I make contemporary baskets using a technique called ply-splitting.  This is a unique textile technique in which plied cords -- which I usually make myself -- are pulled through other cords.

Ply-splitting is a tradition found mainly in the Thar Desert between India and Pakistan. For hundreds of years, men made cords from goat hair, and then used the cords to make ply-split braided girths and decorative necklaces for their camels.

In 1993, I learned the basic structures of ply-splitting in a 3-day workshop at the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts with Peter Collingwood (British weaver and author of several books including “The Techniques of Ply-Split Braiding”, published in 1998) .  After lots of experimenting, and making ply-split braids, ornaments, jewelry, and mats, I made my first ply-split basket in 1998.

I have self-published two instruction books with step-by-step photos, “How to Make Ply-Split Baskets” and “How to Make Ply-Split Braids & Bands”.  My husband John Brockway and I have made several instructional videos for my YouTube channel.

I offer individual instruction in my studio.  To encourage CBBG members to try ply-splitting, I’m offering free PDFs of designs from my instruction books, as well as mentoring.  

In addition to ply-splitting, I have also been exploring, teaching, and writing about another technique called tablet weaving.  My recent ply-split baskets feature designs from the tablet-woven belts from East Telemark, Norway.  I make the cords from paper ribbon following a tablet-weaving threading diagram.  Once the cords are arranged and split correctly in the base, the designs appear automatically as I continue splitting!   

Website:  lindahendrickson.com
Instagram:  instagram.com/lindahendricksonpdx
YouTube:  youtube.com/lindahendrickson