving experience as a spiritual and sacred activity.
Like I stated, I have been weaving for many years and after one right turn, I now look at weaving as less of a craft to keep me busy and more of a connected construction with nature and I will forever be thankful to Francesca for this... She opened my eyes in my sleepwalking state and plugged me back in to this journey with a renewed awareness.
Blessed Be, my Teacher."
Sincerely, Dama
Experience the Practice and Art of Medicine Basket Weaving with Healer,
Teacher, and Basket Weaver, Francesca Oldani
Hosted by Suzanne Bastear
Sunday December 10th, 2017 10:00am – 5:00pm
Petaluma California, location given upon registration.
We will use the ancient art of basket weaving as meditation, spiritual practice, and alchemical healing to deepen and enrich our connection to self, spirit, nature, and humanity.
In this day-long workshop in a safe and sacred space, Francesca will lead you on an experiential journey combining the ancient art of basket weaving with story-telling, energy medicine, presence and embodiment practices, where you will weave your own Medicine Basket, making medicine as you do so to experience personal, group, and collective healing.
This is an invitation to journey into your heart, shadow, and story—your spirit and soul—to track, find, untangle, and claim the potent medicine that awaits your retrieval and subsequent weaving into a personal alchemical Medicine Basket—a numinous living symbol of your wholeness and journey.
No previous weaving experience necessary. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED
Cost: Sliding scale $80-$150
Barter or scholarship considered on individual basis for financial hardship. Please email Francesca at medicinebaskets@gmail.com to arrange.
Space is limited to 10.
Please bring a bag lunch.
Teacher, and Basket Weaver, Francesca Oldani
Hosted by Suzanne Bastear
Sunday December 10th, 2017 10:00am – 5:00pm
Petaluma California, location given upon registration.
We will use the ancient art of basket weaving as meditation, spiritual practice, and alchemical healing to deepen and enrich our connection to self, spirit, nature, and humanity.
In this day-long workshop in a safe and sacred space, Francesca will lead you on an experiential journey combining the ancient art of basket weaving with story-telling, energy medicine, presence and embodiment practices, where you will weave your own Medicine Basket, making medicine as you do so to experience personal, group, and collective healing.
This is an invitation to journey into your heart, shadow, and story—your spirit and soul—to track, find, untangle, and claim the potent medicine that awaits your retrieval and subsequent weaving into a personal alchemical Medicine Basket—a numinous living symbol of your wholeness and journey.
No previous weaving experience necessary. ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED
Cost: Sliding scale $80-$150
Barter or scholarship considered on individual basis for financial hardship. Please email Francesca at medicinebaskets@gmail.com to arrange.
Space is limited to 10.
Please bring a bag lunch.
Past Events
Sept 19th 2015, 1:00-6:00pm in Guernville California at The Center for Sacred Studies
A deep immersion into the potent art of Medicine Basket Weaving
A deep immersion into the potent art of Medicine Basket Weaving

PAST WORKSHOPS
Participant Testimonials
"It's hard to describe, and even harder to believe the healing that occurs when you surrender to this process, not only for the weaver but down the road, for those who hold these alchemical mysteries and connect to the healing prayers woven into them. Thank you Grace..." ~Vicki Wolf Dobbs, Sacred Wisdom Workshops, Clovis Ca
"Grace, thank you so very much for this wonderful class. While weaving my basket I let go of all expectations and gave into creativity and emotion. My basket will always have a place of honor in my space and I'm so grateful to have learned this new skill. I have no doubt that there will be more medicines baskets my future. I have so much respect and gratitude toward you for sharing your journey with all of us, you have a strength and resilience that reflects in your teaching. Thank you again!" ~Krista Erickson, Casa De Curandera, Fresno Ca
"Grace your class today was amazing there are few words that do it justice, it is truly something that needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Today you took us on a journey to freedom from judgement and expectations. Weaving our story and soul into each strand from our higher selves. I was changed today and blessed to be in that sacred hoop with each one of you. I look forward to many more workshops with you." ~ Francisco Alvarez Curandero, Casa De Curandera, Fresno, Ca
"Grace, Chad & I are very grateful and humbled by today's beautiful journey. last night I dreamt of people from diverse paths and backgrounds, embracing unity by putting aside differences and collaborating in spirit. This afternoon I felt our ancestors of different paths doing this through each of us. The sacred space was beautiful. Few words to truly paint a picture. Thank you for sharing crow medicine... I arrived with emergence of shadow work and found beautiful joy in balance of light and night. Blessed Be." ~Deira and Chad Seven
- Weaving Your Story Into A Medicine Basket, May 17th 2014 Clovis, CA
- Weaving Your Story Into A Medicine Basket, May 18th 2014 Clovis, CA
- Weaving Your Story into a Sacred Medicine Basket, August 3rd 2014 Vallejo CA
Participant Testimonials
"It's hard to describe, and even harder to believe the healing that occurs when you surrender to this process, not only for the weaver but down the road, for those who hold these alchemical mysteries and connect to the healing prayers woven into them. Thank you Grace..." ~Vicki Wolf Dobbs, Sacred Wisdom Workshops, Clovis Ca
"Grace, thank you so very much for this wonderful class. While weaving my basket I let go of all expectations and gave into creativity and emotion. My basket will always have a place of honor in my space and I'm so grateful to have learned this new skill. I have no doubt that there will be more medicines baskets my future. I have so much respect and gratitude toward you for sharing your journey with all of us, you have a strength and resilience that reflects in your teaching. Thank you again!" ~Krista Erickson, Casa De Curandera, Fresno Ca
"Grace your class today was amazing there are few words that do it justice, it is truly something that needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Today you took us on a journey to freedom from judgement and expectations. Weaving our story and soul into each strand from our higher selves. I was changed today and blessed to be in that sacred hoop with each one of you. I look forward to many more workshops with you." ~ Francisco Alvarez Curandero, Casa De Curandera, Fresno, Ca
"Grace, Chad & I are very grateful and humbled by today's beautiful journey. last night I dreamt of people from diverse paths and backgrounds, embracing unity by putting aside differences and collaborating in spirit. This afternoon I felt our ancestors of different paths doing this through each of us. The sacred space was beautiful. Few words to truly paint a picture. Thank you for sharing crow medicine... I arrived with emergence of shadow work and found beautiful joy in balance of light and night. Blessed Be." ~Deira and Chad Seven