What Are Fronds For? 9780824845612

Citation preview

r

WHAT ARE FRONDS FOR?

V

WHAT ARE FRON FOR? written and illustrated by

Wendy Arbeit

r

c K r\ ou; le d^merxt s © 1985 by Wendy Arbeit All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America 16

15

14

13

12

11

15

14

13

12

11 10

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Arbeit. Wendy. What are fronds for? (A Kolowalu book) Bibliography: p. Includes index. 1. Palm frond weaving. I. Title. TT877.5.A73 1985 745.925 ISBN 0-8248-0999-8

85-13940

University of Hawaii Press books are printed on acid-free paper and meet the guidelines for permanence and durability of the Council on Library Resources.

V

I thank those who graciously gave of their time and knowledge. Historical objects housed in the Bernice Pauahi Bishop M u s e u m were studied with the permission of Roger Rose, head. Division of Ethnology, and the assistance of Betty Long, curatorial assistant in ethnology. Dr. Kenneth P. Emory, senior anthropologist, Bishop Museum, gave me great encouragement early in my research when it was most needed. A m o n g contemporary weavers who shared their expertise are Bingham Lomitase Tuisamatatele, who t a u g h t me some of the Samoan baskets; Siilata Lokeni Siilata of the Polynesian Cultural Center who evolved his own improved version of the traditional Samoan visor and generously allowed me to present it here; Moana Ofahengaue, also of the Polynesian Cultural Center, who instructed me in the art of Tongan baskets; the women of the Kalihi Valley Samoan A r t s Council; and Juan Benevente. from Guam, for many of the leaflet projects. Finally, thanks to Lee Fackrell, who helped photograph the projects before they were drawn, tested out all the instructions in the original manuscript, and made many valuable suggestions.

Corvtervts Acknowledgments

Four-Corner Bowl 44 Fan 47 Planter Cover 50 Bird of Paradise 52

iv

Introduction: Materials, Terms, and Techniques

vii

Leaflet Projects Buggy Whip 2 Fish 4 Angel Fish 6 Two-Leaflet Ball 8 Three-Leaflet Ball 10 Grasshopper 12 Pineapple 14 Rose 16 Bird 18

Single-Strip Projects Sun Visor 57 Cylinder 60 Two-Braid Basket 63 Three-Braid Basket 67 Thatch 71 Tray 73 Split-Rib Carrier 75 Swirl Projects Wreath 78 Flower Pot Cover Calabash 82 Hat 84

Multi-Strip Projects Simple Plate 22 Double Plate 24 Extended Plate 26 Lei Carrier 28 Mongini 31 Wall Pocket 34 Oini 36 Mixed Projects Pole Cover 40 Single-Handle Basket Double-Handle Basket

V.

80

A Description of the Coconut Palm Uses of the Coconut Palm

91

Bishop Museum Holdings

93

Readings 41 42

Index

v

95 97

87

Introduction ones I like best. There are others I have rejected and still more that I have not yet learned. Once you have learned to make the objects shown here, feel free to modify, enlarge, or elaborate upon them. Let the baskets really work for you. Change the number of leaves or the location of a corner or the kind of braid. If you see coconut articles with characteristics you like in a book or exhibit, study and try to incorporate them. If you like it and it works, it's allowed. Learn, create, and take your place among the many who have enjoyed the gifts from the "tree of life"—the coconut palm (Figure 1).

The Pacific Basin abounds with objects made from the coconut frond. Plates, walls, toys, containers, fans, and much more have been created for everyday use and for ceremonial occasions. Some styles were made for commoners and others for royalty. Each major region of the Pacific has its own techniques and forms. In a subtle manner, variations occur within island groups and, still further, from island to island. There are a few styles that can be found across the Pacific with minor variations, such as the Two-Braid Basket and the Split-Rib Basket. Rapid changes have occurred since the 1940s. In some places local craft work gave way to mass-produced goods. Elsewhere styles from other areas were adopted or incorporated. Even so, there are still hundreds of basket and mat styles remaining. It would take volumes to show the complete scope of coconut plaiting that exists across the Pacific. This book introduces the craft of Pacific Basin coconut plaiting to beginners. Consequently, I have selected the simplest versions of some of the major Oceanic styles. Fine twills, multiple strips, and complicated finishing braids and rolls have been omitted as being beyond the scope of the book. The objects presented are both contemporary and historical. The historical pieces were selected from the more than two hundred coconut artifacts housed in the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu. Some of these are more than sixty years old. I learned plaiting of contemporary objects from native Pacific islanders. Are you ready and raring to go? Before forging ahead, read the next few pages to gain the basic vocabulary and techniques needed to understand all that follows. Then proceed with coconut frond in hand. Trying to visualize without doing will not work. Make the projects in the order presented; they have been arranged to build upon each other. By working in sequence, the last basket will be as easy as the first. As you progress you'll notice that slight variations or additions can produce very different effects. There are so many variations that 1 could not begin to list all of them here. I have presented the

frond base end great rib

tip end

Figure 1. vil

MATERIALS

TERMS

The time to hunt down a frond is two-to-five days before you intend to use it. A freshly picked frond is turgid with water and will tend to snap and otherwise resist manipulation. In addition, the leaflets will shrink while drying; especially in the initial drying phase. This shrinkage will leave holes in a previously tightly woven article made from fresh fronds. Brief aging in the sun makes for a far superior product. In some places the newly cut frond is prepared by slowly drawing it over the orange part of a fire. Sometimes it is soaked in salt water to toughen it. If you intend to use fronds more than five days after collecting, store them in an area protected from wind and sun. Carefully stored fronds can last as long as six weeks after cutting. Select any kind of coconut palm with long fronds that are clean and free from insect or wind damage. Then consider which frond is appropriate to your needs. The closer to the top of the tree, the easier the frond will be to work. A young frond is more flexible and has suffered less damage from insects, sun, and wind. Never use the youngest frond as removing it can kill the tree. The choice of a frond bearing a flower stalk sacrifices the fruit because the stalk draws its energy from the frond below it. There are so many uses of a palm that one must constantly be aware of both present and future needs. Balance these so they complement, not conflict, with each other. Once you have selected your frond, remove it with a sharp machete, sickle, or saw. The above advice is relevant if you have access either to a short tree or an agile friend. If not, keep an eye out for tree trimmers. They are usually happy to give you all the fronds you want and even to trim them for you. For ease in transport lop off the heavy base, which contains short thin leaflets. When cutting the frond into sections, be sure to pull back the leaflets growing from below the cut so they will not be harmed. A good way to cut the midrib is to chop it with a machete or kitchen cleaver.

frond The entire leaf complete with woody midrib and many leaflets; sometimes (incorrectly) called the branch. great rib The heavy woody stem that runs from the trunk to the tip of the frond. It supports the leaflets, base or butt end The place where the great rib grows from the trunk. This is the heaviest end. tip end The other, slender end. leaflets (Figure 2) The narrow sections of the leaf that grow on both sides of the great rib. midrib The thin, almost wirey backbone of the leaflet, base or butt end The place where the leaflet connects to the great rib. tip end The opposite end, where the midrib and leaflet blade become very fine.

leaflet top side The side with the midrib. It is shiny and faces up on a growing palm. leaflet bottom side The dull side that faces down on a growing palm. open leaflet The two halves of the leaflet extended out with the midrib running down the center of the strip. closed leaflet The two halves of the leaflet pressed together with the midrib running down one edge. It is half the width of an open leaflet and twice as thick, thus yielding sturdier articles. leaflet strip Another word for a leaflet or half leaflet used as a plaiting element.

forward, backward The leaflets normally incline toward the tip of the frond. This is termed forward. When they are pulled around so they face toward the base, this is backward. apex

Clothespin in Figure 6 is at the apex.

strip of leaflets A group of any number of leaflets from either side of the great rib that are still connected by the great rib. section Any segment of the frond with leaflets still attached to both sides of the great rib. plait and weave In both plaiting and weaving parallel elements interlace with crossing elements to form a mesh. The technical distinction between the two is not of concern here. tuck A finishing technique used when great strength is not required of the finished article. The end of a plaited strip is inserted on top of a previously plaited one and runs with it for two or three crossings (Figure 3).

Figure 3. incline Change the direction of the leaflet while not changing the surface facing up (Figure 4). fold Change the direction of the leaflet while changing the surface facing up (Figure 5). mat Used to describe the unfinished plaited work still in a flat (two-dimensional) stage. lock There are times when you will be working on one part of a basket and another part, still unfinished, will tend to unweave. This

Figure 4.

Figures.

is when temporary locking is called for. Use any of the following methods, but be sure to unlock before going on: 1. Clamp a spring clothespin on the unruly leaflets (Figure 6). 2. Pull to the front the last leaflet coming from underneath and tuck it into a crossing leaflet (Figure 7). 3. Tie one group of parallel leaflets into an overhand knot.

Figure 6. Figure 7. TECHNIQUES To remove a strip of leaflets Grasp the leaflet that is to be the topmost one of the strip with your thumb under the place where it meets the great rib. Pry the leaflet down with your thumb as the pivot (Figure 8). Continue firmly pulling down the length of the great rib (Figure 9). Some fronds are difficult to start. If you find that you are losing the first few leaflets one at a time, make a slight diagonal cut above the top

r

"N

To remove a midrib from a leaflet If you don't need the tip, tear the closed leaflet 6 inches below the tip from the edge to the midrib. Then use that as a tab to pull the midrib away (Figure 11). When the tip is needed intact, push your thumbnail or knife through the closed leaflet against the midrib about halfway down. Then pull the midrib away from the leaflet as needed. leaflet. This will get you started. Depending on circumstances (the kind of coconut palm, age of the frond, and your skill) you will end up with more or less great rib material. Sometimes when strips are taken from both sides, no great rib material remains. Usually the bulk of the great rib remains, ready to be used for carrying poles and fire tongs.

Trim A finishing technique. While pulling on the leaflet, cut it with scissors where it emerges from the last crossing leaflet. Or lift it against a knife placed along the edge of the last crossing leaflet. Pulling is important because once the leaflet has been trimmed, the strip springs back under and the tip does not show.

To shave the great rib from a strip of leaflets With a sharp hand knife, whittle with long strokes from tip to base end of the great rib until the great rib is evenly thin and flexible so it may easily be closed into a circle.

Overhand knot in a braid Make this by winding the braid around itself at its base. Then put your hand over the large loose knot and slide it up and toward the tip. At first the knot might not rest where you want it; but don't fret, practice makes perfect.

To remove a leaflet from a strip of leaflets The bottom-most one pull straight down. The top-most one pull back, against the raw side of the great rib, and down (Figure 10). \

Curing Coconut objects cured in the sun will turn a light tan rather quickly. Objects cured in a protected area out of the sun and wind tend to

J

remain green for a longer period of time. Generally, the younger the frond, the lighter it will cure. Once cured, coconut leaves are fairly resistant to insect damage if they remain dry. Moist leaves attract mildew and insects.

Tips

side as illustrated. Once you learn to make the object, you can work from either side with the words as your guide. Articles made of closed or split leaflets show less shrinkage than ones made with open leaflets. Leaflets will shrink on drying. To have articles which look solid and have minimal holes in the plaiting after drying, always pull the leaflet ends as you plait until they no longer move, but are not bunched up.

Always plait away from you; braid toward you. Unless otherwise indicated, work with the shiny side of the leaflet facing upward. Some baskets can be made from either side of the frond. While the written instructions are not left and right biased, the figures, of course, must be. To avoid confusion while learning, use the same

Again, to get the most from this book, read it with materials in hand, follow every word and use the illustrations as if the teacher were speaking to you and showing you, personally, the way. Do not get ahead of yourself or skip any detail. Working in this manner, you wiil find that you will have a completed project almost before you know it.

Leaflet Projects These objects are made throughout the Pacific Basin. They are fun and easy to make. The fish, angel fish, rose, bird, and balls can be created with ribbon. Buggy Whip

2

Children love to snap this around, fence with it, or perch a bird on it.

Fish

4

Just a few turns around your hand produces a cute ornament.

Angel Fish

6

Add a few more turns and you may fool the fish in your aquarium.

Two-Leaflet Ball

8

Hawaiian children made these kini popo to play with and juggle.

Three-Leaflet Ball

10

The Samoans call this polo.

Grasshopper

12

It will look so real you will expect it to hop right off the table.

Pineapple

14

Once you have mastered the grasshopper, this project is as easy as pineapple pie.

Rose

16

Whether made of coconut leaf, lauhala, or ribbon, this flower makes a nice basket or place mat decoration.

Bird

18

Let your imagination fly in finishing the wings and tail.

1 V.

r

\ I

S e p a r a t e t K e r?\idrifc» frorcs, a leaflet, startrvg 4 lAches f r o m t h e b a s e ar\d .

Z.

U/itK tKe rcudrib or\tKe ri^Kt, fold the frorxt half-leaflet strip back arxdtDthe na|\t.

3. F b l d tKe b a c h strip forward ar\d t o tKe rig^t.

K

2

J

r 4. Now fold the front bach and up. 5. Told the bach stripforwardar\d up.

$

6. Next fold the front strip bach and left. 7 And the bach strip forward and left.

H/VSGER Mahe a hangar for ar\y leaflet animal by putting ar\ overhand knot ir\ the tip end of a midrib. Pull the Knot so it is almost cbsed. Next wrap the tip once around and then into the loop so it faces the base end. Insert the Knot into the leaflet aniiwal however you can so it balances nicely

8. Finish the sequence byfoldingtKe front strip bach ar\d up. 9. /Snd the bacK stripforwardand up.

Repeat steps 2 through 9 almost to the tips and secure with ar\ overhand Kr\ot. V

3 V

Remove tKe rx\idribfron\or\e leaflet. Pull tKe Kalves apart.WitKtKe buttei\d Karcyrxa, dowr\ frorcy tKe p»a/rc\ 4 to 6 irxches, coil or\e of tKe Kalf leaflets arour\d three fillers of tKe left har\d.

Irvsertthe butt of tKe ether Kalf-leaflet 5trip across the frorxt—left to riajxt, irxside tKe left loop ar\d outside tKe ri^Kt Leave at least or\e-Kalf of the strip extef\dir\g,tothe ri^ht.

FISH

V.

4

Weave the strip* extendingtothe right ir\to the right hack loop and outside tKe left loop.

Transfer tKe work to your right hand. Ir\sert the same end outside and tKer\ inside the front loops below the first crossings.

Change hands. Insert the sarwe end across the back—aa,air\ outside and inside .Tighten by pulling all four ends until they no longer move The fins will arch across the top and bcttom edges SKape or shred the fins and tail to your liking.

V

Make a fñsK. Do r\ot trim it. With it f aarxg, ngjvt, irxcline the top fir\© back.

Brirx^tKe bottom fir\(D all tKe w a y up. 7Ker\ fold it back ar\d dowry

Fold©, which is nowfacma, left, to the right. Fold the top fin strip® forward. Carry it ouer the first crossing strip. Insert it under the next and pull it through.

"Turn fish around. fold rvow extended to the ri^ht, forward, over; undei; and throughlb add top half of tail insert a r\ew half-leafiet strip ir\to lack er\d of fish ar\d tuck through to other side.

~Iurr\ fish around ar\d add a new half-leaflet strip to create the bottom tail."luck ft around to the other side.

Trim ar\d shape fins and tail. Or shred then curl by pulling strips between blunt Knife and thumb.

V.

I. Remove the midribs from two leaflets. Leaue The base ervJs attatched. Cross tKe two leaflets at riajxt ar\a,les ar\d plait thetw across eacK otKer Be sure that the shirvy sides of all four half- leaflet strips are faarxg, up.

2. 5lrde lower strips across upper or\es 3. arvl tKer\ across each other, all ir\ tKe sarx\e rcvotiorv

8

Vou r\ow have a r\ew surface .Tighten the Strips so tKat r\o spaces rerx\air\ betweerv. thercv Repeat steps 2 arvd 3. Rercverwher strips Keep alternate urxder ar\d over. Do r\ot support the plaited part while worKir\$, buttoucKorvly the strips beirxg worked. TKe plaited part sKould immediately take the sKape of a cube, witK tKe betyrMXiryi, of tKe worh becoming, the core arvd tKe successive plaitirxa, cor\tir\uously covenrxa, ar\d erxlar^irxo, it. Sometimes tKe strips are bulky attKeir base and, to ^et tKe ball started, will need to be tucked i\to tKe center after two or tKree repeats of steps 2 and 3. Keep repeating tKe process, stopping well before strips becyr\"to taper To fir\isK,tuck tKe ends mtotke plaiting Tte upper strips will continue to rur\ directly on top of the lower ones. Keep irvsertirx^ tKe strips until tKey apne around tKe ball twice.

If you wish to use ribbon, cut two pieces slightly less than twice as long, as a leaflet. Fold them ir\ half. The folds correspond to the place where tKe leaflet halves meet the g^eat rib arvi remain connected.

Rerwove the rwidribs from three leaflets. Leave the base ends attached. Piait the half leaflets across each other -four in one direction, two in the other All the leaflet strips fwe the shiny side of the leaflet f acir\£ up. The tips always face away frorwyou.

rc\iddle

THREE- LEAFLET BALL

Grasp the upu/ard-extended strips in both hands, two in the left and two mthe naj\t. Bend the plaitirva, shortly m the middle of the four parallel leaflet halves and press the unplaited part of the strips away from. you. They will now cross each other at riajvt angjes. Plait thercv where they cross. ~ n a ) \ t e r \ .

\

f You r\ow Kave a r\ew ajroup of four or\ tKe riafxt side.

Repeat tKe above stef^s to close tKe ball arJ add additional layers. WKer\ at least two layers Kave beer\ worhed, tuck tKe strips if\to tKe outer layer of plaftiAa,. Kee^ irxsertirxa, tKem ur\ti| tKey Kaue apr\e arourxd tKe ball twice. Irircv

Repeat tKe berxdirva, ar\d pJaitir\£ process with this rvew cyoup of four to 1bnx\ tKe i\ext QjPUfi or\ tKe left.

If you w i s K t o use nbbor\cut tKree pieces slig/xtly less tKar\ twice as bi\g as a leaflet ar\d use folded

V

11

Startir\Q 12 ir\cKes from the tip, separate the midrib frorr\ the two leaflet Kalves all the way to tKe butt er\d. Separate the two at tKe base.

Ber\d the pcxidrib bach ar\d irxsi^e tKe fold of tKe leaftet tip leaving, a 5-ir\cJv lorxa, loop. C u i the rwidrib off about 2 irxcKes irxside tKe leaflet ar\d save the rerwairxder for tKe cyasshopper's lea,s.

GRASSHOPPER

12

Make a half hitcK arouivl the rwiJrib with ore cf the Kalf leaflets.

"Turn the worh arornd ar\d make a half hfch wrth the other half leaflet.

Turn the piece again and fold the near half leaflet straight up.

Put your left thumb on the bottom cf the fold ar\d bmgthe leaflet forward, over your thumb.

Make another half hitch. Put your thumb or\ top of the fold avJ tia/\ten.

v

Repeat the last three steps or\ the other side. Continue the fold and hitch process on alternating sides until five to eight pairs of segments are formed. Finishing touches: • Split a thin sliver from the front end of each stnp with >our fingernail. Thread these up through the bop. Pull on the midrib to lock in the antennae. • Hake wings by cutting the remaining leaflet halves to desired lengths and inserting them into the folds. • Make legs by cutting; the remaining rwdr/b into two pieces. Bend each and insert them through the body folds.

"This project will require at least eig,ht leaflets, a bit of strir\g.and some maskirxa, tape. Separate tKe midrib from a leaflet starting 5 ir\cKes from the butt er\d. Without b end irvi, tKe midrib back, follow the ibldina, instructions for the Grasshopper.

Make five to seven pairs of folds. With "the butt end on the ri^ht, separate the rest of the midrib frorc\ the leaflet porhor\,ar\d the leaflet halves © a n d © from each other. Note that the midrib is now free to slide back and forth.

PINEAPPLE

Make a half hutch with the two short strips as in the begnr\irva, of the Grasshopper.

Prepare the other seven leaflets the. same way They all should kzue the same number of folds Slide the worked sections so th^/ rest about 6 inches above the butt er\d.

V

Tape the rxwdribs together just under the worked sections. Now arrange them so the narrow (Grasshopper back) sections face inward. Pit them together smoothly

Tape the midribs together just above the worked area. Now pull up all the narrow strips and tie these or\ top of the tape. Trim bottom leaflets.

r Separate tKe rc\idrib frorw one leaflet 4ir\ches frorcv tKe butt end all the way to -tKe tipi Ber\d tKe midrib back arvd break it off. "The leaflet will r\ow be irxtact at tKe bottom exieiviirsa, ir\to t u o ribbor\like strips above. Work tKe two resultino, strips as or\e. Mold tKe base ir\ your left Karvl. Make tKe foundation by wrapping tKe leaflet Waives around tKe rwdrib or\e tiiwe.

y

r

\

Start the flower by twisting the strips with your rigj\t han4 so that tKe top edge turns away fom you and dowrv As you twist, turn the base to roll the flower arourvj the stem. Twist, turr\, twist,turr\.

Petal edges will stay the same level f>r a while, ther\ will begjn to drop back. Keep the work tightly twisted around the sterx\. Continue urstil rose is desired size. Id end, split the two strips ir\ half. Bring the top pair down and over the lower pair ar\d around the stem twice. The second time .slip the er\ds up and under the last loop to lock. Pull tight. Cut all four strips about one ineh long to make leases.Tim stem.

V

/

Remove the midrib fron\ one leaflet Separate the leaflet halves. At the rwidpoirvt of or\e half-leaflet strip make a bop—naj\t ouer left. The base er\d row har\g,s dowi\ or\ the riaj\t. Insert the other half-leaflet strip,tip> first, dowr\ throuajx the loop—back to frorxt.

Brirxa, the bwer end ir\ back of the base ervJ of the first strip.

r Cor\tir\ue with the second strip around the back of the first loop.

Hold object with the flat side down. Hake a slit as showrv Insert er\d © into it.

"Turn, the body around and repeat on the other side.

Shape or shred strips on the right to form the tail. Bring the second strip all the way across the front. Lock by irxsertino, the ria,ht er\d of the first strip irxto the original loop. Pull ends to make the body firm.

Strips or\ left form head. Turn closest strip in and back 9 0 degrees. "Turn back strip toward you and fold over closest strip. Both face up and to the rig}\t.

"Turn near strip back and up. "Turn back strip toward you and fold over the close strip. Both now face up and to the left.

r Fold rvear strip» ir\ anud dowrv Told "far strip toward you ai\d over dose strip. BotK -face dowrv ar\d to the left.

Fold frorxt strip back ar\d dowrv Fold back strip frorxt ar\d dowr\ over tKe head. BotK face dou>r\ ar\d "to the ridjvt.

Fold rvear strip back ar\d dowrv. Fold tar strip toward you ar\d irvsert it throuafv the slit.

Fold rvear strip back ar\d dowrv Fold far strife forward arvd dowrv. Both •fece dowrv and to the left.

m W ' 1 ' ! , : ,J!!(!J

Fold both strips back arvd up together.

Thervrcxakea slit or\ the other side arvd irvsert other wir\£. Cut wirvc^s to sKape. Make wirv^s farvcier by loopir\c£ thercx around arvd through the slits orve or two times.

20

Malti-5trip Projects Make the projects in order. They have been arranged to build on each other. Simple Plate

22

A common plate that may be reused by covering it with a new banana or ti leaf. The Samoans call it ma'ilo.

Double Plate

24

Once you have learned the simple plate, this one is twice as nice. It is found in the Cook Islands.

Extended Plate

26

Another project building on the simple plate. It claims Samoa as its home.

Lei Carrier

28

Vary the side on the double plate to create a modern basket from Hawaii.

Mongini

31

This is modeled after a basket collected from the TUomotus in 1931. Similar baskets are found in Tahiti, Samoa, and the Cook Islands.

Wall Pocket

34

Start with a simple plate to make a Tuomotan mongini pukohu.

Oini

36

Many different types of oini have been made in Tahiti. This one is for collecting shrimps. It is also good for displaying flowers. The Tahitian name is oini aua ha piti.

21

Cut two strips of four to severx leaflets—each from tKe same side of the cyeat rib. (Strips from left side are illustrated.) Midrib should be shaded so that it is rtajd but rvot too bulky. PI ace the strips so that tKe leaflets face each other witk their midribs up. Oper\ the leaflets of the left ajoup ar\d pick up alternate leaflets. Place the first oper\ leaflet of the other group urxder the leaflets you are holdirxa,.

SIMPLE PLATE

r Trarvsfer raised leaflets t o rigKt Kar\d. S t a r t ir\g or\ t h e outside, rc\ovir\g toward tKe great rib, alternately raising, ar\d pressing or\e leaflet at a tircve, lower tKe raised l e a f l e t s ar\d pick up t h e or\es wKicK w e r e left dowrv Newly raised leaflets er\d up ir\ tKe left Kaf\d.

B e sure to

Cor\tir\ue t K e s e s t e p s urvtil all

w e a v e all leaflets operv

tKe leaflets a r e worked ir\. firvish by tyirxg ar\ overKar\d kr\ot ir\ e a c K o f tKe leaflet groups. Turr\ tKe plate o v e r so tKat t K e rvaturally corxcave urxderside is up. F o r a d e e p e r plate, square krvot tKe two leaflet together

Put tKe r\ext oper\ leaflet frorw tKe ria/\t strip ur\der tKe raised leaflets y o u a r e Koldirxg. Ag^iirx r e p e a t tKe previous procedure for a tight ufMforns w e a v e . 23

goups

r

\

Plait, but do not tie off, two identical 5imple Plates from ore side of the cyeat rib. (Illustrated plate 15 worhed from the right side of the frond.) Be sure to temporarily loch first mat (the unfinished plaitma,) before aping, or\ to the second. Place mats apex to apex as sKowrv

Plait the leaflets extervdir\£ away from you across each other Remercvber to pick up alternating, leaflets while plaitina,. Flip mat over with your left hand while hanging, or\ to the leaflets extending, to tKe right. FVess to make plate slightly concave. Turn mat around so that plaited leaflets extend toward you Rjsh the great ribs to make them parallel to the crossing, leaflets, ar\d then pul on leaflets one at a time to tw/\ten. •24

J

Join each group with a short three-strand brad ending, in ar\ overhand Knot. Repeat plaiting, tightening, and braiding for remaining crossing leaflets.

V/ariation A neater edge is worhed by folding back the untied extended leaflets. .Start with the leaflet that crosses from underneath next to the apex. Turn it under at right angles to itself and wea/e it across the crossing leaflets Continuing on the same side, weaue each strip in sequence. Secure with overhand knot. Return to apex. Repeat the process in the other direction, turning each leaflet over Repeat this procedure on the other edge. V

Plait a Simple Plate with strips of four to six leaflets from opposite sides of the great rib. Both strips must have the same number of leaflets Flip the rc\at over Where the lowest leaflet last crosses over, turn that leaflet back and weave it under and over the extended leaflets. Continue folding and plaiting on the same side until no leaflets remain. Then plait the otter side by turning the leaflets up and over Plait the "first one all the way across. The second, one leaflet less. Continue in this manner until no leaflets remain. Plaiting across one less strip each time creates an open far edge perpendicular to the sides.

In the Cook Islands the plate is finished by tiema, the Qfoup of leaflets on the riaj\t and the ajoup on the left each mto an overhand Knot.

In Samoa the projecting leaflets are combined into a Closed Braid. Closed Bra id Begin by turning tKe mat so that the great ribs are or\ the right.

Lift the r\ext leaflet facing toward you (D and cross it to rest between the first two. These three make up the braid elements.

Fold (D, the outside leaflet of the braid, to the center.

Start on the edge farthest from you. Fold the first leaflet mciirvirvg away from you © over the first one feeing toward you®.

Fold (D, the inside braid leaflet, to the center.

P/ace (5), the next leaflet fecir^ toward you, on top of it.

Fold ex

7

Temporarily lock both 5trips w/th a clothespin The sides are now starting to turn up. Repeat the sequence on the other side of the apex and then repeat the entire procedure on the opposite side of the mat. l u g

Pull all the leaflets to tighten the plaiting and position the great ribs flat against the mat. Lock each apex.

on the turned leaflets to round the basket. After you get the hang of the pattern.you can incline and shape the basket at the same time. 37

Plait the tu/o groups of three leaflets (the ones facing upward) across each other. Temporarily secure apex. Turn the basket around and repeat on the other side.

r The sides of the basket now meet apex to apex at the top.

Close lower side openings by plaitirxa, the two leaflet groups where they cross each other. "Then with the great ribs pushed inside, insert the leaflet pairs well apart into the basket from the bottom. Put your hands irvside the two holes and tie the pairs together Press the basket to flatten tt\e bottom.

To give the holes a different look, substitute this step for step 5. Select the leaflet at the apex that comes from underneath. Fold it up and over and weave it across the adjacent leaflets. Do the same with the leaflet next to it. Then, on the other side of the apex, repeat, but fold the leaflets under, h o w do the same at the opposite apex.

PI ait both these a/oups wkere their leaflets cross. Pull each leaflet to tighten mesh. Mow gather each six-leaflet group ir\to a three -ply braid. lie the two braids together at their tips.

38

N i x e d Projects Some of this and some of that. Pick your favorites. Pole Cover

40

Cover poles, planters, and trash containers beautifully and in a flash.

Single-Handle Basket

41

Two French Braids and this basket's done. Similar baskets have been made in the Cook Islands and Tahiti.

Double-Handle Basket

42

With a bit of plaiting and t w o more braids, you make a larger basket. It has been collected from the New Hebrides, Kapingamarangi, and the Marshall Islands.

Four-Corner Bowl

44

This is a tidy looking bowl for the table.

Fan

47

Fans are made all over the Pacific. Variations of this style have been found in the Marianas Islands, Guam, the Cook Islands, and Hawaii.

Planter Cover

50

Camouflage unsightly planters with a made-to-order cover. I designed this one by taking a traditional basket, not weaving the bottom, and turning it upside down.

Bird of Paradise

52

You can make this with j u s t two leaflets cut into four sections. But to save you eye strain, I have given directions for a bigger version.

39

y

r Prop frond against a pole. Starting a foot from the top, pull leaflets or\e by or\e around both sides of pole and French Braid them dowrv [ij PLIII one leaflet from the left Cross the top leaflet from the na.ht over it. Then cross that with the next new leaflet from the left. Fold the ridjht leaflet^) to center [2] Cover the center leaflets) with the next new leaflet -from the ria,ht. [3] Fold the left leafleKs) to center. f4] Cover with tne next new leaflet from the left.

Repeat steps I through 4 as long, as desired. The weight of the braid will cyow with the addition of new leaflets At the bottom Keep braiding and end with an overhand Knot. (Ose section of frond and start at top for smaller cylinders.)

J

"This is an easy whole-leaf basket Remove tip and base ends from the fror\A. Divide the remaining middle portion ir\to three sections by notching K a Ifway through the pointed side of the ^reat rib The outer sections become the sides of the container and the middle section the bottom. Place the frond top side ¿jp with the heavier end of the ^reat rib on the left. Start at the center of the middle section that extends toward you. Combine the leaflets into a French Braid. After the notches, pull on the leaflets as you ¿raid to bend the sides to the desired angle. When all have been added continue braiding to the tips. Fasten w/th an overhand Knot.

SINGLE-HANDLE BASKET

"Turn the basket over to match the illustration on the rid/\t

and repeat on the other side. Then tie the two braids together

Ose an entire frond with enough of the tip and butt sections cut off to give the size basket desired, / b in the Single-handle Basket, the great rib will form three sides of the outside perimeter. bivide the rib into three sections by notching rxearly through the pointed side of the great rib t> mahe it easier to bend. The central part carries an even number of leaflets on both sides of the of eat rib. Place the frond with the butt on the left and the top side down. 1. Start plaiting on the side with the leaflets extending toward you. Be^m the bottom edge at the right of the left notch by lifting and crossing, the first two leaflets—right over left. 2. Lift and cross the next two leaflets to the right in the same way. U/here the leaflet from the first pair meets the one from the second pair, cross them— left over right.

• 42

r 3. Continue crossing leaflet pairs and plaiting the leaflet that leans to the left across the extended leaflets. This process is Known as Plaiting in Pairs.

4 Repeat step 3 until you reach the second notch. Observe the triable-shaped plaited area with leaflets projecting diagonally to the left ar\d right. Loch the apex tenvporarily 5. "Turn the frond so the triangle is pointing toward you. Pull up the sides as you French Braid the leaflets extending from one side of the plaitirvj with leaflets from the great rib. Then repeat on the other side, you now have two braids, which you connect at their tips. One side of the basket is now complete. To mahe the other side, turn the piece over and position it as shown in the next illustration.

6. Repeat steps I through 4, but begin the plaiting on the right. "The second leaflet of each pair will still cross over. Aa^m you lift the leaflets to plait them.

Repeat step 5 to finish.

r

Cut a 2o-/nch ¿trip from one side of a frond. (Illustrated piece is from the left side.) You will need leaflets in multiples of four plus one extra (for example, i7or 21 leaflets). Shave the g,reat rib to make it flexible. Remove the bottom leaflet. Make a Rolled Edge. Rolled Eda,e This edge charges the leaflet direction from radiating outward fo facing downward. Hold the strip with the leaflet midrib facing up and the butt end of the great rib nearest you. U^ifh the leaflets closed, pass the first leaflet over the next and down through the space between the leaflets. Then take the leaflet the first passed over and pass it over the next. Continue to the end of the great rib.

"lb close the circle taKe the last leaflet and insert it between the first two. PUII it all the way do wn firmjy.

A rwist-tie or string may be used to secure the great rib ends where they overlap. Begin the plaiting anywhere. Hold the circle or\ edge so that the leaflets face up and away from you. Pass leaflet 0 behind the one it is leaning toward (§), then down in froivt of the gfeat rib. This will create the first corner

The next leaflet worked (D is the one behind Pass this over the original standing leaflet ir\ bach of the next or\e (?), and forward.

Keep plait ma, each leaflet until one-fourth of the total number are used. The first side is made. Next plait the leaflets extending, from the ones just worhed to create the second side. Treat this second group m the same manner as the first, by weaving into the next group. Begirv with leaflet d). The third side is plaited in the same manner

r The fourth

side is u/orked

by

inserting the last leaflets througfx the base d the first. This completes the bottom of the bowl.

first

Turr\ the bowl so the r i m is up.

When you are ready to weave

The center of the bottom /s now ¿juite loose, but don't worry, /^s you work the sides, the leaflets will be pressed together to mahe the bottom more solid.

the

last

leaflet,

the

bowl

looks lihe this.

S t a r t to work the sides by inserting ar\y leaflet over, ur\der,

and out again to the outside. Move ir\ the direction of the

incline of the leaflets and repeat with each leaf/et in turn. Repeat the filling-in process for a second round. O n larger bowls a third or fourth round may be necessary. Id make room for the new round, push the plaiting, away from the rim.

The above step ir\ progress boks

like this

Finish the basket by bringing, the leaflets straight down and inserting them up and under the crossing leaflets. Then trim a b n g the lower edge of the rim. 46

Cut a section of frorvJ long enough "to form a handle arvd tuo-thirds of the far\. tt is best to u/ork from the upper end of tKe frond, where the great rib is narrow enough to make a comfortable handle. Remove the lowest two leaflets on each side. -Six to ei^ht pairs of leaflets will remain. Place the section so the butt end is toward you and the broad under - surface is turned upward. Plait all leaflets closed. 1. Fold the lowest leaftef over to rest above the lowest leaflet of the other s/de. 2. Alternately cross leaflets all the way up the cyeat rib. Do this by pressing the working leaflet up with your thumb while cyaspin^ the lower leaflet of the pair it apes between. Then lift that lower leaflet up and press /< over w/th your thumb.

FAN V

47

r 3. Temporarily lock the top leaflet with a hitch or dott\esf>ir\ as you plait the first side.

5. U^orK the r\ext to last leaflet © by folding ti back and under. 6. Therx fold®up ar\d over the top leaflet (2). 7 Next fold (D up, over; and bach or\ itself

4. To plait the body of the fan, fold the bottom ri^ht ledflet bach ar\d under the r\ext leaflet. Therx weave it across the other leaf/ets all the way up r\ext to the great rib. Repeat with the rest of the leaflets or\ that side.

48

8 . Weave the other side of the far\ by rotating the bottom leaflet up ar\d over the rxext. Ther\ weave up ar\d alor\g the ^reat rib. Dorx't fora,et to release the first locked strip.

9. To finish the left corner, brira, the next to fast leaflet ® up ar\d over as usual. Ther\ fold the last leaflet © up ar\d over ® and back on itself

12. Mow

weave the leaflet

at the left of the great rib to the ria/\t comer. riaKe a rigf\t-side point following steps 6 ar\d 7 .

10. Mow fold CD up ar\d over 11. At the edge, fold the leaflet forward and tuch it through the crossing leaflets to the great nb. A left-side point is made.

13. Keep u/eav/ing and rrvakrn^ right-side points across the top of the fan. Tuch all leaflets across the tan. Fold and tuck the top leaflet projecting, from the left eda,e as m step II.

14. Turn the tan over. RJII forward the top leaflet extending, from what is now the left side, and tuch it between the extended leaflet below it and the or\e it is paired with. Tuck across. R e p e a t with the next strip down. Trim. 49

For d /2-;r\ch plarvter cut four full sections from a frot\d. Each should have five pairs of leaflets ar\d be of the same lerxajth. Remove the bottom pair from each sectiorv I. P/ait two sections together. Adjust the great ribs to be parallel to eacK other.

Next plait the third sectiorx to the first two arvd ther\ the fourth to the rest The plaitir\$ patterr\ should be idervtical »r\ each sectiorv 2 Mow connect the plaited areas. Startir\a, from the left, plait the leaflets ur\til the first leaflet ir\clir\ed to the ria^t © is plaited to the desired heigfvt.

r 4. Told the end o f the covered leaflet © up ar\d over o n top of the base o f the one just locked.

6. Fold @ up and tuc.h it between the two parallel crossing strips. Then tucK it past two more crossings.

5. Plait the next leaflet inclining to the left, up t o the edge. Then fold the or\e that crosses it at the apex, up and over to cover it. "The r\ext steps will permanently lock all leaflets into place and form the top edge. 3. Fold ® up and over and insert it dowrx through tKe crossing leaflets.

Continue plaiting, and locking all the way across. Flip the mat over and close it by plaiting the first and last sections together. Finish the top edge by repeating steps 5 and 6. Closirsg is most easily done o n the planter itself as the cylinder holds the mat up. Pull on all leaflet tips until the top edge is compact and even. Trim. 51

\

Cut one strip of four leaflets from each side of the great rib. Leaflets will be worked closed. Left U/mg • U/ith the midribs up, weave the bottom leaflet under, over, and ur\der the next three. Then weave the next leaflet under and over

Right Wing: UMh the midribs up. weave the bottom leaflet over; under and ever. The next leaflet goes over and under Midribs are on the outer ed^e of both wings.

BIRD of PARADISE

\

f Turn the piece over. BervJ the two frorvt pairs of leaflets toward you so that they cross each other. Rait them.

Place the two ujorhed pieces together 50 that the great ribs are almost ir\ a row and the leaflets exter\d obliquely.

Ber\d the bach pairs away, ar\d plait them.

P/ait the two wir\gs where the leaflets cross each other. This forms the upper surface of the bird. Rotate the wir\gs so the great ribs line up.

Plait the two groups together where they cross each other. Tw/\1er\. This forms the belly

Weave across the strips rurvrurxg from upper to lower body starting with the leaflets tippirxg forward. 53

r Take the leaflet that last crossed outside © and insert it behind the strips and out throuojx the neck. Take the other leaflet© over the first crossing strip and under and out the second. Uorh the other side of the front in the same way. The two sides will have opposite configurations.

Plumes Ma He a cut in each leaflet about every 4 inches. Cut up to the midrib. Split each mini-strip from the midrib 3 inches, moving, away from the body. Repeat the following for each pair of mini- strips.

Bend the horizontal strip up and away from the body. Turn the taiI over Insert the upward-extending strip into the other side through the slit left by the back strip.

Lift up the /ront strip to get it out of your way. Fold the back strip up about 45 decyees. hezd

Let the front strip flap forward. Fold the back strip down and back about 45 decrees

Repeat the above steps o n the leaflets foc/ng toward the rear You can see the slit easily by turning the w o r k over as you did here. B u t once y o u know where the slit is, y o u can more quickly insert the front strip by peeking over the top.

The leaflets extending from the bach become the tail. Shred them to look like long feathers or cut and fold them to resemble plumes. 54

Head

Turn the head arourvl arvi repeat hold the bird so that it -faces the sequence This completes the rigf\X. Work the head or\e inch be ah. Cut it off as shown by from the body on tKe fourthe dotted kr\es. leaflet group. Fold the leaflet closest to you down about 45 decrees. U/rap it around the back of the leaflet g/oup.

Without turAirvj the work, start the crouyrv Fold the closest leaflet around the back. Continue down under the chin, up under itself and out.

"Therx slip it up and under itself Turn the head around and repeat the sequence. Pierce the head with a one inch section of sturdy midrib to hold it together and form the eyes. If possible, remove midribs from the leaflets coming from the top of the head and dMde each half /eaf/et into two or three strips. If not possible, divide the leaflet and then split The half leaflets.

V.

55

Single-Strip Projects Sun Visor

57

This is a modern version of a traditional fishing visor.

Cylinder

60

With this technique you make just the sides of a basket. Many different bottoms can be added. The next two projects are examples of two sturdy ones.

Two-Braid Basket

63

This very popular basket or variations of it are found in Samoa (ato fili lua), Tonga (kato polo pola), Cook Islands (tapora), Hull Island. Swain Island, Tahiti, theTokelaus, Fiji, Tikopia, and Rotuma. It is used for carrying food, rocks, rubbish, everything.

Three-Braid Basket

67

This big Samoan basket (ato fili tolu) has also been collected from the Tokelaus. It is said to have originated in Niue.

Thatch

71

Choose one of these elementary thatches to decorate the walls or floors at your next luau. They can also be used to give a chain link fence a Polynesian flair.

Tray

73

Make one to sit on and another with a covering of ti or banana leaves as a platter for food. It is called lau lau in Samoa, rau rail in the Cook Islands, and poro poro hiki in Kapingamarangi.

Split-Rib Carrier

75

Called kato faka tomasi, it is used at funerals in Tonga for giving away food. Similar forms have been found in Kapingamarangi (poro poro hari kau), Fiji, Futuna (pola pola ufi), and the Marshall Islands.

56

Vou will rxeed two separate leaflets and a strip with "five leaflets.(Illustrated piece is worked from the right side o f the frond.) Three-Leaflet Start With the butt end of the strip pointing, toward you, plait the first three leaflets together by pressing, the third one ® bach over (D and under Q. Cross the next two leaflets, @ and then weave (§) into the first goupi

Turn the eda,e by folding © up, over (g), and under ®. Fold @ up ar\d over ©.

SON VISOF\ •57

Start the third side (a braid) by crossing ® over (D.

Fold the outside leaflet (D to the cerxter of the braid.

Mow cross @ over ©.

Fold inside leaflet©to center.

Place ® on top of it. Fold (D, the outside leaflet, to center. Fold (D, the /reside leaflet, to center. Insert a new leaflet or\ top of (2) with its base between ® and @ and extending about 4 i n c h e s from the edge of the piece. Place the rest of the leaflet on top of the middle braid group.

58

r Fold the outside braid group to center. Fold the inside group to center Insert the butt er\d of a new leaflet down between 0 and (D about 4 inches. Place the leaflet on the middle group. U/ithout including braid the leaflet groups until the braid is long enough to go around your head and meet the afeat rib. To lengthen the braid, add new leaflets by overlapping the new and old leaflets a few inches and using therx\ as one. Mow pass the braid tips down betweerx ® ar\d © and back to the braid. B r i n g © down and around the of eat rib along u/ith the braid tips.

U/rap (3) and the braid tips around the braid and the butt end of the second added leaflet until @ is used up. End by slipping the tip under the last turning. Secure it with fiber shredded from the great rib. Finish the butt end of the first added leaflet by bending it back and forth w h e r e it leaves t h e visor until the midrib breaks. Then remove the midrib. Next bring the now-flexible leaflet butt up and around the great rib between leaflets © and © one or two turns.

Pull the base end of the secorvi added leaflet up and out of the plaiting. Shape it nicely to "form a forehead band by adjusting the butt end against the inside of the braid. J

Th/s /s the foundation for the Two-Braid Basket and tKe Three-Braid Basket. Remove a strip of leaflets from one side of the frond. (Illustrated piece is from tKe left side.) Place it with the . Lift the new group high to provide. a apod opening. This technique was introduced in the Simple Plate.

Continue plaiting until the desired width is reached. Then begin locking t o define "the outside edge temporarily.

5ing|e-Leaflet Lock Begin with the outside leaflet lifted. Place the leaflet being wouen into the opening. Fold the outside leaflet over it.

U/brK the two as one.

When sufficient plaiting Kas been done, leave or\e leaflet and remove the rest by ¿gasping, them as a o/oup and pulling, down aa^inst the great rib.

Closir\g the Cylir\der "The plaitirvq, is now ready to be closed into a cylinder Lift the er\tire mat by the raised leaflets. Flip it over and bring the er\ds of the great ribs together Grasp the remaining unwoven leaflet. Insert it at the great rib from the front between the first tuo plaited leaflets. Pull it down, around the great rib, ar\d bach into the opening, on the side you have been working. Continue plaiting, and locking as before until the partially wouen triangular area has been compieteci.

Tuck all appropriate leaflets into locked position. Tug oi\ all strips so that the entire top eda,e is about the same heia/\t and the plaiting is firm. 62

closing leaflet

^

Follow instructions for the Cylinder using a flexible strip three t> four feet long. (Basket illustrated is from the left side of the frond.) Lock when the side is nearly one foot hi^h. The next steps will close the bottom of the basket. I. Tip the cylinder up so the leaflets are extended toward y o u with the joined section on the lowest point of the great, rib cirde. Mote that the tips naturally project obliquely up on one side and down on the

TWO-BRAID BASKET You will initially braid the downward-facing leaflets with the locked ones from the other side. "The rest wiII be braided ir\ the second pass.

2. S t a r t with the top two upward - project i no, leaflets. B r i n g the t o p m o s t o n e (J) d o w n Exter\d the next one © across it and leave it projecting, o u t to the side. Then take the locked leaflet w h i c h comes from b e t w e e n t K o s e t w o (3) and bring, it o ^ e r © and (D. This holds the projecting leaflet in place.

3. B r i n g t h e t o p m o s t p r o j e c t i n g leaflet f r o m the side w i t h the downwardslant/ng leaflets @ t o t h e space b e t w e e n tKe two leaflets ir\ your hand,© and . YOG n o w have the t h r e e braid elements. The braid will g r o w thicker w i t h the addition o f new leaflets. U/hen braiding, each g r o u p g e t s folded ever so that t h e s u r f a c e initially facing u p becomes t h e underside. Repeat the following braiding sequence until all leaflets are used A s y o u w o r k , pull each leaf/et s o t h a t t h e sides meet the braid. 4. Fold the group from the upward-slanting s i d e © t o t h e middle space. 64

J

( 5. Place the next upward projecting, leaflet across the braid. It does f\ot form a part o f the braid.

6. Place the next dowrxwardslantma, leaflet or\ top of the new middle ajoup.

6. Pull the next locked leaflet out. Bring it over the crossing leaflet ar\d add it to the middle group.

Repeat steps 4 through 8 until all appropriate leaflets haue been braided.

7 Fold the braid group from the downward-slanting, side to the center.

V

9. Braid the er\ds two or three turns more.

r 10. Rotate the basket to position the braid end at the "far end of tKe bottom, lb make the secorvl phase of this braid fold the ^roup on the locked side 0 to the center

ii. Place locked leaflet (g) onto this middle afoup.

12. Fold the opposite group © into the middle. Place the projecting leaflet ® onto the middle group.

13. Repeat steps 10, II, ar\d 12 until bottom is closed. Continue braiding almost to the tips lher\ tie ar\ o^erharxd knot and tuck it into the basket. 14. Turn the basket over and press the bottom down to raake it flat enough to stand.

V.

J

To start tKis large basket "follow instructions for the Cylinder with either S/ng/e- or Double-Leaflet Lock. Ose a flexible four-Xosix-foot strip>. (Illustrated basket is from the right side of the frond.) Double-Leaflet

Lock

1. Do not lock the first leaflet until you come to the next one, then lock the two together 2. Continue locking in pairs.

•

67

r The bottom of this basket Kas a circular braid with a central braid that appears to cut the outer or\e in two. This gives tKe illusion of two braids. TKe circular braid is worked first. Tip tKe cylinder so that the plaiting, edge extends toward you and tKe joir\ is at the lowest point of tKe great rib. 3. You will work dowr\ tKe side whicK Kas its projecting leaflets -facing up. Cross tKe top two projecting, leaflets over each other—tKe second over the first. Pull out the folded leaflet that comes from between

EacK leaflet will have others added to it so the initial three leaflets become three qroups. Keep this braid tight against the basket side.

4. Place tKe next projecting leaflet ® across the braid. It will not form part of the braid. 5. Pull out tKe next /ocked leaflet @ and place it on top of and witK the middle group. This holds tKe proyectmg leaflet m place.

6. Fold the braid group closest to the basket bottom space ® to the cer\ter of the braid. 7. Fold tKe group closest to tKe basket side® t> the center of the braid.

Repeat steps 4 through 7 until the braid circles the bottom. Rotate the basket as y o u braid so the work is always ir\ the same place in font of you. At the er\d there w/ll be r\o more projecting leaflets. J u s t one last locked or\e. Id tightly close the braid circle, place the first leaflet projecting from the begir\r\ir\g of the braid across the part of the braid rvow being w o r k e d and lock it ir\to place with that last locked leaflet. Ir\ the following steps y o u will connect all leaf/ets projecting from the circle braid into a braid that runs down the center of the bottom. Rotate the basket so that it is once again resting o n the place where the great rib overlaps itself You will continue on the same braid but now work straight down across the circle.

8. Fold the braid group or\ the side of the downward- facir\a, leaflets ® to center

9. Place the top downwardproject/n