Random Weave
This has to be my favourite method of weaving.
The simplicity of using a single plant fibre woven until it holds its own shape, without resorting to any other fixings is immensely satisfying. Whether a vine, a leaf a strand of seaweed, each has its own tactile quality and each will arrive at a point of tension when the structure is firm.
The simplicity of using a single plant fibre woven until it holds its own shape, without resorting to any other fixings is immensely satisfying. Whether a vine, a leaf a strand of seaweed, each has its own tactile quality and each will arrive at a point of tension when the structure is firm.
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Dodder LaurelDodder laurel is a parasitic vine found hanging from Eucalypts and comonly known as Australian mistletoe. Sometimes it becomes so dense and tangled it can kill it's host tree. However it is a native vine and in the wider scheme of things has its ecological benefits, as mentioned in this article by Angair
It is fabulous to use for random weaving. To collect it I rely on local gardeners clearing it from time to time and providing me with this resource. 
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Seagrass
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The seagreass I find washed up, often tangled up with kelp, is incredibly longstemmed for a seagrass. It's the stems I use to weave with. The term seagrass actually covers about 60 different species, this one is only found in southern waters and is favoured by weedy seadragons to hide in. It was in fact an ideal material to use to make a seadragon, with the leafy parts being so similar to the fins of a seadragon.
after a bit of research the correct name for this one is 'Sea Nymph' - amphibolis antarctica |
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Twisted Willow
Willow
Having learnt how to create sculptural works with willow in the UK, I went to grest efforts to harvest willow in Australia. Only the long whippy first years growth is used, cut during the winter months, then left for three months to dry out, before using for basketry. I found a source along the waterways in Forest, Victoria
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A basket weaver is an opportunist when it comes to plant materials. Friends and neighbours will save garden cuttings for me, just in case they might be useful for a basket. I rarely turn them down, enjoying the challenge something unusual presents.
Silver Birch Roll top method
Muehlenbeckia with stitched hay lining
Muehlenbeckia with a stitched stringy bark lining
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Grapevine
Guitar strings
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