Sharp! And smelly! They're porcupine quills, and the Haudenosaunee used them extensively in decorating clothing and other articles. So, of course, we had to give it a try!
First we sorted them (above), to get rid of the porcupine hair (seriously, yuck), and then we washed them (below) -- several times -- to get rid of the porcupine stench (ha ha).
Then we dyed them (we left some natural, too). The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours, which left us with no time to actually DO anything with the quills, so that will have to wait until next time. But at least now we've got some pretty, colorful, less-stinky quills to start with when we're ready to pick them up again!
Sharp! And smelly! They're porcupine quills, and the Haudenosaunee used them extensively in decorating clothing and other articles. So, of course, we had to give it a try!
First we sorted them (above), to get rid of the porcupine hair (seriously, yuck), and then we washed them (below) -- several times -- to get rid of the porcupine stench (ha ha).
Then we dyed them (we left some natural, too). The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours, which left us with no time to actually DO anything with the quills, so that will have to wait until next time. But at least now we've got some pretty, colorful, less-stinky quills to start with when we're ready to pick them up again!
2 comments:
I love watching them in the woods but they really are stinky! The quills look great with color - you always come up with the best activities. It makes me wish I could go back to school again ;)
wow wow wow!
shelley, I am impressed.
thanks for sharing the pictures.
where did you find the quills???
best, deborah
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