Exciting Use of Garden Materials

Still a couple of ends to darn in here but would you believe this little bowl is made from convolvulus using the thicker roots to create the base fibre and the stem parts as the weaver to catch them via a buttonhole stitch to the row below.. Aren’t the subtle differences in the greens just lovely. Unfortunately i suspect these will bleach to a more straw colour over time.

Rattan (natural cane) is quite hard to source in New Zealand because of the biosecurity requirements and the danger of importing unwanted pests with the rattan. so finding other materials from the garden that provide weaving resources is exciting. Especially when the material is an unwanted weed like convolvulus or ivy or honey suckle that grows wild on the side of the road.

The materials have to be prepared before use. The leaves cleared off and the stems/roots dried for at least two weeks to get rid of the sap. Failure to do this step may make the finished item warp as it dries out. Before weaving the material must be dunked in water to gain back flexibility and prevent breakage of the length of twine.

My interest in eco processes in my art work is indulged when I find new and interesting ways of using materials from the garden or waste areas to create beautiful natural products