Appalachian Life Workshop classes rich in tradition

Appalachian Life Workshops announces their upcoming Spring/Summer workshops. The next offering will be Harvesting and Weaving Hickory Bark, held on May 27 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For hundreds of years hickory bark was used in chair seats and baskets of all types, but now has become a nearly lost tradition. Students will learn proper tree selection, scoring and removing the bark from the tree, and how to weave the bark for a chair seat.

The spring workshop season will end with Making Poplar Bark Baskets, an ancient tradition brought to settlers in the Appalachia by the Cherokee Indians. Held on June 10-11, this one-day workshop is great fun and available to children 10 and over if accompanied by an adult. Each workshop will involve plenty of hands-on learning and every participant will take home an item they have created with their very own hands. Every skill level is welcome.

Appalachian Life Workshops is located on 70 beautiful acres on a 150 year old homestead in southeast Rutherford County. We are committed to providing unique learning experiences that keep alive the rich craft tradition of this area. If you would like to learn more or to register for a workshop please call Alan Daigre at 615 409-6072 or visit their website www.appalachianlifeworkshops.com.