Traditional Honeysuckle baskets were made by the Cherokee People with a
double weave technique that resulted in
a seamless basket with two sides and a rounded rim. We will: prepare our
own material from honey-suckle vine provided by Larry, dye the material
with traditional dye stuffs, learn basket starts, add ribs in the
traditional manner, turn down the inner part to weave the outer basket,
and explore varied bottoms for finishing. Each student will complete a
basket amid days of
stories and laughter.
Everything that goes into our baskets is organic, starting
with hand gathered honeysuckle brought by Larry.
|
Class will
partake of the dying process, twisting a web of vines onto a coil
and dunking it in a pot of boiling water. This strips away the
outer sheath and leaves the core to bleach in the sun. To create
the various colors, the fresh strips are simmered in a broth made
from roots or nut shells, such as bloodroot, dyewood, and walnut
hulls. This produces the beautiful shades of brown, orange
and yellow traditionally used in these baskets. Using traditional
tools, everything from a pocket knife to a deer antler, we twist
the simple strands of honeysuckle into strong-as-steel vessels. |
