Every wondered how beautiful Top End Aboriginal natural fibre weavings are created? This is the opportunity to learn and try it yourself

This is a hands-on workshop and one of the few available in Darwin that give you access to fresh and dried Pandanus and explains the entire process.

Our expert and patient teachers are looking forward to sharing the skills that have been handed down to them by their ancestors, skills in use over thousands of years.

Over the course of four hours we'll share with you techniques for preparing and weaving Pandanus fibre. Everything is hands-on. Be ready for a day of laughter and learning. Plus, you get to take your piece of crafty art home.

Delicious lunch + tea, coffee and drinks included.

NB: If you've already done a Pandanus workshop with at Songlines then you are entitled to a 20% discount. Contact Flick for the code.

ON THE DAY

We start by learning the technique for stripping fresh, green (prickly) Pandanus fronds - not as easy as it looks, but a fantastic challenge and certainly builds appreciation for the work and skill involved in a finished basket or mat! It's also fun and builds camaraderie as everyone tries to wrangle the Pandanus leaves.

After that, we have pre-prepared fibre on hand (stripped, dyed and dry) so we start weaving, learning the coil technique.

There's a break around 12.45 for lunch and then you can continue finessing your weaving skills.

Lunch and refreshments provided. We have vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options available.

We wind up around 2.30 pm and Songlines is open until 3 pm.

*Songlines is open from 10 am (workshop starts 10.30 am sharp) and you are welcome to come in before the workshop for a complimentary tea/coffee and chat.

This experience gives you the opportunity to connect with the teachers (local Aboriginal women) and other participants.

FACILITATOR

The workshop session will be facilitated by Felicity Wright. She has a long history of managing and working in remote community art centres and facilitating a range of art and cultural experiences for visitors. Her CV here:

https://felicitywright.com.au/...

Felicity will give some background to Top End weaving fibres and techniques and how they relate to the culture of Kunwinjku people. You will also explain how the amazing colour palettes are created from locally sourced natural dyes.

The teachers are drawn from her extensive network of weavers from remote communities, some of who now live in or regularly visit Darwin.

CULTURAL NOTICE

Please be aware - the teachers who deliver the workshops have asked that we only accept women as attendees. This is for cultural reasons. Thank you for your understanding.