Learn how to use foraged fibres to make a strong and beautiful twine (also known as cordage). This technique for making string and rope is simple, practised worldwide by many cultures, and can be used with many different plants. a little dexterity, wrist strength, and coordination is required.

This workshop with Rekindle craftsperson Diana Duncan is held online, via Zoom. We will send you a Zoom link 48 hours prior to the class time. You can attend from anywhere in the world!

Diana will demonstrate with Tī Kōuka/Cabbage Tree/Cordyline Australis/Cornwall Palms as they are such an abundant and useful fibre found in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and many places elsewhere in the world. Corn husks, dandelion stems, and plantain stalks can also be used, as can many other fibres. In general, most leafy fibres will need to be dried and then soaked/moistened before using. Diana is not expert in every fibre, but will do her best to answer enquiries prior to the workshop if you are wondering how to prepare your fibre. As a backup, thin strips of cotton cloth also work very well.

The workshop will not be recorded, but after attending you will receive notes about how to make string/rope from foraged fibres, and a code to receive a short workshop film which demonstrates the technique. There's nothing quite like learning in real time from a tutor whom you can ask questions though!

Tangata whenua have been weaving with tī kōuka for hundreds of years here in Aotearoa. If you are interested learning traditional Māori weaving techniques, we also offer Raranga workshops at Rekindle with Mihi Adams and Kahu Collective. We can also recommend contacting the team at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa who teach a full raranga programme as well as other Toi Māori.

To learn more about tī kōuka and how we work with it, click HERE.

Diana Duncan learnt tī kōuka string and basket making from Juliet Arnott in 2016 and joined Rekindle as a tutor in 2019. In this time Diana has explored this material and others use in a myriad of ways. Having studied fashion design and worked in clothing repairs and alterations Diana has always enjoyed creative design and problem solving. Her desire to tread lightly on this earth and conserve its resources has found a natural fit with this locally abundant and durable material.

Pricing and cancellations

The cost is $18NZD per participant, but free for NZ Community Service Card holders. Please select the appropriate pricing option before adding to your cart. Please book one place per participant. Children aged 8 and over are welcome, but we ask that ages 8 - 12 attend with an adult. If you are attending as a support person, only a ticket for the participant is required.

Bookings for Online workshops are non-refundable but a credit may be issued if you are unable to attend and advise Rekindle prior to your workshop. Credits will not be issued if we are contacted after the start time of the workshop.

We are grateful to be able to offer this workshop because of support from Creative New Zealand

Online Workshops

Friday 11 November, 3-4:30pm NZT, Craft Opportunities - (Online) Foraged Fibre String and Rope Making

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