WEDNESDAY WICKER WISDOM–Today’s topic is about creativity in using an old wicker material in a new innovative way. Well, it’s probably not so innovative, just different…
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A while back a customer brought in this darling little footstool that had been woven in a checkerboard pattern, using #4 paper fibre rush. He wanted it repaired so his grandchildren could enjoy using it again.
It was in sad shape and needed the seat replaced, as you can see. The stool has many broken strands on the top and several visible connection knots on the bottom.
I have done this checkerboard pattern before using both seagrass and paper cord, but wanted to try a different pattern and material on this project.
I had a roll of 1/2″ paper fibre rush wicker braid sitting there on my workbench that I had used on repairing a wicker baby buggy.
With the customer’s permission, I decided that a different look with a different material might be a really nice touch.
So, using the 1/2″ paper fibre braid material, which was typically used as trim on baby and doll buggies from the 1920s, I started weaving a checkerboard pattern on the stool.
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The paper wicker braid was very easy to use, and weaving this small stool went fairly quickly.
I like this material so well, that I will be using it again and teaching it in my seat weaving classes as well. I think the final product turned out pretty cool, don’t you?
Now, as the final finish, I applied two coats of thinned-down shellac or if you’d like, you could use varnish to both the top and bottom of the stool, using a natural bristle chip brush.
That was fun using an old paper wicker braid buggy trim material and applying a new contemporary twist!
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Now the seat is sturdy and strong and should last another 25-50 years with good care.
What do you think? And how have you used old materials in new ways of weaving seats and stools?
Let me know in the comments below what you’ve done to change things up with your weaving projects! Enjoy!
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Happy Weaving, until next time!
That looks fabulous, Cathryn! A beautiful multi-texture appearance with a lot of depth.
(braid) within (checkerboard weave). I love it!
Thanks Linda, I’ve also woven the footstools in a similar pattern, but using the wider 1″ paper fibre wicker braid. I think I like the smaller size better and doubling up on the weave, with two strands per weaver, is a nice touch too.