The Woven Cedar Bark Heart

How to weave a cedar bark heart.

Hearts are common now-a-days, and although not a traditional symbol among first-nations in the past, they are becoming more and more frequently seen around February along with cedar roses and the like.

Objective:

This project is a practical introduction to cedar bark weaving for anyone with no weaving experience. Participants will also be able to understand some of the basic vocabulary of weaving.

• Weaving - The process of forming a basket, or similar object, by interlacing strands of bark.

• Strand - a weaver with no warp. Several strands can be twisted together to make rope.

• Warp - also known as spokes, or the skeleton of the basket.

• Weft - a length of material which interlaces warps. Also used for lashing.

• Twining - the oldest of all weaving techniques, employing two or more wefts that intertwine each other between warps.

• Checkerboard twill - where the wefts and warps are both flat and of similar strength that appears to look like a checkerboard at its plainest.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Approximate Workshop Time Period: 45 - 60 minutes a period.

Things You'll Need:

Materials per person
- 8 to 10 strips of cedar bark 1/2" wide by 10" long

Tools:
- scissors
- rulers
- buckets of water
- cloth towels

Notes:
- Soak cedar bark 15 minutes prior to class
- dried out bark breaks and frays, keep wet
- Do not leave bark wet in plastic bag
- Always dry your heart & bark overnight

Detailed instructions and Video coming soon.

Extended Lesson
This project can be expanded to challenge the creativity of the participants, by making smaller versions for earrings, larger versions for a heart pouch, and so on.