Typha doll

[stuart f]

Hi Folks, not exactly Typha(Cattail),in fact it was a Cordyline plant that had died and i kept the leaves to have a play about with. This is my first attempt a making these dolls, i followed the instructions from the Society of Primitive Technology's book "Primitive Technology A Book Of Earth Skills" the article was written by Mors Kochanski.

Anyway i thought you might like a look.

Cheers for looking Stuart.

 

[jon r]

That looks great! I think ist nice to make decorative items rather than just functional things all the time.

 

[stuart f]

Thanks Jon, i think doing projects like this are great as they teach you so much,ok its just a doll but in making the doll you are using core skills,i'e cordage making for the arms,knots that can be used using a natural material without breaking it,working with the material and learning its strengths and weaknesses. By making the doll i discovered that Cordyline is not the best material to use, as it has a central rib in the middle of the leave, that even when thoroughly soaked it remains quite stiff, thus nearly breaking the leaves in half when bending them into position.

I,m off to collect some Typha for hand drills so i will also use the leaves to make some more dolls, everyday is a learning day.

Stuart.

 

[jon r]

Fenlander made some great little dolls just like yours, i'll have a look arround and see what i can find.

 

[typha]

Thats a nice wee thing Stuart.
I like your idea of using the resources that you have available.