Workshop: Let’s Twist Again – Cordage-Making Workshop: Crafting Wellness Through Creativity

If you have any kind of anxiety at the moment this workshop is for you. Discover why the ancient craft of cordage making is relevant today and how a hands-on workshop connects us directly with nature.

In our times of disconnect, which often values convenience over craftsmanship, cordage making as a group activity is informative, inspiring, and creative. It offers a therapeutic experience that not only connects us in the moment with each other and nature but also to our ancestral heritage.

You will leave with knowledge of the history of cordage making, a hand-out sheet with a visual reminder of how to make cordage. Together, we will unwind and relax. Your breath will slow and your hands will actively twist that spent energy into creative positivity that will become your own bespoke piece of cordage (string). The essence of the process becomes your own personal story, twisted into a magical piece of cordage (string) to wear or grow into more usual pieces of natural art.

Due to the time of year as plant materials are in their wintery time of decay, we can make cordage with pre-loved textiles, and some dried over wintered crocosmia for practice. You are welcome to bring along your own textiles to be cut into strips and deploy the same methodology.

You can see some examples of my work here: Nettle Revolution

However, we will discuss all materials that we can source from nature for this purpose and I will provide plant fibre examples of cordage made from nettles, paper, teabags, aspidistra, leek, New Zealand Flax (Phormium), comfrey and more.

Website: www.nettlerevolution.co.uk

Instagram: @jane.gray.nettle.weaver

I look forward to meeting you, together we will twist any heartache and anxieties, into positivity as we make cordage (string) together.

What’s provided, (not provided)

Whilst a cordage-making workshop is indeed an ancient craft that one can master, it also provides a therapeutic avenue for untangling mental knots and channelling them into a new creative form. In this workshop, we’ll explore the potential benefits of this practice, particularly for individuals living with ADHD who may find solace in the tactile engagement it offers, akin to a fidget gadget.

We will discuss the amazing benefits of using nature as our medicinal store, and I will provide a well-being ‘green’ tea’. However, you are welcome to bring any snacks of beverage to sustain you.

You will take home your own cordage-making pieces. I will show you examples of how you can continue the practice at home, turning the process into amazing vessels and jewellery.

If required: A washroom facility will be available, for comfort breaks.

If the weather is on our side, we may have the option of being in the garden for the workshop.