Laurelhurst Fiber Art Studio & Urban Farm
Tablet Weaving * Ply-Splitting * Mindfulness * Permaculture
Hands-On Mini-Workshops
I offer a variety of workshops, mini-workshops, and lecture/demonstrations.
Please think of the descriptions below as suggestions. Content and length can be tailored to suit your needs and interests.
If you live in the Portland area, contact me to make arrangements for instruction in my studio.
Tablet Weaving: Weave a Friendship Bracelet
For ages 6 and up
In my studio: 1-2 hours
Elsewhere: 2 hours (works well as a drop-in program)
The friendship bracelets shown were woven with 8 tablets and 5/2 perle cotton. Children easily learn how to weave, and can complete a bracelet in about 1/2 hour.
I can prepare warps in advance, tensioned on portable looms (a board and c-clamps!), ready to weave. Or warping can be part of the learning experience. Choose your own pattern --checkerboards, wavy lines, chevrons, diamonds, or make up your own designs. Weave cotton friendship bracelets, choker necklaces, or ankle bracelets in your favorite colors.
Tablet Weaving: Weave a Warp-Twined Bookmark
For teens and/or adults
2-4 hours
Learn how to make a continuous warp, and how to flip and turn the tablets to weave checkerboards, wavy lines, chevrons, and diamonds. Learn a little about the traditions of tablet weaving in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Examine bands with traditional designs as well as contemporary tablet-woven jewelry and scarves. Take home new knowledge and skills, and a colorful cotton bookmark.
Designer Shoelaces!
For ages 7 and up, including adults
2 hours (works well as a drop-in program)
Make colorful shoelaces from cotton yarns by plying the yarns into cords. Use different tools for making plied cords/shoelaces, including a hand drill and a 4-hook twister. Bring a hand drill to class if you have one.
Ply-Split Braiding: Make a SCOT Braid on a Keyring
For teens and/or adults
2-4 hours
Learn a technique developed by the camel herders of India. I will bring braids in different shapes for you to examine, as well as ply-split jewelry, mats, and baskets. Using prepared cords, learn the basics of SCOT (single-course oblique twining). Go home with a colorful braid attached to a keyring -- you can put keys on it, or attach it to a zipper on your suitcase or backpack to make easy to identify.
![[Ply split stars]](stars.gif)
Make a Ply-Split Star Ornament
For teens and/or adults
3-4 hours
Using prepared cotton and metallic cords, create a beautiful ply-split star ornament. The structure is SCOT, the same as the braids above. Makes a lovely gift.