Boondoogle Weaving Class with Artist Megan Kissinger

Join us for the first ever Boondoogle Palm crafting class at Edison Ford Winter Estates! Boondoogle weaving is an old southern folk art, where artists create neat designs from Florida’s State Tree, the Sabal and Cabbage Palm. It was a great way to give back in the pioneer days when money was tight. Examples of this type of artwork include hats, wreaths, fans, mats, and fly swatters. The Sabal Palm is a type of grass with pliable green fronds, which make a great weaving material! They are also abundant in the tropics, so it is an easy and cheap material to use. As visitors tour the site, they can find a plethora of palm fans designed by an unknown individual in the Edison’s kitchen and master bedroom.

In this class, participants will learn the step-by-step process of making a boondoogle. Participants will begin by designing a small ornament. Next, we will make a wreath from a single palm frond. Students can keep their pieces to take home with them or give to their loved one this holiday season.