Learning to make cordage from the leaves and grasses at hand is fun for every age. Discovering a bit of ancient knowledge about how to appreciate and utilize the plants around us, transforms us into makers of make beautiful and useful objects. Here are some pictures of young people making coiled cordage pendants, but this workshop is fun for all ages.
Warning! Cordage-making can be addictive!
My basic lesson during an Artist Residency at IslandWood, Bainbridge Island, Washington.
If grasses and leaves are not available, how about those old T-shirts, fabric, or jeans. Plastic or paper bags, and other materials pulled out the the recycling bin may also work well!
My ten year old grandson kindly made this lovely example of a coiled newspaper wall piece.
One class is finished with seven more to come. Time for this group to plant some cedar trees out behind the art studio at IslandWood.