The Space Coast Weavers & Fiber Artists will meet at 10 am on Saturday , April 27, at the Merritt Island Public Library, 1195 N. Courtenay Parkway. Following a short meeting and Show and Tell, where members present all their latest creations, Fonda Haddad will present a workshop on Teneriffe Lace

Teneriffe is a circular lace made in the form of star shaped medallions or sun rays. It is sometimes called Sun, or Sol, lace. The name can be traced to Spain in the 16th century.  The technique was then taught on the island of Teneriffe , one of the Canary Islands. From there it found its way across the Atlantic Ocean to Spanish colonies. The finest Sol Lace was exported from Brazil and Uruguay.

The lace is made with smooth, strong threads in white or colors, on a circular loom device to hold the warp threads. For the Guild workshop cardboard circles will be used as the loom. We will warp the loom to create the rays that cross in the center, then using a long needle create the teneriffe stitches and designs.

Fonda Haddad is a multi-talented fiber artist. A fourth generation Floridian, living in Mims, she has explored a variety of techniques. In the 1980’s she specialized in batik clothing and textiles. Wanting to be more three dimensional, Fonda explored ceramics, basketry and finally gourds. Her gourds often incorporate basketry techniques as well as carving and wood burning.

She has taught gourd crafting and basketry at John C. Campbell folk school for the last 18 years. Fonda has a Masters in Visual Arts Education and taught in public schools ages kindergarten to college. She works at her studio in Mims creating artwork and enters several shows a year including the Fall Festival at the Campbell Folk School

The completed lace circles can be used as a single unit, such as a lace doily or sewn to a garment. It can be joined to create chains of lace or a tablecloth. It can even be made of firmer natural materials to create baskets and or fill a circle cut into a gourd..  Fee for the workshop is $10 which includes the loom, threads and needle and complete instructions. Bring a scissors.

Since 1983 SCW&FA has been Brevard’s go to guild for fiber arts: spinning, weaving, basketry, rug hooking,and more.  The guild helps fiber artists, beginning or advanced, learn through workshops and the informal exchange of ideas. They also work to educate the public about the fiber arts.  Meetings are free and open to the public.  For more information call Jeanie McCormack at 321-266-1610.