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Cordage Making – Working with sp̓ic̓n Workshop

$125.00

price: $125 per person
Experience length: 2.5–3 hours

Explore how plant fibres, especially sp̓ic̓n (Indian hemp / Prairie dogbane) becomes cordage (string/rope) and the teachings held in this practice. This workshop focuses on working with your hands, moving slowly, and building respect for the plants that support us.

Cordage making is both practical and ceremonial: each twist carries relationship, attention, and time.

price: $125 per person
Experience length: 2.5–3 hours

Explore how plant fibres, especially sp̓ic̓n (Indian hemp / Prairie dogbane) becomes cordage (string/rope) and the teachings held in this practice. This workshop focuses on working with your hands, moving slowly, and building respect for the plants that support us.

Cordage making is both practical and ceremonial: each twist carries relationship, attention, and time.

What You’ll Experience

  • Introduction to sp̓ic̓n and other potential fibre plants

  • Teachings around respectful harvesting and preparation of plant fibres

  • Demonstration of basic cordage techniques (twisting, splicing, joining)

  • Hands-on practice making your own cord or small length of rope

  • Reflection on how this work connects to clothing, tools, nets, and everyday life

You’ll leave with a felt sense of how much knowledge and effort reside even in a “simple” string.

Typical Timeline / Flow (2.5–3 hours)

Welcome & Plant Teachings

  • Arrival and land acknowledgement

  • Introduction to sp̓ic̓n and other fibre plants, their roles and responsibilities

Fibre Preparation

  • Demonstration of how fibres are separated, softened, and made ready

  • Participants prepare small bundles to work with

Cordage Techniques & Practice

  • Step-by-step guidance in basic twisting and two-ply cordage

  • Time to find your rhythm, adjust hand position, and try different thicknesses

  • One-on-one support and troubleshooting

Closing & Reflection

  • Final tightening and finishing of cord pieces

  • Group reflection on patience, labour, and the teachings in this practice

  • How to continue practicing at home, and where to look for fibre plants

Who This Is For

  • People interested in Indigenous material practices and land-based skills

  • Makers and crafters who like slow, repetitive, meditative work

  • Educators and community workers seeking hands-on teachings to share (with guidance and permission)

  • Anyone curious about the deep knowledge woven into traditional cord, rope, and nets

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothing you can sit and work in for a while

  • Personal water bottle and light snacks

  • Notebook if you like to record teachings or techniques

All necessary fibres and tools for the session are provided, and teachings are shared in a way that respects community protocols and the plants themselves.