Description

Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home is proud to partner with Andrew Lee of The Primitive Arts LLC to present Strung: A Cordage and Glue Workshop! 

The Cordage and Glue workshop is broken into a morning and afternoon session, six hours of instruction total. Part 1 is cordage, in which students will first learn how to refine the leaves and stalks from various plant species in order to expose the fibers. Next, students will be taught the reverse-twist method of creating actual cordage. Each student will take home the cordage strands they create, as well as extra material to process and twist on their own. 

Part 2 is making pine-pitch glue, where students are provided three ingredients: charcoal, dried plant matter and pine sap. First, a minimal amount of processing will be done to break down and purify the ingredients. Then, students will melt the sap over a heat source and gradually add the other two elements. When the correct consistency is achieved, students will learn how to attach the liquified glue to the end of a small piece of wood for storage. Each student will take home several of these 'pitch sticks.' 

This class is suitable for ages thirteen and up; students under eighteen must have an adult present at all times. No prior knowledge of or experience with cordage or glue is necessary.