| Natural-Fiber Vase |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-126 |
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Natural fibers can add beauty and interest to your home decor. Sandi Reinke, owner of Loose Ends (a company that sells handmade paper and other natural materials), describes some of the products available in her company's catalog and explains the basics of applying natural papers to papier-mache vases. Loose Ends began as a business to supply natural raw materials to crafters who wanted to do their own projects. The products have a primitive look that's very popular in home decor. The purpose of the business hasn't changed, but now it also offers hundreds of handmade papers and fibers. To add natural fibers to a papier-mache vase or urn, Sandi mixed white glue and water (about 70 percent glue and 30 percent water). She chose a handmade banana-fiber paper and banana-fiber mesh for this project and tore the paper rather than cut it in order to leave soft, natural edges. Sandi dipped a piece of torn handmade paper in the glue mixture, squeezed it out, and applied it to the urn, smoothing some areas of the paper and leaving others raised to add dimension (figure A). She continued until she achieved the desired effect. Some areas can be left uncovered to allow the original papier-mache finish to show through. Add other fibers for a varied look. Don't be afraid to experiment: there are no mistakes. Sandi displayed two tassels made from natural rope fibers with small seashells tie to the ends (figure B). The natural colors and fibers add warmth and texture. Loose Ends makes unique handmade papers that may be used as wallpaper (figure C). The paper is made by adding a layer of natural leaves, bamboo or ferns, followed by a layer of finer pulp, to a rough pulp. Once the paper dries, the foliage shows through. These papers come in 8' lengths and may be made into decorative screens. Light shines through the paper, showing the lovely natural leaves and branches. And for the well-dressed desk, Loose Ends offers bamboo paper clips (figure D).
RESOURCES :
Loose Ends information
Loose Ends
Website: www.4loosends.com
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