Читать книгу Basket-Weaving Crafts - Virve Boesch - Страница 11

Preparation

The projects in this book are divided into five chapters and are presented at varying difficulty levels. Choose a simple project to get started and set aside enough time to complete it. If you run out of time, you can divide the project into several phases. Read all the steps for a project before you start working, and refer to the information here in the front of the book if necessary.

Workspace

Set up in a clear space with all your tools at your fingertips. Small items can be created either on a table or on your lap. Protect the table or floor with a tarp/ cloth and your knees with a towel.

Having a good working posture is essential in basket making. It is crucial that you feel comfortable and at ease while working. Posture can also affect the quality of a work in progress. It is important to be able to freely rotate the object in all directions while you work. Pay attention to your hand position and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

Choosing and preparing the rattan

Choose the quality and diameter of the rattan/reed according to its use: very thick for framework, thick for spokes, and thinner for weaving. For a simple basket, for example, use at least 2 diameters: a thicker one for the spokes and a thinner one for the weavers. For a project requiring the use of a premade wooden base, you must adjust the diameter of the spokes to match the diameter of the holes in the base. The total amount of rattan/reed required depends on the size of the object and the finishes chosen.

Before you start to weave, cut out all your spokes per the recommended size. Remove blackened parts, if there are any. Set aside the weavers that you will use for the longest weaves.

For each project in this book, we specify the quantity and diameter of rattan/reed used as well as the length of the spokes.

Generally, to calculate the length of the spokes, you must consider the following:

•the length required to attach the spoke to the base or to use the spoke for both base and walls,

•the height of the object that you wish to make,

•the border chosen, since a more complicated border requires more material.

If you want to modify the dimensions or create your own project, you can base your calculations on these factors and the sizes given in this book. But be prepared—it is better to have too much rattan/reed and cut the spokes too long than to not have enough! You can always trim your spokes and weavers after weaving.

Dyeing

Before you weave them, you can stain weavers in a hot bath using natural textile dyes. Most rattan products, including reed, are porous and easily take on color.

When dyeing with powdered textile dyes, the amount of product you need will vary according to the desired color level (for example, you might use dye in a quantity of 5% of the weight of the material to be dyed). You can also vary the amount of water (e.g., 20 times the weight of the material).

Mix the color in a small amount of hot water in a large pot dedicated to dyeing. Add the remaining water and salt (1 tablespoon per 10 liters). Mix well and add the rattan/reed (after pre-soaking it in clear water). Allow it to boil for 30 to 45 minutes while stirring well. Let the mixture cool in the dye bath for 30 minutes. Rinse well and allow to dry before use.

For more information about natural dyeing, check out books on the subject. One of the easiest substances to acquire and use is walnut stain. Mix the dye with water according to the desired hue and soak the rattan/reed in it. For a light color, you can use lukewarm water. Remove the weavers when the desired color is achieved: Allow 15 to 30 minutes for a light dye and several hours for a darker hue. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Soaking

Rattan in any form always needs to be soaked before it can be worked with. Without soaking, it may break and weaving will be less uniform. Be careful, however, to soak only the amount needed each time, because soaking the rattan too much in advance may cause it to turn gray and weaken. Don’t leave the rattan in the water for too long.

You can use a basin, tub, or large container to soak your weavers. You can cut your spokes to size before soaking them. In most cases, you will want to keep the weavers as long as possible. To be able to dip them one by one, you can separate all your weavers and wrap them over one another, locking them by wrapping with the end of the weaver. Fill your container and immerse the rattan in warm water (or hot water to reduce the soaking time). You can place a weight on the rattan so that it remains immersed. Take it out of the bath and wipe it off gently.

The weavers must remain wet for the duration of the work. During weaving, spray them with water from time to time. Dry the wet weavers fully after the work is done so that they do not get moldy.

Upkeep, varnish, and dyeing

Remember that rattan should be kept in a dry place and away from direct light. Regularly dust your objects to maintain them. Use a damp cloth to clean them. You can also add a little lemon juice in the water to sanitize them.

Approximate soaking time depends on the diameter of the rattan:

•#2.5 (2mm) or less: 1 to 2 minutes

•#2.5 to #4.5 (2 to 3mm): 5 minutes

•#5.5 to #8 (4 to 6mm): 10 to 20 minutes

•#8 (6mm) or more: 20 to 30 minutes

You can varnish or paint the items you make to protect them and ensure that they last a long time. A clear varnish is recommended, especially if you are going to display the object in a humid place. Some varnishes are specially designed for rattan, but you can also use a natural wood varnish. If the object is intended to come into contact with food, use a suitable food-safe varnish or oil. If you decide to paint your objects, work with a thin coat. Spray painting gives the best results, but you can also use a brush.