Cattail Rush Footstool – October 10, 2026

$145.00

Learn traditional chair weaving techniques, using natural cattail leaves. 

The earliest examples of woven rush seating can be found on stools in the pyramids of ancient Egypt, but rushes have been in general use for seating of stools and chairs since the Middle Ages. Rush was used because it made a seat much more comfortable than solid wood.  The traditional rush for stools and chair seats was made of twisted cattail leaves.  It is both comfortable and durable and once you get the hang of it, can be done in just a few hours. Admired for its simplicity and purity, natural grown rush, such as cattail is a perfect weaving material and is used to create many unique and beautiful objects such as bags, floor mats, tableware and baskets. 

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Description

Instructor: Kokoro Bensonoff

Location: The Church Hall. Southfield, MA

Date: October 10, 2026, 9 – 2:30

Tuition: $ 145.00

Material fee $40.00   Paid directly to the instructor.

Class size:

This course will give you:

While chairs of any shape can be given a rush seat, participants will learn the rushing techniques on a square stool. Cattails grow in shallow fresh water and are harvested in the fall.  Through discussion, participants will learn about the harvesting process, how to gather and prepare the rush, and twist the leaves to make rope. Skills and techniques learned in this fun and informative workshop can be applied to other materials.

This course is suitable for: All Levels

What to bring: All tools, materials, and stools are supplied