Forage + Fibers 1:
String Thing - Make Cordage from Dogbane, Agave and Corn Husks and more!
with Carol Padberg

Saturday, March 15th
11am-5pm

Members: $60
Non-Members: $75
Youth (Ages 12-18): $40

Materials Fee (Paid directly to the instructor upon arrival): $20

Class Minimum: 6 Students
Class Max:20

No experience required. Class needs 6 students to run, sign up with a friend, or bring your young artist kiddos!

This course is an introduction to making cordage with a variety of plant fibers.

Working with dogbane, corn husks and agave students will learn how to create string and then be taught a few simple applications for cordage: baskets, pouches and string games.

The instructor will give slide presentation on cordage as an early human technology that presents itself around the world.

A list of fibers to bring from the student's household will be included, as cordage can also be made from discarded clothing, plastic waste such as poly filaments from farm twine, banana peels, and other materials found in recycling, trash or compost.

The class includes a decolonial perspective on regenerative human technologies and foraging using the principles of the indigenous Honorable Harvest as articulated by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Students will learn how to identify dogbane and agave and yucca in the wild. This relaxing and restorative class will allow for students to learn at their own pace. Each student will leave with the knowledge of how to make cordage and the role of cordage as an ancient and contemporary human technology.

Materials Students May Provide from home:
Bring any of the following to augment the materials we will explore: old jeans, dried banana peels, dried dandelion stalks, farm twine found on the ground to recycle, discarded soft plastic packaging that can be cut into strips, magazines, dried grasses, mylar or raffia from your craft or wrapping paper supplies, or other related materials.

Have fun looking at your living place as a space for foraging!

Materials Provided by Instructor:
Agave fibers, dogbane fibers, corn husks

If you have questions about this class, please contact Carol Padberg at carolpadberg@gmail.com

Please note: this is a long class! There will be breaks, but please bring lunch, snacks, beverages and a water bottle to keep up your strength.

About Carol Padberg: Carol Padberg is an artist with over thirty years of experience creating, exhibiting and teaching art. In 2015 she founded a field-based MFA, and for the last ten years she has directed the Nomad MFA (University of Hartford) and then the Confluence MFA (University of New Mexico.) These graduate programs are dedicated to art and regenerative culture. In 2024 Carol Padberg’s art was featured in exhibitions at 516 Arts in Albuquerque, the Audubon Center in Santa Fe and the Rad Myco conference in Molino Oregon. Carol Padberg raises Leicester Longwool sheep in Northern New Mexico and is passionate about local fiber economies that strengthen community resilience. Her teaching brings together a mellow but organized pedagogy, her love for people’s individual learning styles, and her expertise in art and regenerative culture.

Class COVID-19 policy: There are no COVID-19 restrictions for this class. Please do not come to class if you are feeling sick, and it is always advised to wear a mask if you are comfortable doing so.

Class cancellation policy: Please note: All Class cancellations are charged a $15 processing fee in addition to the following policy: Class cancellations 7 days or less prior to first day of class will receive no refund. 8-13 days before beginning of class, students will receive an 80% refund. 14 days or more before beginning of class: Full refund.