Mark H. Deschinny
Presentations:
Basic:
Lecture consisting of history with extensive samples of various fibers, plants, minerals, set-up weaving loom, weaving tools and woven products. Demonstrations of washing, carding and spinning included. Participation from audience is strongly encouraged.
Cultural:
Lecture consisting of orthodox Navajo weaving culture and history. Depending on season, stories can be shared. Samples of various fibers, plants, minerals and woven products shown. Demonstrations of washing, carding and spinning included. Participation from audience is strongly encouraged.
Math/Science Curriculum:
Lecture intertwining state math and/or science curriculum into Basic and/or Cultural presentation. For example, I'd use terminology such as species, breed, different measurement units, numbers such as fractions and relative measurements for a 2nd grade AZ class.
Demonstrations:
Navajo Dyeing
An expert Navajo dye specialist shall demonstrate dyeing yarn with plants and heated pot(s). Lecture on Navajo weaving but focus on dyeing aspect of Navajo weaving. Talk about the history, culture and development of dyeing from it's origins to today. Examples of various fibers, dyed fibers, woven products using dyed fibers and dye stuff including local plants, local minerals, exotic plants, commercial dye materials such as mordants, etc. provided. Samples of dyed yarn at demonstration are given out. Participation from audience is encouraged.
Dine Colorants
An expert Navajo colorant specialist shall demonstrate dyeing various fibers and painting materials using local plants, minerals and heated pot(s). Lecture on Navajo colorants which consists of dyes, paints and stains using local plants, minerals and techniques. History, culture and development of colorants from their origins to today will be shared. Examples of various fibers, materials, dyed fibers, woven products, etc. provided. Samples of dyed/painted fibers and materials at demonstration are given out. Participation from audience is encouraged.
Navajo Weaving
A seasoned Navajo weaving instructor shall demonstrate fundamental Navajo weaving, warping, it's set-up and it's many uses. A lecture on the history and culture of warping, set-up and weaving shall be shared along with personal stories. Naming weaving tools and loom parts
Navajo Sashbelt Weaving
A seasoned Navajo sashbelt weaver shall demonstrate Navajo sashbelt weaving and it's set-up. A lecture on the history and culture of sashbelt weaving will be shared along with personal stories.
Workshops:
Navajo Dyeing:
Field trip to Identify & Pick plants. Prepare plants and minerals. Dye fibers! Learn about mordants; Keep samples of dyed fiber, materials and recipes. All materials, equipment provided.
Introduction to Navajo Weaving:
A seasoned weaving instructor will teach you the fundamentals to Navajo tapestry weaving such as how to ply yarn, how to make your warp, how to set-up your Navajo loom. You will learn to weave fundamental Navajo design techniques: blocks and diagonals. You will also learn how to finish your weaving. All materials, supplies and equipment provided.
Navajo Cultural Colorants:
Identify & pick plants. Prepare plants, minerals and fibers. Learn about mordants. Create mordants. Dye fibers! Create paints. Keep samples of dyed fiber, buckskin, materials and recipes. All materials, supplies and equipment provided.
Navajo Double Weaving: A seasoned weaving instructor will teach you the fundamentals of Navajo double weaving such as warping and how to set-up loom. You will learn 2-Face and/or "Double".
Navajo Sashbelt Weaving: A seasoned weaver will teach you the fundamentals of Navajo sashbelt weaving. All materials, supplies and equipment provided.
Navajo Basket Weaving
Can't find what you want? Don't worry, I can design something custom for you. Contact me for details.
Past Workshop Photographs
2011 Dyeing Workshop Photographs
2005 Deschinny Weaving & Dyeing Workshops photographs
2002 Navajo Weaving & Dyeing of Yarn Workshops Photographs
CONTACT:
Mark H. Deschinny
P.O. Box 1433 New Mailing Address!!!
Church Rock, NM 87311
(505) 906-8391
Copyright (C) 2004-2015 Mark H. Deschinny
Updated 10/28/15 by MHD