There were three sessions covering different art /craft practices but the one that a most enjoyed was the Aboriginal Weaving session led by the Indigenous Cultural Tour leader and expert weaver from Tumut National Parks office.
We used needle reed gathered from the local area. It had been dried and soaked and kept wet to make it pliable. The reeds came in a range of different widths and colours.
We had examples of weaving to admire.
Example of a wrap and stitch method weaving |
Starting off with blanket stitch |
Gradually our circles got bigger and bigger,
Loren's beautiful example of the blanket stitch method |
Nikki's stunning first go at wrap and stitch Aboriginal Basket weaving with the blanket stitch method in the middle |
but things got more regular as I went on and changed to the wrap and stitch method,
I love the colours of the reeds.
I am quite pleased with my first attempt, imperfect as it is and can't wait to use the remaining reeds to make a bigger basket from scratch now that I have made this little sampler as a practice basket.
The sessions were held in the grounds of the beautiful Gilmore Hall.
All micro orb corrugated iron and wood - a stunning little piece of simple rural architecture.
Thank you tutors and organisers for a fabulous day. Thank you all the women who took part - what a pleasant, quiet day of fiddling and chatting.
They look so beautiful - what a treat to learn local indigenous skills. I always wanted to learn how to make those Maori flax baskets. I've learned to do a bit with willow and hazel. It's very satisfying isn't it?
ReplyDeleteVery satisfying indeed.
DeleteI love Gilmore Hall - nicely rural looking. Your basket looks fab - what a fab skill to acquire.
ReplyDeleteThere are these little gems of rural architecture up many back roads, tucked away that only locals know of. There is a coffee table book in it.
DeleteGreat looking weaving! Well done. What a lovely way to spend a day.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very pleasant time.
DeleteLove to see your photos, the basket weaving looks beautiful. Love the colours of the reeds too.
ReplyDeleteit is amazing that the same plant can produce such different coloured reeds.
DeleteWow they are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bec, I cant wait to make another - need to soak my reeds.
DeleteThey look amazing! Wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kirsty, love your work each week!
DeleteGood job! Are you hoping to make a couple of harvest gathering baskets for all your produce?
ReplyDeleteThat would require a large amount of reeds and spare time... but a great idea!
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