Cordage and Pitch Glue Workshop

Name: Cordage and Pitch Glue Workshop
Start: 2025-05-18T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-05-18T16:00:00-05:00
Location: DeSoto State Park

Schedule

Sun May 18 2025 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

DeSoto State Park | Valley Head, AL

Part I is cordage, in which students will first learn how to refine the leaves and stalks from various plant species in order to expose the fibers. Next, students will be taught the reverse-twist method of creating actual cordage. Each student will take home the cordage strands they create, as well as extra material to process and twist on their own.
Part II is making pine-pitch glue, where students are provided three ingredients: charcoal, dried plant matter and pine sap. First, a minimal amount of processing will be done to break down and purify the ingredients. Then, students will melt the sap over a heat source and gradually add the other two elements. When the correct consistency is achieved, students will learn how to attach the liquified glue to the end of a small piece of wood for storage. Each student will take home several of these ‘pitch sticks’. The workshop will culminate in students using their glue and cordage to haft a projectile point onto a river cane handle.
https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-SSS-PrimitiveCordage?_gl=1*1yjf2x1*_ga*MTgzNDMyMzg0OS4xNzM4MDc5MDAz*_ga_BBJMJ1PBB0*MTczODA3OTAwMi4xLjEuMTczODA3OTM2OC42MC4wLjA.