Читать книгу Coconut Palm Frond Weavng - William Goodloe - Страница 11

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Articles to Weave

The various items that can be made from coconut palm fronds include hats, trays, bowls, baskets, epergnes, mats, decorations, birds, and boondoggles. At least one each of the above can be made from one coconut palm frond. All of these articles can be made in innumerable sizes, styles, and shapes which are limited only by the individual's own creativeness and patience.

The hat is the basic article and most others are variations of the hat technique. Once the art of hat making has been mastered, learning to weave other items will come easily.

First, the brim is woven. It can be narrow or wide, turned up or down, or made perfectly flat. Next, the crown is woven. This may be tall or short, round or flat on top, with either a completely closed top or an opening for ventilation.

Fig. 5. Two hat styles.

Among the hat styles are the beach hat, garden hat, cloche, Panama, sombrero, flip-brim, sailor hat, derby, snap-brim, pillbox, and tassel-top.

Trays, bowls, and baskets may be small or large, and round, oval, rectangular, triangular, or square. Three types are illustrated in Figures 6, 7, and 8.

Fig. 6. Basket.

Fig. 7. Round bowl.

Fig. 8. Leaf basket.

Fig. 9. Epergnes.

An epergne is a unique style of basket. These are attractive for decorations, especially as centerpieces. The horn of plenty or cornucopia is a variation of the epergne.

Mats and rugs are primarily constructed with basic square or diagonal weaving patterns which are the simplest to use. The most common square weave is the place mat. The sleeping mat, commonly used by island people, is an example of the diagonal weave.

Several chapters will be devoted to decorations made from various parts of the coconut palm.

Fig. 10. Diagonal-weave mat.

Fig. 11. Decorations.

Fig. 12. Pair of birds.

Birds are good conversation pieces and are very lifelike. They are best used as decorations for hats, baskets, and epergnes.

Fig. 13. Single boondoggle.

Fig. 14. Boondoggle corsage.

Numerous decorations and ornaments may be fashioned from the endless variety of boondoggles, a kind of plaiting which appears to have been developed by sailors.