Foraged fibers

How to strip and prepare nettles for cordage making - A Bushcraft how-to article

Step-by-step directions by Cathryn Peters on how to process cattail leaves after gathering them for chair seat and basket weaving projects.

After a day of making cordage from foraged plant fibres, my grubby fingernails show evidence of all the separating and scraping. Once you're committed to

Now Stinging nettles are one of my favourite plants that are utilized in many ways here. Most importantly its one of the biodynamic compost plants along with its use in the chooks mash. I also use it like spinach, herb tea, green pasta to mention a few. Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica)is a herbaceous perennial growing to 1.5mt, with coarsely toothed leaves. They can be cut several times in a growing season. They can become invasive and should not be planted near paths. So back to its use as…

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Did you know you can create your own rope from plants growing near your home? Here are 23 common species that are ideal for making cordage.

While most see plants as a key part of nature—one that makes sure humanity doesn’t run out of air, provides food, and makes the world more beautiful—there’s more than meets the eye.