Weaving in Beauty

Explore the beauty and harmony of Navajo weaving

Weaving in Beauty: A Textile Tour

Jennie Slick with a student in Window Rock

Upcoming Class Dates

  • October 3-10, 2009 (Saturday morning-Saturday morning)  Class is full
  • May 2-9, 2010 (Sunday morning-Sunday morning)  Class is full
  • July 26-August 1, 2010 (Monday morning-Sunday afternoon) Class is full
  • October 2-9, 2010 (Saturday morning-Saturday morning) Class is full

Tuition is $600, which includes the use of a loom and tools for the week and enough yarn to complete your first weaving.  Tuition also includes three group meals (one lunch and two dinners).

Housing Cost: $65 per day single occupancy, $74 per day double. Estimated cost of meals is under $30 per day.

Your instructor: Jennie Slick is an accomplished third generation (at least) Navajo weaver who specializes in Burntwater and Germantown designs.  She lives in Houck, AZ with her two sons and an adopted son and daughter.  In addition to being a full time weaver, Jennie also provides care and support for her mother.  She is a patient and encouraging teacher.  Jennie is hoping to make enough money teaching to be able to afford to keep something she weaves!

See pictures from past classes:

This class is a seven day total immersion into Navajo weaving and modern Navajo life in the cultural center of the Navajo Nation.  We stay in modern accommodations at the Quality Inn Nation Nation Capital (In the Tony Hillerman books, it was the Navajo Nation Inn) in Window Rock, AZ.  Each morning and evening will be devoted to learning Navajo weaving.  Our afternoons will be spent exploring the weaving related attractions in the area.  Our days typically start at 7 AM, and we call it quits at 9 PM.  Our field trips include

  • The historic Hubbell Trading Post
  • R. B. Burnham Trading Co.
  • Richardson’s Trading Co. (the Sistine Chapel of Navajo weaving)
  • Lunch and/or dinner at Earl’s in Gallup, NM (you might complete ALL your Christmas shopping!  Really!)
  • Crownpoint Rug Auction and/or Hubbell Native American Arts Auction
  • Navajo Nation Museum
  • St. Michael’s Museum
  • Window Rock Tribal Park
  • Canyon de Chelly
  • Two Grey Hills Trading Post
  • Toadlena Trading Trading Post
  • Visits from and with weavers

You will learn

  • Loom warping
  • Diagonal, interlock and dovetail joins
  • Elements of design
  • Problem solving
  • Carding and spinning
  • Rug finishing
  • Adaptation of Navajo techniques to non-traditional patterns
  • Vegetal dye techniques

Navajo made looms and tools will be available for purchase.

We encourage local weavers to visit us in class, and we do adapt our itinerary to invitations and opportunities which arise during the week.

Spouses, friends and significant others are encouraged to come along and are very welcome to join us for our field trips.  There is a charge of  $40 to cover the cost of group meals.  Since we have enough transportation for the students and class staff only, those accompanying  you may need to use a separate vehicle for field trips.

There are currently 3 responses to “Weaving in Beauty: A Textile Tour”

Why not let us know what you think by adding your own comment! Your opinion is as valid as anyone elses, so come on... let us know what you think.

  1. 1 On August 1st, 2008, marshah said:

    WOW Mary! What a lot of info on your redesigned website. In fact, there is so much good ’stuff’ that I don’t see your contact info. I have a question to ask about the upcoming Aug 17 workshop, but don’t have your email or cell # with me at my present location.

    Marsha H.

  2. 2 On October 15th, 2009, Teri Taylor said:

    Mary,
    I put my registration in the mail today for the July 26 – Aug. 1, 2010 class. I hope there is still an opening. I am excited to get to know you and the weavers! Thanks for the update. The web page looks great.I will be calling you in a few weeks after all the cattle are moved to the winter range and get the address and info for someone towarp my loom. Thanks for all you do!
    Teri

  3. 3 On October 25th, 2009, Paula said:

    Mary,
    Now that I slipped off the fence and finally registered for the July 2010 class, I am getting really excited about it. I have been thinking of doing this for 10 years. When I moved to australia 9 years ago, I thought it might not ever happen. But the timing of this class is perfect for next year and it gives me something special to look forward to.
    Cheers!

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    Latest on Sun, 12:47 pm

    Celinda Hall: I live in Albuquerque, NM and I am looking for a class here in town. One school I can find is booked up. Don't want to have to take a vacation just to take a class. thanks

    michael H.: hello,I'm trying to find information on a weaver by the name of "Bissi Claws".I recently purchased a rug that was made by her in 1984. Thank You!

    Bonnie Allen: Does anyone know of any weavers in Illinois? thanks, Bonnie

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