Extreme Raffia

Class description

This is the class for you to work on your shaping skills. You will learn how to smoothly transition when you start and end your coiling and how to work with raffia. We will be using the diamond stitch for a stronger coil. The pine needles have been treated with glycerin to be "kinder" to you hands and allow greater flexibility. We will be focusing on the shaping and how to increase and decrease stitches to get the shape you want. I will also talk about how I treat the pine needles with glycerin along with many other tips.

This class is for all levels of gourders. The students will not finish the project but will have a good understanding of how to successfully use raffia. Raffia is a natural material and requires more time to stitch and prepare.

I will supply the prepared gourd (cut, cleaned & holes drilled), glycerinated pine needles, raffia and stitching needle.

What you are required to bring

Sharp scissors, small needle nose plyers and jewelry size wire cutters.

Class Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel this class, you MUST contact us before September 1, 2019 in order to receive a refund. Note that NGS will withhold $10 per cancelled class to cover processing fees. To cancel, call Patti Jo Newsom @ 817-917-7873 or email [email protected]

If this class does not meet the minimum number of students by September 1st, the class will be cancelled, you will be contacted, and your full registration fee will be refunded.

About the instructor

Vickie Echols fell in love with gourds when she went to her first gourd festival in 2000. She was so inspired by what she saw that it has become her passion and full-time business. Vickie enjoys her travels to gourd festivals, basket guilds and private classes around the country.

Vickie describes her work as "Using Nature". With encouragement from her patch, Vickie started teaching pine needle coiling on gourds and has been enjoying it for 19 years. Vickie took up pottery during high school and feels this has inspired her pine needle basketry.

Questions about this class?

Email Vickie at: [email protected]