This workshop offering can be tailored in two different directions depending on interest. Participants can either learn the art of string making, using natural fibres and recycled fabrics to create cord and rope by hand, or explore bound string jewellery, where a prepared rope core is transformed into unique jewellery pieces through sewing, stitching, wrapping, and embellishment.
While both workshops centre on the creative possibilities of string, they involve different techniques and processes. String making focuses on constructing cord from raw or reclaimed materials and introduces a simple, meditative practice that can also lead into basketry. Bound string jewellery uses sewing techniques with needles and thread to add texture, colour, and decorative detail to a rope core, creating distinctive wearable pieces.
string workshops

Two women standing indoors near a large glass window. The woman on the left is wearing a black top and dark leggings with colorful patterns, holding a pink ribbon, with messy hair. The woman on the right is smiling, wearing a red T-shirt with black pants, and has medium-length brown hair. There are multiple unrolled fabrics or scarves on the floor, and chairs, tables, and kitchen items are visible in the background.
2022 string-making, ANU

Colorful braided ropes and frayed twine placed on a concrete surface.
Three colorful strands of torn and frayed fabric yarns hanging on a white background, from left to right in red, yellow, and gray colors.
Three women in a room, one in the foreground working with fabric and thread, two others standing in the background near tables and a television, with craft supplies and fabric on the table.
Colorful tangled strips of fabric or t-shirts on a beige sheet with a polka dot pattern, some hair coils, a white bag with green pattern, and other items on a light wood floor.
Two necklaces hanging against a white background, one dark blue and one cream-colored, with a shell pendant at the bottom.
Four people standing in a room with wooden floors, looking at colorful fabric scraps on a cloth on the floor. One person has a lanyard and glasses, two are holding strips of fabric, and one is holding a striped fabric. The room has large windows, a clock showing 12:04, and a table with chairs.
A group of seven women and one child's head are gathered in a bright room with wooden floors, participating in a textile craft activity. Some are standing, others are kneeling or crouching, working with various colorful fabric scraps and yarns spread on a large cloth on the floor. They appear focused and engaged in their craft project.
2023 String jewellery, Paddy’s Park, Strathairn

Colorful, braided necklaces hanging against a white wall.
A woman with gray hair and sunglasses is selling handmade jewelry at an outdoor market stall under a white canopy. Several children are browsing the jewelry and craft items on the table. In the background, people are gathered on a grassy area, with some sitting and others walking.
A woman and a boy sitting on a blanket outdoors. The woman is holding tangled yarn and a crochet hook, while the boy is watching. They are sitting on a red plaid blanket on the grass.
Four children standing together outdoors, smiling and wearing colorful clothing and beaded necklaces, at an event with booths and other people in the background.
Children and adults sitting on a red and blue plaid blanket outdoors, with children engaging in an activity and adults watching, some children wearing costumes or hats, and a book titled 'The Little Yellow Digger' visible in the background.
A woman is helping workshop participants to choose the required materials to make string jewellery at an outdoor event under a white canopy tent, with young girls talking to her.