I am reposting this entry from an old blog. We did this fun fall handcraft in our homeschool community a few autumns ago.
We had just been reading words like these in co-op, the perfect introduction to our next handicraft.
I began by reading the group The Iroqouis Legend of the Corn Husk Doll which is a really neat little story.Then we set to work!
Have you ever made them?
I love learning a new handcraft, especially one that is reminiscent of ages past such as the time when all cloth was made from fibers extracted by hand from animal or plant.
Most people are more familiar with yarn made from wool or animal hair. Less know about the fascinating process of spinning, or in this case, twining, with plant fibers.
This dry brown Swamp Milkweed plant was harvested in a ditch near a lake last October.
...compared with the commonly known Milkweed plant that has thicker more rounded leaves and flowers all the way up the stem.
As you can see the next close-up, the blossoms look deceivingly similar.
On to our first handcraft of the year! All it takes are 2 smooth stones, a stalk or 3 of dried milkweed, and a careful hand with which to harvest the hair-like fibers that reside just below the thin bark or outer covering of the stalk. Here's the how-to we used, and a video demonstration. Videos 3 & 4 show the process using Dogbane plant.
The cordage is used for making fishing nets, woven food storage bags, clothing, bow strings, etc. We're getting a taste of the process by making simple bracelets.
It was slow work, but I think it's safe to say everyone in the group got into this handcraft!
A recommended living book here.
I'd love a link back if you happen to try this out.
Let me know what handcrafts you've been up to lately.
My handcrafting page (my gift to you all) is up and running now!
Check out the tab at the top of this page when you are in need of new crafting ideas.
I plan to keep adding links for current handcrafts so stop back again.