Weaving a three-dimensional star
31 October 2008
The flax weaving techniques used in basket making are often the same techniques that other countries around the world use in their traditional weaving, although the raw materials are different. I always find it fascinating to see a sample of this universal nature of weaving, so I was most interested when one of my students showed me a three-dimensional star, made with birch bark, that she had purchased on her recent visit to the USA. The star is the same as the one shown on the blog post, Gift wrapping with flax, but it has an extra step to make spikes on the star. These spikes give the star the three-dimensional shape like the one in this photo.
To make this three-dimensional star, follow the steps for making the eight-pointed star on the Gift Wrapping with flax blog post, but don’t cut any ends off. The spikes on the star will be made with these four ends that are left on each side.
Take the top strip of the two end strips that are laying out to the right and bend it back on itself. The folded point underneath it is now showing.
Take the right-hand strip of the two end strips that are coming out from the bottom of the star, lift it up and fold it forward and across to the right. Keep the start of the fold as close to the base of the star as possible.
Bring the end of this strip back around and poke it underneath the first strip that was bent back on itself. Push the end right through so that it comes out between the middle of the folds of the top point on the left.
Pull the strip through until it folds around into a point. Don’t pull too far or it will undo the star. Squeeze the strip to make it more spikey. Alteratively, to make the point more open, push your finger into the centre of the point and push the flax out to shape it.
Repeat these steps for the other three strips on this side of the star. As this version has a flat side, it can be used to tie around gifts.
For the second version of the star, make spikes on the other side in the same way as the first side. To finish, cut off all the ends. This side view of the star shows the spikes poking out from both sides. If you want to hang the star up, split a thin strip off the inner side of one end and cut the rest of the strip off.
Incidentally, my student took bouquets of flax flowers with her on her trip to the USA and declared them as she went through USA customs. She reports that she had no trouble getting them through.
November 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge via the internet. I work on the Chatham Islands and it is not easy to travel abroad to learn new skills - so your sharing is greatly appreciated. May special blessings come your way since you have been kind enough to enlighten and be of service to others.
November 28th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Hi Susan
Thank you for your kind comments and it’s pleasing that you have found the web site useful. A friend of mine visited the Chathams a couple of years ago and said that the flax there is soft and pliable and good for weaving with. I hope you find that with your weaving.
November 28th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Hi Ali, I love your work and am so pleased that you have taken the time to share it here.
I’ve been thinking about the christmas decorating that is happening everywhere now and wanted to make a wreath for my front door, I was originally going to use grape vine but I was wondering about perhaps weaving something with flax (or buying something from a talented individual if it’s a difficult task). Have you ever attempted something like this?
November 30th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Hi Tracey
Although I haven’t made a flax wreath I think you could make one by using a circular base, made with a vine such as grape vine, and attach coloured flax flowers to it. The Hisbiscus flower would be a good flower to use and you could make different versions of it. You could also try a polystyrene base and insert the flower stalks into it. Another idea would be to thread the flax flowers onto a wreath-shaped piece of wire. You could add some foliage with shredded wispy bits of flax and tendrils made with plaited flax.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:25 am
Hello, and thank you for your informative website. I am a floral designer (beginner) and I would like to incorporate leaf plaiting in some of my designs. Any ideas for me? Thanks in advance for your help.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:54 am
Hi Cynthia
I do have some ideas for plaiting flax to use with floral arrangements in my book Weaving flowers from New Zealand flax which will be available for sale soon. Keep an eye on my blog.
I have also seen palm leaves that have been plaited. The ends of each section of the leaf are plaited together using a French plait which makes the leaf curl around. As a florist you may know this technique.
I’m sure there are other ideas around. Maybe other people could let us know about their ideas.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Kia ora Ali,
Ka tuku he mihi nui ki a koe mo enei whakaaro…
As a librarian with an interest in weaving I am thrilled to have been shown this website and look forward to reading your book reviews and ensuring we have all this information available to community. What a taonga this is…
Thank you for sharing your research and knowledge the Kapiti Coast community will now be able to benefit from it.
Nga mihi,
Kristie
March 11th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Kia ora Kristie
I’m glad the book reviews will be of use. I’ll be putting information about another book, How to make a piupiu by Leilani Rickard, on the Book Reviews page soon too.
Tell me something: Do libraries always buy through library suppliers, not direct from the publisher? I haven’t had any orders for my book from libraries yet, though I just received an order for some books from a library supplier. It seems a bit odd to me, because a library supplier is bound to charge a library more than they would pay by buying directly from my website.
March 14th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
hi my name is Ronit
I want to bay this book but i didnt anderstood how mache [I am from israel]
THANK
March 15th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hi Ronit
The cost is approximately 107 Israel New Shekels.
Paypal will invoice you soon.
From http://www.google.com/language_tools:
המחיר הוא כ 107 שקלים חדשים בישראל.
PayPal החשבונית יהיה לך בקרוב.
March 18th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Kia ora ano,
Thanks Ali for your response. I have realised that I also need to thank Faye from National Library, as she triggered the email/awareness to us Kapiti Coast weavers - Nga mihi
In response to Library Suppliers, I am new to the Library industry and can only speak from my personal experience. I understand a lot of NZ libraries now have book suppliers doing their choosing, as this frees up staff for other duties. With most books there is a nation wide trend for popular themes, and a certain percentage of books are automatically selected for public libraries, (despite the possibility of mark up & time delay). This process remains cost saving for our communities as ordering previously took up a lot of staff time. Our libraries are under the local council, which means ordering directly with individual book sellers can require up to 10 people to “sign off” as the necessary paperwork makes it way through our departments. I suppose this is a sign of the PC times we live in! Generally the “middle-men” library suppliers do provide a seamless service. I have forwarded your web to our supplier to source 3 copies for us, and on the upside they will now be able to share this resource with other libraries…
I hope this helps, thanks again for the wonderful resource, I look forward to browsing the book.
Heoi ano…………Kristie
March 21st, 2009 at 11:20 am
Kia ora Kristie
Thanks for your very informative reply - and thanks to Faye for passing the information about the book on to you.
I now understand why the library supply services are so useful. I’ve received an order for three copies of the book from a library supplier, which I assume will be your supplier, and I’m waiting for their reply to me, so I hope it’s not too long before you receive the book.
April 19th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Hi Ali, thank you sooo much for my fabulous book on weaving flowers.We had to go away for a few days and I was so happy the book was in the post, before we left.Yes and i spent most of the time going over and over the book.It is so well done.I came home and practised abit.Awesome!!!!! Thanks again Ali.If you have another book out for kete or whatever, I would wat to be on your list.
Many thanks again…Patricia
April 20th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Hi Patricia
It’s good to hear you are enjoying the book and it was good holiday reading!
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
Kia ora Ali
could you please let me know who some of the library suppliers are as i would still like to purchase the flowers book
April 23rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Hi Sandy
So far, I’ve sold to the following library suppliers:
Auckland UBS
Academy Book Company
Total Library Solutions
South Pacific Books
All Books NZ Ltd
However, orders from new libraries and library suppliers seem to be coming in regularly at the moment, so if you have a preferred library supplier, you could perhaps draw the book to their attention.
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Ali - I made a comment on hohera (lace bark) last week - to the effect i was soaking the bark in bath of fresh water each day - in order to peel it off to dry (as advised) through your column. My request was for instruction to weave a small kete if anyone can help with this?? I am finding it still difficult to take the fibre off in decent sized strips - any advice - appreciated. your new book looks great - how do i order one? thank you, thank you, for a wonderful website and sharing your knowledge and skills - blessings - Robyn.
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
ali your book is wonderful i love it. been showing it off to everyone.so look forward to more orders!ive been making flowers for presents and hav had lovely comments.they make great gifts and recomend your book as a great gift idea for people!