Boondoggle palm crafting class offered at estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering a Boondoggle Palm Crafting class on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local artist Megan Kissinger will teach the class and participants will make woven crafts that they can take home.
In pioneer days, crafts made from palm fronds were often given as gifts. Many types of items were made with palm crafting, including hats, wreaths, fans, mats and even fly swatters. This type of weaving was popular in southern folk art, when crafters wove green palms from Florida’s state tree — the sabal or cabbage palm — into decorative or useful items. Since palms are in the grass family and are not actually trees, the green fronds are very pliable and make great weaving material.
Fans made from palm fronds are displayed in the kitchen and master bedroom of the Edison’s winter estate. Both were woven by an unknown crafter for the family, demonstrating that making boondoggles was a popular pastime when Edison was in Fort Myers.
In the class, participants will learn the basics of making a boondoggle. They will start by making a small ornament, and then will make a wreath from a single palm frond. All the materials and tools will be provided, but participants may bring their own ribbons and scissors. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks or a bag lunch. The class will take place outdoors in the river pavilion.
Masks are recommended, but not required. Class size is limited to 14.
Cost is $40 for members: and $60 for non-members.
Registration is required before Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.
To register, visit edisonford.org or call 239-334-7419.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.