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STEPS TO MAKE A WATER HYACINTH BASKET FOR BEGINNERS!

It should be noted that water hyacinth, which is often considered a nuisance plant or weed, can actually be transformed into high-value handicrafts. One of the most popular products on the market is water hyacinth baskets. Because apart from being functional, this basket also has a unique aesthetic value.

Apart from that, the water hyacinth basket is an option because it is made from natural fiber material which is environmentally friendly. Of course this is an ideal choice, especially for those who concern on environmental issues. The manufacturing process involves skilled hands who are able to turn water hyacinth into quality crafts. 

So, its existence is suitable for storage and becomes one living room accessories to meet the needs of a more modern lifestyle. Not only will it create beautiful and aesthetic products, but this is also a real form of utilizing natural waste into something more useful.

Why Use Water Hyacinth Plants?

As previously explained, water hyacinth is a plant that lives in water and is often considered a weed. In fact, its presence is also considered to disrupt the ecosystem in the water. 

But who would have thought, starting from this anxiety, many craftsmen would change the negative view of water hyacinth into a classy product. Several points below are the reasons why using water hyacinth as the main material for making crafts is the right choice.

1. Environmentally Friendly

Water hyacinth is aquatic waste which can now be used as material to make high-value storage baskets. By processing it, it means we reduce the population of this plant in the waters. 

Indirectly, this also helps maintain environmental sustainability. Because that way, we help reduce natural waste while creating useful, quality products.

2. Has Unique Fibers

Water hyacinth has strong and flexible fibers that can be used to make various craft products, one of which is baskets. In addition, the fiber also has a unique natural texture, making it ideal for creating quality products. 

The natural fiber of water hyacinth is what will produce a product with a unique appearance rustic but elegant, which makes it very popular in local and international markets.

3. Reduces Excessive Growth

Compared to other aquatic plants, water hyacinth is a plant that grows quickly and often becomes a problem and causes disruption of aquatic ecosystems. Now, by using it as a craft material, the excessive growth of water hyacinth can be controlled properly. 

Thus, the aquatic ecosystem remains in balance. This means that using water hyacinth is not only a creative solution, but also the first step in supporting environmental preservation, especially the aquatic environment.

Steps to Make a Basket from Water Hyacinth

The steps for making a water hyacinth basket are quite simple with equipment that is easy to find. So, it is not surprising that many people then become water hyacinth craftsmen. 

However, this will be difficult if you do not have high skills, thoroughness and creativity. For those of you who want to make water hyacinth baskets at home and for personal consumption, below are simple steps you can follow, including: 

1. Collecting Water Hyacinth

The initial stage of making a water hyacinth basket is of course collecting the main ingredients. For this ingredient, you can easily find it in swamps and lakes. You can cut the stem at the bottom of the water hyacinth, then remove the unneeded leaves. 

Ideally, the water hyacinth used to make baskets is water hyacinth with a minimum height of 30 cm with large and old stems. Apart from that, also prepare the necessary equipment such as wooden boards, nails, scissors, varnish, brushes, glue, clamps, and others.

2. Drying the Water Hyacinth

After cleaning the leaves, water hyacinth dried under direct sunlight. To make it easier for you to collect the water hyacinth stems after they are dry, you can add a plastic mat to the bottom. 

This drying process takes a long time. To get perfectly dry water hyacinth stems, they usually have to be dried in the sun for approximately one week. This aims to ensure that the water hyacinth stems are completely dry and do not leave water in the stem fibers.

So, it is easier to make into a basket. For maximum and even results, make sure to reverse the position. Apart from that, make sure the water hyacinth is not exposed to water or rainwater. So that the stems are dry, clean and not moldy because this will reduce the quality.

3. Prepare the Basket Design

Moving on to the next step is to prepare the design or model of the basket that will be made. To determine the size, you can make a mold according to the desired size. 

This mold can be made from wooden boards or plywood that are nailed and formed into a box. This mold will make it easier to weave the water hyacinth basket.

4. Process of Making Woven Water Hyacinth Baskets

After all the materials and equipment are ready, it’s time to move on to the final stage, namely making the basket. Following are the steps to follow: 

  • Prepare dry water hyacinth stems, then flatten them using bamboo tongs. To make the stem neater, you can cut the ends. 
  • If the stem has been flattened and the ends trimmed, it can be woven directly following the mold that has been made. This mold is useful for making the weaving process easier and will help give shape to the weave.
  • Make the webbing until it is half finished, then attach it using glue so that the webbing doesn’t shift easily.
  • When the weaving process is complete and the webbing covers the entire mold, you can remove it from the mold.
  • After that, paint the wicker using transparent varnish to bring out the natural color of the water hyacinth fibers. Then, dry in the sun for approximately 15 minutes.
  • Once dry, add accessories to beautify the webbing (if needed). However, even without additional accessories, water hyacinth crafts are very aesthetic.

Safimex company has supplying Dried water hyacinth rope with a good price for bulk order. If you are interested in this product, please feel free to contact us at info@safimex.com or click at https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Water-hyacinth-rope-for-handicraft-products_10000015625298.html?spm=a2747.product_manager.0.0.4f622c3chQWFX7

Source: Harmoni Kreasi!

SAFIMEX JOINT STOCK COMPANY

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