Experience the beauty of weaving with cedar. Cedar wood has various uses by the Anishinaabeg: we use it to make bowls, spoons, cradleboards, and paddles, and we carve it into tools for wild rice harvesting. In this class, we will explore making cedar mats, which are woven from the inner bark of cedar trees. To begin, we’ll make cordage from retted basswood and will split the cedar strips. Then we will begin weaving a small mat with precut inner bark. Although larger mats are usually woven vertically, this project can be completed flat on a table, making it a great introduction to this material and tradition. Dyed strips of cedar will be available so students can choose to include a pattern in their mats. Cedar is malleable while weaving, but will harden to a sturdy mat. The finished mat will be approximately 11”x17”, suitable for use as a place setting.

Youth ages 12+ are welcome to register with an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete one project and pay one materials fee. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• All tools will be provided

Optional Tools

• Favorite scissors or knife, but they will get sticky