How Do You Weave Coconut Palm Fronds?

In Hawaii its a Hawaiian craft known as "Lauhala" (basket weaving using natural materials). Consider the below listed websites, or google using the following words ("lauhala", basket weaving Hawaiian craft coconut palms)...several websites popped up, and here are a couple websites:

www.blackpearldesigns.net

Basket Weaving Course - Basketry for art & craft deco ... How to Weave Hawaiian Coconut Palm Fronds. by Jim Widess. Amazon Price: $13.46

www.squidoo.com/basketweavingcourse

(One of my best friends in Hawaill makes these baskets with coconut or palm fronds and sells them at craft shows [however no website]. She really enjoys it) Hope this info helps with your search. Good luck.

First you have to soak them in water for at least hour or more (in your tub, the sink or a bucket). Then follow any basket making directions (look online). Before you weave them, you can dye them in hot water & a dye-bath if you'd like another color.

You can also twist them to make rope or even macrame or crochet with them, but first they should be soaked in water. If you want you can split them & tear them down the center to make them thinner.

The thinner the fiber, the easier to crochet!For stronger rope, use to strands & ply them together using a drill to twist them into rope. Some people leave them in the bathtub overnight to soak. You can make everything from hats & slippers to handbags & belts, but it's not a quickie task! Start with something easy like a hot pad or a small floor mat.