2012 Plant Talk 10 Craft Plants



Plant Talk 10 Plants for Crafts

August 14, 2012

Greetings plant enthusiasts. i write to you from the home of my Dutch parents! Feels good to be back here after three years away. i have been fortunate to spend many months in this home over the last 17 years since my folks moved in. All in all i have had the good fortune to visit several times since reuniting with my folks at the age of 13. Previous to that i was raised by my father who kidnapped me from my mom at the age of around 18 months and also subjected me to a rather abusive upbringing in various ways. Interesting how life balances our days…

Many of the plants are familiar here as well. A large proportion of them have been introduced to the U.S. for over a century if not all the way back to initial colonization. Nice to be surrounded by friends! Tomorrow we leave for the amazing plant exposition known as the Floriade www.floriade.nl . This event happens only once every decade! It is a main impetus for my travel here as well as helping celebrate my folks 33rd wedding anniversary and catching up with my large maternal family. i am forever grateful for my parents willingness to bring me here and put me up for the next couple of weeks. A good time to decompress after a non-stop action packed summer. The last time i was here i had the misfortune of experiencing Frank Cook pass away from afar…His spirit of course is with me still and a main reason why i continue to post these classes.

What follows is a wholly new class for the site! It is largely based on my graduate research, like many classes before. Therefore, the focus is mostly on the craft plants of Appalachia. i hope that over time further research by me and commentary by others may flesh out especially useful craft plants of other places as well. Much overlap for other temperate areas will already be apparent too…Without further adieu….  

The rich craft tradition of Appalachia was surveyed quite thoroughly by the 1930s (Eaton, 1973). Crafts originally provided a means to the end of functional necessity. With modernization crafts became a commodity that allowed people to celebrate the days of old. The push to make crafts into a business did not always have good consequences (Becker, 1998). Many women and children were exploited to perform repetitive tasks for little compensation. Unfortunately,  many people are still exploited in such a way in developing areas of the world to this day…

Crafts are still a source of pride for people in the Appalachian mountains and supply one of the few remaining manufacturing industries. Homemade crafts provide a greater sense of place for residents. A renaissance of crafts at the home level might reduce dependence on cheaply made products from afar, which often depend on exploited labor (Trestain, 1998).

This class describes a vast array of plants that have been used for various crafts in Appalachia. One goal of such a list is to encourage a further resurgence in Appalachian crafting as an industry but also in the home. Knowing what part of the plant to use, how to prepare it and time to harvest it are all essential details that can be found in the multitude of resources that are cited herein.

The diversity of craft industries traditionally practiced in Appalachia is extensive. A short list includes textiles, basketry, toys, musical instruments, furniture making, kitchen implements, pottery and other assorted knick nacks. Many types of dyes have been used to color textiles and wood products as well.

Important centers for the pursuit of crafts in Appalachia have included Berea College, John C. Campbell Folk School, Penland School for Crafts, The Crossnore School, Pine Mountain Settlement School, and various places around Asheville NC (Eaton, 1973). The Biltmore Estate near Asheville was a particularly strong supporter of the crafts movement in times past. The Highland Craft Guild has served as one of the main mediums for jurying art work and presenting a quality product to the public. The Appalachian Regional Commission continues to be a strong supporter of the development of crafts (ARC Tourism Council, 2003). The U.S. Forest Service has also provided support for the development of craft industry (Nelson & Williamson, 1970).

Textiles

The manufacture of textiles has a long tradition in Appalachia. The typical plants that provided fiber include Cotton (Gossypium spp.) and Flax (Linum usitatissimum). Wool was also commonly used as well. Appalachians of European descent used spinning wheels and looms. Native Americans in the area originally did much of their weaving by hand to process fiber into textiles.

Other plants of the Appalachian region that have been used for fiber include Dogbanes (Apocynum spp.) Butterflyweeds (Asclepias spp.), Cattails (Typha spp.), Tulip Magnolia (Liriodendron tulipifera), Basswoods (Tilia spp.) and Yuccas (Yucca spp.) (Tim Manney, personal communication, October, 2009).

Dyes

Many dyes need a substance called a mordant to act effectively.  Mordants serve to prepare the material to take color and also help ensure color fastness. Color fastness applies to both the effects of washing and exposure to light. Some dyes are more color fast to light while others are more color fast to washing (Nicholson & Clovis, 1967). The use of different mordants also may give alternate colors from the same plant (J. F. M. D. Cannon & M. J. Cannon, 2003). Dyes that don’t need fixing, especially toxic metal mordants such as chrome and tin, represent a potentially more sustainable alternative. These dyes require less foreign ingredients and have less chance of negative health effects. However, the dyes must first function well and hold their color if they may be considered sustainable as well. Some mordants such as tannins, iron, vinegar and even urine offer less toxic alternatives to heavy metals.

 

The most important traditional dye sources in Appalachia were Indigo and Madder (Eaton, 1973). Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria and spp.) were combined with straw and sumac (Rhus) to make a dye cake for the color blue (Eaton, 1973). The cake was kept in an iron pot that was used continuously sometimes for decades. This process did not require a mordant.

Madder (Rubia tinctorum) was used by the Egyptians and the Spanish Moors and then introduced to the rest of the world by Holland. It produces various shades of red. Combined with Black Oak (quercitron) it produces a bright orange. It works on wool or cotton but both materials must be mordanted first. A wild type of madder is said to be native to Appalachia (Eaton, 1973). This is probably a plant in the Galium genus. We used both Indigo and Woad (Isatis tinctoria) for blue and Madder for red at the recent SE Permaculture Gathering to dye our event T-Shirts under the tutelage of Rhea Ormond. http://www.southeasternpermaculture.org/

Natural dyes are sometimes described as not holding their color as well as artificial ones. However, when natural dyes fade they retain the shade of the original color and a muted softness that many have found appealing (Eaton, 1973). Novel dye stuffs that don’t require mordants have at times been described (Samuel & Higgins, 1976). Dyes from lichens in the Peltigera, Usnea, Rocella, Cladonia and Urcealaria genera have also been recorded (A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974).

Several details are important to the dyeing process. Parts used may include roots, stems, leaves, fruit, bark, seeds or the whole plant. Time of year when the products are gathered is sometimes important. Some materials must be used at once, whereas others may be dried and stored. Wood ashes are sometimes also employed in the process.

Different dyes and different processes are appropriate for different fibers. Indigo and Madder are suitable for both wools and cotton. Wool is easier to dye than cotton and both are easier to dye than anything else (Leechman, 1943). However, other natural fabrics may be dyed including Jute (Corchorus spp.), Linen and Silk. Synthetic fibers will not accept natural dyes (Samuel & Higgins, 1976). All fabrics need to be washed prior to dyeing.

Common names of dyestuffs  that were cited by Eaton and not recognized by me or questionable on identity include Common dock, Gorse bark (Ulex europaeus?), Bog myrtle (Myrica  or  Morella?), Iron wood, Kidney vetch, Meadow rue (Thalictrum), Saw-wort, Stone crottle and Fustic (Maclura tinctoria) (Eaton, 1973). Natural dyer Jenny Liles (1990) recorded many common names and traditional dye recipes from the past that might be of interest to historical period researchers. Types of dye stuffs, dye recipes and weaving patterns from the early 1800s have been collected by researchers as well (J. Bronson & R. Bronson, 1977).

Natural dyeing has an effusive literature that is perhaps a testament to its attraction and popularity (Adrosko, 1971; Arañas Spinners and Weavers Guild, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1973; Bailey Miranda, 1956; J. Bronson & R. Bronson, 1977; Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1973; Cardon, 2007; Castino, 1974; Dyer, 1976; Epp, 1995; Goodwin, 2003; Grae, 1974; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Lesch, 1970; Liles, 1990; Milner, 1971; Richards, 2005; Robertson, 1973; Samuel & Higgins, 1976).

 i have created a master list of dye plants as one product of my research. An analysis of the literature shows that many plants only appear singularly or within a few sources. Potential for further research includes compiling a list of all dye plants ever cited with requisite information about mordants, colors, nativity, color fastness, plant longevity, and other pertinent information. If only i could secure some funding for such an endeavor! Major plant families that dye plants come from include the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Rosaceae, Ericaceae and the Betulaceae. The species name tinctoria or tinctorius implies that it is a plant used for dyeing and is always a good marker when looking through a list of plants.

Woodwork

Woodworking also has a long history in Appalachia. The trees most often used include Oak (Quercus spp.), Ash (Fraxinus spp.), Hickory (Carya spp.), Maple (Acer  spp.), Walnut (Juglans spp.), Cherry (Prunus spp.), Linden (Tilia spp.), Sassafrass (Sassafras albidum) and Pine (Pinus spp.). Eaton (1973) provided an example of the multiple uses of one type of tree by stating that hickory was used for mauls, tool handles, basket handles and for splints in basket making. He went on to say how hickory made good firewood that produced a useful soft light-gray ash. This ash could then be used for homemade soap and as an ingredient for dyes. Hickory bark is also exceptional for seat bottoms. Hickory poles can be used in broom making and for rope. The inner bark of hickory has been used for dye. Green wood of hickory has been employed in curing ham and wood was also added to maple syrup for flavoring.

In making chairs most often people would employ sugar maple (Acer saccharum) or Ash (Fraxinus) for the posts, Hickory (Carya) for the rounds and either White Oak (Quercus alba) or Hickory splints for the seats (Eaton, 1973). Other chair makers would employ Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), White Walnut (Juglans regia), Mulberry (Morus), Yellow locust (Robinia sp.?), Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and Birch (Betula). Walnut was used for rockers because it caused them to cling to the floor rather than creep like maple or hickory might do (Eaton, 1973).

Appalachian craftspeople are known for a diversity of other wood products. In the mid 1800s physician Francis Porcher (1970) offered a detailed account of useful woods and other plant items for crafts. Bowls were often made from Walnut (Juglans), Maples (Acer  spp.), Cherries (Prunus) and Cedar (?) in Appalachia (Eaton, 1973). Boxes were made from the same and also Holly (Ilex) (Eaton, 1973). i have heard Natalie Bogwalker call Holly “spoonwood” and another friend refer to it as Appalachian Ivory. Many other items for the kitchen were traditionally carved from wood as well. Carved figures were made from Apple (Malus) and other close grain woods. Tool handles were traditionally made from Ash, Hickory and Maple. Bobbins were made from Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) and Dogwood (Cornus florida ) (Eaton, 1973). Birdhouses and bird feeders are made in a multitude of ways from various types of woods. Different birds also flourish from different styles of houses and feeders (Roth, 1998).

Native Americans made blow guns from native cane (Arundinaria gigantea). They also crafted spoons, canes, forks and napkin rings from mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) (Eaton, 1973). Darts for blow guns could be fashioned from Locust and Thistle (Bauman, 2004). Eustace Conway of Turtle Island  has continued to fashion items in such a way up to the modern day www.turtleislandpreserve.com. A 1952 study delineated the contributions of Cherokees to Appalachian crafts of which most were wood products (Arnold, 1952). Cherry (Prunus) and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) were the major woods used by people in the study. Novel woods not mentioned already but not understood to scientific name are Coca bola, Bass-lynn, Lignum vitae (Guaiacum?) and Locust. The use of 23 woods was documented in total (Arnold, 1952).

One novel application of a wood product entailed the use of Witchazel (Hamamelis virginiana) shavings to fill bed mattresses (Eaton, 1973). The Foxfire project described a money making modern example of woodworking in Rabun Co. GA. The artist used no dyes but employed various woods for different colors. Primary materials employed were Maple (Acer  sp.), Walnut (Juglans), Cedar (?), Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) and occasional exotic woods as well (Johnson, 2004).

Whittling and Carving

Whittling and carving was often taken up by people in Appalachia at a very young age (Johnson, 2004). Plants served as the inspiration for various motifs (Eaton, 1973). Grains such as Wheat (Triticum), Rye (Lolium) and Oats (Avena) as well as Pine cones (Pinus spp.), Maple leaves (Acer spp.), Galax (Galax urceolata), Dogwood (Cornus spp.) leaves and various blossoms and berries have served as inspiration.

Barron Brown is a local wood carver outside Asheville, NC. At the Florida Earthskills gathering www.floridaearthskills.blogspot.com  and the Firefly Gathering www.fireflygathering.org near Brevard he has introduced me to the wonder of spoon making. i now have a mission to carve spoons out of as many types of non-toxic wood that i can get my hands on. So far I have made spoons from Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), Basswood (Tilia americana), and Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra). Barron also gifted me with spoons made out of Fat Lighter (Pinus sp.) and Sabal Palm (Sabal sp.). My next spon will be out of Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) which is a highly prized wood in Asia but an exotic invasive in Appalachia. Eventually my spoon collection will hopefully grow to over 100 species with each having its own particular ritual use as well!

Appalachian carvers have used various types of wood to represent a vast array of animals and activities. Common woods used included Apple (Malus spp.), Basswood (Tilia sp.), Holly (Ilex spp.), Maple (Acer spp.), Walnut (Juglans spp.), Pine (Pinus spp.), Poplar (Populus spp.), Buckeye (Aesculus spp.), and Cherry (Prunus spp.). Carved animals have included dogs, chickens, lambs, mules, ducks, pigs, goats, geese, peacocks, bears, blue jays, canaries and cardinals. Many activities have been depicted as well including haying, sorghum making, grain sowing, dancing, preaching, wood splitting, cooking, plowing and hog killing.

Toys

Poppets used to be a common Appalachian toy. These dolls were made out of Buckeye (Aesculus) because of its smooth texture. Poke berry (Phytolacca americana) was used to color the cheeks (Eaton, 1973). Corn husks or corn shuck dolls were another type of typical Appalachian toy (Wendorff, 1973). Sometimes the corn shucks have been dyed with natural dyes. Action figures have been portrayed as well including scenes of milking, sledding, horseback riding, cattle driving, butter churning, etc. Scenes were constructed to recall fairy tales, the nativity, and barnyard vignettes. Miniature furniture was also constructed. Mahogany has been used for miniature chairs, in addition to the usual woods mentioned above, (Eaton, 1973).  Dolls made of dried Apples, Sweet potatoes, Cucumbers and Hickory nut were constructed as well (Aldrich & Young, 1971; Eaton, 1973; Wigginton, 1980). An extensive collection of toys and how they were made were featured in one of the Foxfire books (Wigginton, 1980).

Musical Instruments

Fiddles were fashioned from wood, but also of corn stalks and gourds (Wigginton, 1980). Curly maple (Acer) was one wood of choice for the construction of fiddles (Eaton, 1973). Banjos, which are originally from Africa, were also constructed from gourds (Hunter, 2004).  Horns, bugles and drums have been made from Gourds as well. Dulcimers were usually constructed of Walnut (Juglans) though occasionally also Birch (Betula) Maple (Acer), Holly (Ilex spp.) and Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Eaton (1973). Both settlers and Native Americans used cane to make flutes and pipes.

Baskets

Broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus), Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Corn husks (Zea mays), Corn stalks, Rye straw (Lolium sp.), Willows (Salix spp.), Rushes (Juncus spp.), Cane (Arundinaria gigantea), Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), Pine (Pinus spp.) inner bark, Hickory bark (Carya spp.), Willow bark, and Pine needles have all been used for basketry. Most often splint baskets have been crafted of Oak (Quercus spp.), Hickory (Carya spp.) and Ash (Fraxinus spp.). Other trees that have documented use include Elms (Ulmus spp.), Northern white Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Buckeye (Aesculus), Basswood (Tilia), Boxelder (Acer negundo) and Cypress (C. Hart & D. Hart, 1978).

Traditionally in Appalachia, exotic materials like Raffia (Raphia farinifera) and Reeds were only employed on occasion. Basket dyeing only became a practice with the resurgence of the arts and crafts movement. The organizers of Allanstand cottage industries, in Asheville, NC, were pioneers of commercial basket dyeing (Eaton, 1973).

Natural dyes were employed more than commercial ones and sometimes came from the same plant source as the basket.  Hindman settlement school was particularly known for baskets. Dyes sources included Hemlock (Tsuga) and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) (Eaton, 1973).

Exotic invasive plants may be employed for the use of basketry as well. Wisteria (Wisteria spp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), English Ivy (Hedera helix) and Kudzu (Pueraria montana) are plants with documented use (C. Hart & D. Hart, 1978; TerBeest, 1988). However, seeds of exotics should not be spread in the harvesting for such purposes. Using exotic invasives is more favorable than stripping the forest of slow growing natives such as Grape vines (Vitis spp.) and Dutch man’s pipe (Aristolochia spp.).

Many other materials have also been employed for basket making. Three grasses that are mentioned explicitly for basketry are tall Redtop (Tridens flavus syn. Triodia flava), Broombeard (Andropogon virginicus) and common Reed (Phragmites australis  syn Phragmites communis) (C. Hart & D. Hart, 1978). Other materials are the soft Rush (Juncus effusus) various Irises (Iris pseudacorus, I. sibirica, I. versicolor) and Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva) (C. Hart & D. Hart, 1978). Forsythia (Forsythia) is a common landscape plant that has been listed for basketry use (TerBeest, 1988). Cattails (Typha spp.) are yet another material useful for basketry as well (Gallinger & Benson, 1975).

Basket making is a universal and very diverse field in human culture. Allanstand Cottage industries alone made around 40 different styles at one point (Eaton, 1973). Some basket styles have whimsical and imaginative names and may become family heirlooms. Particular patterns have been passed down from generation to generation and sometimes were endemic to certain locales (Hill, 1997; Irwin, 1982; Stephenson, 1977; Trestain, 1998; Weaver, 1971).

Basket maker Charlene Trestain (1998) researched the relation of various cultures to Appalachian willow work and how it relates to sustainability and sense of place. Basket Willow (Salix viminalis), Crack Willow (Salix fragilis), American Willows (Salix spp.), and Almond Willow (Salix amygdaloides) are described as the most useful types. American willow is apparently the most used species in the world for basketry. However, the tradition of willow basket making is thought to have come from Europe (Trestain, 1998). Basket making has been a featured workshop at the annual Firefly Gathering outside Asheville, NC over the last few years with crafters such as Nancy Gildersleaves, Zac Fittipaldi, James Price, Mateo Ryall, and Talcon Quest. Chuck and Peggy Patrick are some other modern basket makers near Brasstown, NC that have attended the Firefly Gathering as well www.chuckandpeggypatrick.com.  

The Cherokee mostly used White Oak (Quercus alba), River Cane (Arundinaria gigantea) and Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) for basket making according to one study (Arnold, 1952). These woods were often dyed in preparation for basket construction. The Cherokee styles initially differed from techniques brought over from Europe. However, over time the styles sometimes blended together (Trestain, 1998). Researcher Sarah Hill (1997), completed a more modern in depth analysis of Cherokee basket making traditions. She noted that the use of Maple was incorporated into the three materials mentioned above while many style innovations happened in the mid 1900s to improve marketability.

Potpourri

The sense of smell sometimes triggers memories like nothing else will. The craft of potpourri crosses into the realm of aromatherapy that is yet another subject all its own. Potpourri may be of a dry type or a moist type. Moist types tend to keep their scent longer. The same plants are employed for both (Fettner, 1977).

Suitable plants that may be grown in Appalachia and the temperate world in general include Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua), Rose (Rosa spp.), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and many plants in the mint family. Good fragrant rose species include Rosa centifolia, R. × damascena,and R. gallica. Violets (Viola spp.), Magnolias (Magnolia spp.), and other plants are used to add bulk, form, and color to dried collections. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla syn Lippia graveolens) and Rose Geranium (Pelargonium capitatum) are both typical houseplants that may be employed. Potpourri makers use Eastern red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) to provide aromatic oils. Oak moss and Reindeer moss are used in powder form to fix scents. Calamus root (Acorus calamus) is a native or naturalized plant that is used to fix scent similar to the exotic Orris root (Iris germanica var. florentina) (Fettner, 1977).

Other exotic substances are typically used in combination with the ones mentioned above. Some other plants used include Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp. and Cassia spp.), Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Allspice (Pimenta dioica ) and Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Gums and resins of exotic origin used to fix scents include Frankincense, Myrrh, Balsam of Peru, Balsam of Tolu, Storax, and Gum Benzoin. A type of storax might be found from the Appalachian native sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) though this is not mentioned in the literature. i wonder if potential for using native resins from Pines, Spruces, and other plants may exist. Scents of animal origin including musk from the Musk deer, ambergris from the Sperm whale and castorium from the Civit cat are all often used to add complexity and further fix smell (Fettner, 1977).

Temperate aromatic plants tend to fall into the Mint (Lamiaceae), Aster (Asteraceae), Carrot (Apiaceae) and Lily families (Liliaceae) (Genders, 2001). Some outliers include the already mentioned Rose Geranium (Pelargonium capitatum) in the Geraniaceae, Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) in the Verbenaceae, Roses (Rosa spp.) in the Rosaceae, Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) in the Araceae as well as Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) in the Rubiaceae. Many fragrant plants can be grown in the Appalachian region (Bayard & Pesch, 1992).

Miscellaneous Crafts

Corn is useful for a multitude of purposes. Some examples not mentioned already include its use to make doormats, mattresses, screens, fans, napkin rings, bracelets, hatbands, flowers, small fruits, vegetables, rope, necklaces, picture frames, toy guns, animals and hats (Eaton, 1973; Wigginton, 1980). Corn cobs are famous as a material for pipe making. The stringing of popped corn and other produce for decorations is a traditional Christmas ornamentation that is well known.

Various other assorted uses of the local Appalachian flora have also been employed. Chestnut (Castanea dentata), Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and other barks have been used as siding. Tulip poplar siding still remains popular today especially in the area of Linville Falls, NC. An Appalachian practice of arranging seeds, pods, berries, leaves and cones into interesting forms carries the whimsical name of “wood pretties” (Weaver, 1971). The use of wood for heat is a type of craft as well. Different woods tend to have various qualities in regards to splitting and heat efficiency (Vivian, 1976). Wreathes represent a tangible and marketable way to arrange craft items in a portable fashion. Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) was often employed on a commercial scale to tan leather. Gourds (Cucurbita spp.) and (Lagenaria siceraria) were used to make dippers as well as other items already mentioned.

Many other fanciful items can be created from other native and naturalized materials growing in Appalachia. Cattails (Typha spp.), Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium), Rose hips (Rosa spp.), Teasels (Dipsacus fullonum), Sweet gum balls (Liquidambar styraciflua), and Willow galls from (Salix  spp.) all offer potential for the imaginative crafter (Aldrich & Young, 1971). All manner of nuts, cones and seeds may be employed as well. Many such items can be used in combination with fruits, suet, peanut butter and molasses to craft bird feeders (Roth, 1998). One author in Foxfire 12 describes the process of making rose beads from petals (Hughes, 2004).

One Forest Service publication contains 26 minor craft plants and 32 types of major craft plants harvested mostly from the wild in the Appalachian region (Nelson & Williamson, 1970). The major plants listed are mostly used for greenery around Christmas and include various members of the Pine (Pinaceae), Holly (Aquifoliaceae) and Rhododendron (Ericaceae) families. Other plants mentioned include those with attractive fruits such as Oaks (Quercus spp.) and Sweet Gums (Liquidambar styraciflua). Boxwoods (Buxus sp.) are also described for their foliage as well as their part in the Appalachian nursery industry.

Non-timber forest products

The term Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) is used to define items that come from the forest but not from sawn lumber. These products typically fall into four categories: edible, specialty wood based, floral and decorative and medicinal (Chamberlain, Bush, Hammett, & Araman, 2002). Representatives of the U.S. Forest service sometimes use the term special forest products (SFPs). However, the term NTFP seems to have the most traction with the public and the literature. Many craft items mentioned above fall under such classifications.

Appalachia has a rich history in the use of NTFP items. Only recently however, has the prevalence of use, economic potential and impact on the environment become known. Researchers for the Forest service have started to investigate the phenomenon of NTFP harvesting on federal lands in just the last few years. The harvest of NTFPs represents a multi-million dollar industry for just a few choice products alone. Recently, the Forest Service commissioned the characterization of gatherers for the whole eastern part of the U.S. (Emery, Ginger, Newman, & Giammusso, 2002). An economic analysis of NTFPs in southwestern Virginia has also been published (Greene, Hammett, & Kant, 2000). The Forest Service hyas also looked at NTFPs in the U.S. as a whole (McClain & Jones, 2005). Researchers A. L. Hammett and James Chamberlain have produced a plethora of publications dealing with this important subject over the last ten years. Still, much study remains to be done on the role of NTFPs in Appalachia.

Dried flowers as crafts

Dried flowers for arrangements offer another mode of incorporating nature into crafts (Hillier & Hilton, 1986; Kraska, 1995; Petelin, 1988). Many of the best dried flowers are not native or naturalized in Appalachia but can be easily grown as annuals. Some examples include Statice (Limonium spp.), Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena spp.), Celosia (Celosia spp.) and Strawflower (Helichrysum spp.). Some plants will naturalize locally without seeming to spread much such as Poppies (Papaver somniferum), Love in a Mist (Nigella damascena) and Larkspur (Delphinium sp.). Choice native and naturalized plants include many members of the Grass (Poaceae), Mustard (Brassicaceae), Mint (Lamiaceae), Amaranth (Amaranthaceae) and Aster (Asteraceae) families.

Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers represent another type of craft industry for Appalachia. Many traditional cut flowers are annuals that are neither native nor naturalized in this area. Some choice examples include Zinnias (Zinnia spp.), Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), Dianthus (Dianthus spp.), Red hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) Lupines (Lupinus spp.) and Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis). Lawrence Griffith (2008) conducted extensive research on the flower types used in the early period of American establishment. This work may be of assistance to people trying to recreate historical period gardens. Flower farmer Lynn Byczynski (1997) wrote a very good modern guide to growing flowers for market. Choice cut flowers that are native and naturalized tend to occur in the Mint (Lamiaceae), Aster (Asteraceae), Carrot (Apiaceae), Amaranth (Amaranthaceae), Grass (Poaceae), Buttercup (Ranunculaceae), Brassica (Brassicaceae) and Lily (Liliaceae) families.

Overview of Appalachian Craft Plants

Trees are the most useful plants for crafts. Close behind these are corn (Zea mays) and Gourds (Cucurbita spp.). Hundreds of plants have a history of use as natural dyes. Looking through craft books of old brings to mind the amount of time necessary to create some of the projects formerly made.

It would be hard to label some crafts as profitable in an economic sense without marketing such products to a high class clientele with considerable disposable income. Nonetheless, even some very time consuming projects might still be considered profitable in the energetic and social sense when carried out under the auspices of hobbies and practiced with family and friends. The use of crafts with children in particular is an age old way of connecting them with the natural world and developing imagination. Taking time to slow down and appreciate the abundance and diversity of the natural world is something that is beneficial for all. Therefore, crafts can provide therapy and meditation as well as good times and possibly financial income (Platt, 1996). Here in my mom’s house many things from pillows to rugs and cross stitched wall hangings were all made by her hand and therefore hold a special significance.

The diversity of Appalachian flora offers an almost limitless supply of potential for the conscientious and creative crafter. Attention to using items that are in large supply and not spreading exotic invasives such as Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) are essential aspects of making such a practice sustainable. The plants enumerated in this chapter probably only hint at the diversity that denizens of Appalachia have employed in the pursuit of crafts. However, those listed also probably reflect a large quantity of the most preferred plants for various uses and thereby may offer a starting point for potential crafters and further research.

For the next class we will cover major Woody plants and families and it will be posted around August 25th

Below are items to think about/comment on. Please write me directly at marc@botanyeveryday.com or comment at Facebook the website commentary is not working currently. I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!!!

 

Check out this great link on natural dyes by the Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/dyes.shtml

-          Make a list of the plants around you that you can use for crafts and share that info with some people

 

-           Use this knowledge to to actually create something for yourself or someone special.

 

-          Look up some of the families mentioned in this post in Botany in a Day and share some information about them  with the group or provide info  from your personal experience

 

-          Attend a workshop or a class and write up a brief description of plants or information learned.

-          Post any clear photos of question plants to Facebook or send in an email.

Praises to all that have donated to the cause!!! i encourage everyone reading this to donate as they are able financially, commentarialy, or energetically... Your contributions greatly help me continue this crucial work of ethnobotanical research and education. Please let me know your thoughts in general and any way i can help this class serve you best.

Thanks, marc

References:

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Arañas Spinners and Weavers Guild, Albuquerque, New Mexico. (1973). Dyeing with natural materials. Albuquerque, NM: The Guild.

Arnold, D. A. (1952). Some recent contributions of the Cherokee Indians of North Carolina to the crafts of the southern highlands. The University of Tennessee.

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