Learn to make a mat from locally-harvested tule

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 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.

Enroll here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/396884872337

Fibershed Scholarship Program
Fibershed 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 Google Form. 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)