Hello all - Jenny here. Wanted to take a sec and introduce Cooky Schock. She is a fibers/mixed media artist from San Diego. Former owner of The Shepherdess Bead store - that's how I met her during my tenure there. She is joining the team here at AJE, and you will get a full introduction soon, promise. These "Lucet" things really intrigue me - stop by at Beadfest for demos and more info. Cooky will be next to me at #462 in Artisan's Alley!
Here's what she had to say:
While researching different thread-made chains to use with my micro macrame work, I cam across and article about the lucent. Coincidentally, at the same time I saw a PBS special about the Vikings. In one scene in the background some men were making ropes using antlers as the tool.
More research, more discoveries. Now fast forward to Medieval times where many objects of everyday use were hung by the waist with cords. Cords were used for drawing up bags to keeping up undies, etc. You name it and cords were involved! All these cords were handmade, usually on a simple but very essential implement known as the LUCET. This simple tool has been through many eras but the basic shape has remained constant.
The fork design is the most common, but a lucent made of more precious material such as ivory. .tortoise shell or mother of pearl usually did not have a handle.
The fork design is the most common, but a lucent made of more precious material such as ivory. .tortoise shell or mother of pearl usually did not have a handle.
My first lucent was created using a pickle fork and sawing off the center tines!
The lucet I now sell are made from a variety of recycled exotic hardwoods made by a woodworker from Crickhowell, a small rural village in southern Wales.
Any weight fiber can be used with any lucet and beads can be added as well. The braid itself is square and very strong.
Besides using the cord for chain, you can create I-cord much easier and faster than knitting or crocheting. It’s such an easy tool to use that even children have fun working with it. If you’re at BeadFest, please come by my booth #462 in Artisan Alley and try out this fun little tool know as the lucet.
What an interesting tool, I'd never heard about it! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...now you know I'm going to have to give this a ry don't you...?
ReplyDeleteAs the daughter of a costumer and SCA member, I got to dabble in lots of different fiber and textile techniques. The lucet was always one of my favorites - I remember liking the 'flip-it' sort of motion. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is any better tool for making 'thongs' or ties. The work is quick and the materials you can use are so varied it boggles the imagination.
Glad you've discovered it!!!
Cooky, what great information! I'm a dabbler in a number of different kinds of fiber and textile techniques too, but this is new to me! I love the idea and now I have to try it! Thanks so much for your post!
ReplyDelete