Utility: Recovering a neglected chair.
Difficulty: Average.
Cost: Average.
Materials:
- Reed (specialised stores).
- Spatula or screwdriver to tighten the cord.
Steps:
1. Clean the wood thoroughly with a cloth and warm water. Also dampen the reed with a moist cloth to make it more flexible and workable (it will later stiffen). It should always be worked in a clockwise direction and knots tied firmly on the underside.
2. Start at the sides because they are generally wider than the rest of the chair. The reed is passed up and over the front bar and then over the sides. Stretch it as much as you can and pass it over the lateral bar on the other side. Once again pass over and under and repeat the operation on the front bar. Repeat until the whole chair is covered. You should never place one cord on top of another.
3. If you use a screwdriver or spatula as a lever it will help you to tighten the cords and ensure that they remain close together. When you have passed the reed over and under eight times or so flip the chair over and cut the loose ends. Using the screwdriver place the knots under the reed cords.
Advices:
- This is a simple finish for any neglected chair you may have lying around. If you paint the chair in a bright colour it will cheer up any comer of the house, or else if you prefer it a little more classic you can paint it with a little wood-coloured varnish. It makes for a very attractive addition to any child's room or in the corridor on a contrasting mat.
- You should be daring with your decoration, above all with items that you can move around without affecting the whole. |
