Table-made hairwork is a beautifully intricate and meaningful way of using human hair fiber to weave corded, hollow, or flat braids which were often used for constructing Victorian and US Civil War Era jewelry. Hand-artisans have been working with hair for hundreds of years throughout the world, including in the village of Våmhus, Sweden, where the hairworkers there have continued to practice the traditional craft to this day, despite a decline in global popularity in the early 1920’s. Presently, hairwork, the sentimental art of using human hair to make a variety of expressive objects, is growing.

A hairwork sampler can serve as a record of learned skills and as inspiration for future projects. Using collected artifacts and source material from books published in the 1800’s, students will learn 4-5 braid designs including hollow and flat braids not taught in previous classes at North House Folk School. These, in addition to previously learned patterns in the prerequisite bracelet class and other attended hairwork classes, will form a collection of braids to make a hairwork sampler for future reference. The class will include an exploration of possible ways to apply learned braid patterns to hair jewelry construction.

Note: The hair bracelet class is a prerequisite for the sampler class.

Physical Ability/Skills note: Hairwork braiding is intricate. Please bring vision aids as needed. Previous needlework sewing skills are helpful. The classroom is well lit. Additionally, Ott lights are provided for each participant.

Optional Tools

• Your favorite embroidery scissors and hairwork tools such as hair tables, bobbins, floss, wire and/or a variety of knitting needle sizes.
• The instructor will provide human hair to use during the course. If an individual wishes to bring hair to the class, please make sure it is at least 12” long. A hank of hair about ¾-1”’ in diameter is sufficient.
• Hairwork is intricate. Please bring vision aids as needed.