Karl Hansen Basket Illusion Lidded Box Course June 8-12, 2026

Join Karl Hansen for an unforgettable Basket Illusion Master Class showcasing the artistry of creating basketweave patterns at their finest. Renowned for his exceptional skill and personable teaching style, Karl brings tried-and-true techniques that guarantee success.

Karl will guide students step-by-step through creating a basketweave pattern throughout the week. His easy-to-understand approach ensures every student can achieve unmatched detail in their creations. By the end of class, each student will have gained newfound expertise and a deeper appreciation for creating basketweave patterns for a range of projects.

Due to the more advanced level of the projects and techniques to be covered in this class, we recommend that interested students be proficient in basic tool use and tooling techniques.

As part of this class, each student will receive a Basket Illusion Essentials Kit made by Karl himself. The kit includes an MDF indexing plate, Hansen indexing template, clamping post, woodburning pen sled (fits Razor Tip woodburning pen), fixture table that mounts in the tool rest, beading tool sharpening guide (for use on a standard bench grinder tool support), and a selection of coloring pens. Students are free to take their Basket Illusion Essentials Kit home following class.

Students will receive a list of recommended supplies to bring to class approximately eight weeks prior. Join us for an unforgettable week with Karl Hansen. Sign up today, as this class will fill fast.

Project
Basket Illusion Lidded Box (as shown) Approximate size 3” x 4”.

Topics to be covered:

• Tool techniques- variations on cutting techniques for optimum results.
  
• Tool sharpening- proper techniques used to create standard and custom grinds as needed.
  
• Elements of basketweave design- exploring the fundamentals of form, function, and design.
  
• How to choose and prepare work for basketweave pattern making.
  
• Bead cutting techniques.
  
• Index-based line burning, coloring, and shading.
  
• How to implement a desired basketweave design into your work.
  
• Burning techniques, including line value, shading, and other helpful tips, for creating multi-color and monochromatic designs.

About Karl Hansen-
Karl’s first experience with woodturning took place when he was about eight years old. He found himself mesmerized as his grandfather took a piece of wood and turned it into a beautiful shape.

Karl’s motivation to try the basket illusion came from pieces he saw at the Utah Woodturning Symposium, made by the late David Nittmann. Later, he discovered Harvey Meyer and his amazing basket illusion pieces, and he was hooked!

For the last 11+ years, Karl has focused his attention on creating Basket Illusion pieces, lidded vessels that are patterned inside and out, shallow platters, vases, etc. Most recently, he has focused on making boxes with threaded lids and platters that incorporate basketweave patterns.

Patterns, both simple and complex, have always intrigued him. His goal is to create a pattern that evolves as you look at it, with the negative spaces becoming a part of the pattern. If you look closely, you will begin to see the patterns within the pattern.

Karl’s goal is to evolve his style and technique as he journeys on his path of discovery, and everyone is welcome to come along for the ride.