Weave a Tule Mat with Charlie Kennard

Fibershed is a non-profit educational and research organization that develops regenerative textile systems that are based on carbon farming, regional manufacturing, and public education.We envision the emergence of an international system of regional textile communities that enliven connection and ownership of ‘soil-to-soil’ textile processes. These diverse textile cultures are designed to build soil carbon stocks on the working landscapes on which they depend, while directly enhancing the strength of regional economies. Both fiber and food systems now face a drastically changing climate, and must utilize the best of time-honored knowledge and available science for their long-term ability to thrive.

Fibershed

Learn to make a mat from locally-harvested tule

Fibershed Learning Center

Join us at the beautiful Fibershed Learning Center on Black Mountain Ranch near Point Reyes Station, CA, where we will make small sitting mats using tule rushes twined together with dyed cotton string. (The type of tule mat we will be making can be seen to the right of Charlie in the photo collage above. To the right of that is a greenish mat made of cattail, and two other types of tule mat.)The tule we are working with (Schoenoplectus californicus) was gathered from a pond on the ranch where we are located. Tule mats were an essential part of native Californian life, used for roofing, screens, doorways, beds, in serving foods, as well as for sitting on.The class is limited to 10 students. Weather permitting, we will be sitting outdoors in a shaded area. In the event of rain, we will be in the garage studio/classroom, which has plenty of ventilation. Address provided upon registration. Participants should bring: a pair of scissors, a cushion for sitting on the ground, plus any personal snacks or lunch and beverages. If you are unable to sit on a cushion on the ground, you can work at a table while standing or sitting on a stool._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Fibershed Scholarship ProgramFibershed is offering two scholarships to most workshops; one scholarship if it’s a small class. If you would not otherwise be able to attend, and would like to be considered as a scholarship recipient, please answer a few brief questions on this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7l9dTKeZFD0ZIqphxncMla6weXVbpFslvtwDnvROvqBX6eA/viewform" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Google Form</a>. Responses will be reviewed by Learning Center staff and kept strictly confidential._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Charlie Kennard of San Anselmo is a long-time basket weaver and student of California Indian and other traditional basketry techniques of the world. He has taught for the Point Reyes Field Institute, East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Fibershed, the Laguna Center and in many schools and at teacher trainings. Tule boats made in his workshops can be seen at the Bay Model in Sausalito, Lake County Museum, and another is in the collection of the Oakland Museum. You can also visit a basketry plant garden Charlie has created at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Charlie is active in native habitat restoration in Marin, managing several projects for Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.

Photos at top, left to right: freshly harvested tule by Dustin Kahn, Charlie Kennard by Paige Green, mats of tule and cattail courtesy of Charlie Kennard

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Weave a Tule Mat with Charlie Kennard

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Weave a Tule Mat with Charlie Kennard

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