Many weavers demonstrate their skills at local events, due to the loss of natural habitat, our traditional basketweaving materials are difficult to locate, a weaver often must travel 70 miles from home to gather the materials needed for his or her basket. Classes are held periodically and if you wish to be notified please send an email to cs@waterturtleweaver.com
Traditionally Luiseno baskets made in the San Diego area were done in simple designs, often indicating water or the symbols for water. These baskets were almost always made from dried juncus coiled around a base of either shredded juncus or whole deergrass stalks. The dark root end of the juncus was used for color or design, but juncus was also dyed using mud, black walnut husks or elderberry leaves.
Baskets are made from natural products and need to be handled very carefully. NEVER immerse your basket in water or scrub it with soap or commercial cleaner. Take your basket to a professional for cleaning, remember that some of the old baskets were sprayed with insecticides,care should be taken.
