One of the best ways to get to know the weave-ability of a plant is by making it into cordage. Cordage is hand woven primitive rope or twine. It’s a great way to explore the leaves, vines, or stems you have growing around you. Could they be used for weaving? How well to they twist and bend? How strong are they? How do you prepare them for weaving? Making a bit of cordage can give you insight into all of these questions. Cordage can be made from 100’s of plants and plant fibers, has been found in neolithic sites, and is still used today to make many useful items.
During our time together we will explore locally available (some seasonal) plants and let our hands tell us more about them. We’ll make sample cordage from several “easy to find” plants. While learning when and how to harvest, dehydrate, store and rehydrate them for weaving. You’ll get a jump start on your very own cordage sampler (my sampler - image 1)
Curious about the wrapped bottle & rock (images 3 & 4)…check out a Knotless Netting Skills Workshop!
We will explore the following plentiful plants. They were selected because they are typically easy to grow (or gather from a friendly-neighborhood gardener) and when harvested correctly have very little impact on the future health of the plant.
Daylily leaves
Crocosmia leaves
Iris leaves
Dandelion stems
Daffodil stems
Our time together will offer lots of show and tell of fun ways to use more cordage in your life. Trust me you’re going to want to use it everywhere - it’s addictive, meditative, and just plan fun to make.
Minimum Age: 10 and must be accompanied by a paying adult - please let me know if you are registering with a minor.
Class registration is NON-REFUNDABLE. However, if you want to sell or give your workshop series to a friend, I’m happy to welcome someone else in your place. Due to the nature of the projects (materials/soaking, etc) and the small class sizes, I’m unable to support refunds or credits.
This workshops is held at the Field and Forest Crafts Classroom at 1608 NE 179th St, Shoreline WA, 98155