Reed is a very common plant in Mediterranean areas, as well as in America and Asia and, for thousands of years, it has been used as a raw material to make baskets and other containers. Precisely for this reason, on this occasion we want to talk to you about how to prepare the reed to make crafts.
Let's see what treatment must be given to this raw material of natural origin in order to convert it into a plant fiber that has multiple uses.
What is a reed?
The term reed encompasses several plants that belong to different botanical genera and families. The two best known types are these:
Juncus of the genus Juncus
- They are plants of the Juncaceae family.
- They are evergreen and grow in humid habitats such as swamps, wetlands and the banks of ponds and streams.
- Its stems are long and thin, and the leaves are simple pods that grow around the stem.
- The flowers are small andand grouped in dense inflorescences at the top of the stems.
- They fulfill an important biological function by stabilizing the soil in humid areas and providing an ideal habitat for different aquatic and terrestrial animal species.
Reeds of the genus Cyperus
- They are part of the Cyperaceae family.
- They are perennial herbaceous plants that grow in humid habitats.
- Its stems are triangular and grow erect. Long, thin leaves extend along the entire stem from the base.
- The inflorescence resembles umbels and is produced at the top of the stems.
- Some species of this genus are considered weeds, due to their ability to grow out of control and compete with crops agricultural and native plants for resources such as light, water and soil nutrients.
Traditional uses of reed in crafts
Reed is a raw plant material that humans have been using for thousands of years. More traditional uses include:
Basketry
The flexible and durable fibers of this plant are ideal for weaving baskets, hampers, hampers and other storage containers, which are highly appreciated for their great resistance and also for its natural aesthetics.
Weaving of rugs and carpets
Reed is also used to make woven mats and rugs. Intertwined and dyed fibers They can give rise to interesting patterns that have great decorative interest.
Weaving of mats and mats
A very common use of reed is related to the making of mats and mats that They are used for both sitting and sleeping, and that they are very common in certain cultures.
Knitting hats and accessories
In many cultures, reeds are used to make hats and fashion accessories such as bags or belts. These products take advantage of the flexibility of this material and its resistance toto give rise to resistant and durable accessories.
Furniture construction
In some regions, the use of reed is common in the manufacture of furniture, especially chairs and armchairs. To do this, the fibers are braided or intertwined to make resistant, comfortable and breathable seats and backrests.
Characteristics that make reed highly appreciated in crafts
Before seeing how to prepare the rush for to do handcraft, It is worth reviewing why this material It is so valued by artisans.
Flexibility
We are faced with a very malleable plant fiber, which It can be braided, woven and intertwined in different ways. This allows you to create different products with original and very attractive patterns.
Durability
The reed stands out for its resistance and durability. Its fibers can easily withstand the manipulation of the artisanal process and, once they are part of a finished product, they hold up well to daily use.
Availability
Reed is a common plant that is available in many parts of the world, soIt turns out to be a cheap and very accessible raw material.
natural texture
The texture of this plant fiber adds visual interest to the craft. Its fibers are soft to the touch, and this makes them suitable for products that will be in contact with the footl, like hats or mats.
Sustainability
Reed can be harvested sustainably, without causing harm to the environment. Because it has an extraordinary capacity for regeneration and grows very quickly.
Versatility
One of the reasons why this material is so common in crafts is because It lends itself to a large number of techniques. So artisans can experiment with different styles and ways of working, creating a wide range of products.
How to prepare the reed to make crafts?
The reed receives different treatments to be used in crafts, but we are going to tell you the most basic process, which is suitable for preparing the fiber for such common applications as making a mat.
Reed harvest
The rush is harvested when it is mature, but still green. Because that is when it is most flexible and resistant. For collection, Straight reeds of uniform thickness are selected.
drying
Reed grows in humid environments, and must be allowed to dry so that it is freed of all moisture and thus prevents the appearance of mold.
It can be left to dry directly in the sun, or left in a well-ventilated place for several days. This drying process is essential for the result to be good and the piece made with this fiber does not end up rotting.
Cleaning
When the reed is dry, it's time to clean it. The easiest way to do this is by gently brushing or wiping the surface with a dry cloth to remove impurities.
Optional treatment
In many cases, a protective solution against insects and mold is usually applied. One way to do this is to soak it in a solution of water with a natural preservative such as neem oil, and then let it dry again.
After this process, the reed is ready to pass into the hands of the artisans and become a beautiful product.
Now that you know how to prepare reed for crafts and how versatile it can be, do you dare to include it as a material in your crafts?