Freshly harvested harakeke leaves (flax leaves)
Flax flower
Close up of flax flower - so easy - when you know how!
Raranga, or flax weaving, is a traditional Maori custom. They used it for the everyday to the ceremonial and there are lots of traditions and customs that go with it. One tradition I learnt today is that each time you try a different type of weaving the item you make should be given away. So the flower in the middle is my second attempt, on the right is Maia's first attempt (she didn't want to give hers away at all!) and on the left is my first attempt at simple weaving - which I have to find a recipient for!
If you're interested in seeing more images of flax weaving click here. So many beautiful things to make so little time to do it!!! x
EDITED TO ADD: The flax flowers are actually called putiputi and there's a tutorial over here if you fancy making one. xx
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4 comments:
Lovely! Hope you find a worthy participant!
Obviously I meant recipient!!!!
those are so beautiful, excellent weaving! i got my fabulous bunting in the mail today!! i just love the way you wrapped it, a triangle in the post! its hanging up in the kitchen, i'll blog it soon...i love it thank you again so so so much. you're my kinda lady!
xxxxxx
angelina
ps. can you share how you made them? i'd love to make my friend one!
Wow! what a beautiful work you did!!!
I have two "Phormium"in my garden, they are well adapted to our mediterranean weather conditions. I'd always loved it but doesn't know that it was a New Zealand plant...
Kind regards from Menorca Island (Spain)
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