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Basket Handles, etc.
Shaker Tape:
- When
your pattern calls
for placing shaker tape handles between the rim rows, make a
channel to
thread your 1” shaker tape with two pieces approximately
3-4” long of old 1”
vinyl window blind slats. Place two pieces together (curved sides
out) between the basket and the outside rim where the shaker tape
is to be
placed. The vinyl pieces should extend equal distance above and
below the
rim. Lash rim as if the shaker tape was inserted. The
basket can
now be stained by folding the channel pieces out of the away.
When the
stain is dry, thread the shaker tape through the channels and remove
the vinyl
guides. For 5/8” shaker tape, 1” blinds can be
trimmed to 5/8” inches
width. Note: Some stores that custom cut blinds will give
you their
scrap end pieces. You can also cut strips from plastic milk
cartons.
Wire Handles:
- When
you have a wire handle
that has a little rust, spray some WD-40 on a paper towel and wipe the
rust
off.
Wood Handles:
- Use
a rectangular hoop
instead of a D handle when making a market basket to keep the cost
down.
- If
your diameter of your
notched or swing handle does not fit your basket properly, you can put
it in
boiling water or hold it under hot tap water until it bends easily.
Be
careful not to use force. Use a string or long twist ties
to hold
it and dry the handle thoroughly. You will need to sand the
handle before
inserting it in you basket.
- For
a smooth handle, rub your
handle using a 6 or 8 inch square of heavy brown paper bag with the
print side
out. The rubbing creates the friction that smoothes the wood.
- Oval/Oval
reed (oval
on both sides) and chair spline can be used for carving custom handles.
- Never
insert the ears of a
swing, bushel, or notched handle under all the rows of weaving. Not
only is
this difficult, it usually distorts the shape of your basket. The rim
holds the
handle in place so anchoring the ends under one to three rows is all
that is
needed to keep the ears from sticking out. For a dramatic look, try
lacing with
narrow flat oval or cane in an X over pattern to anchor the ends to the
basket
instead of sliding the ends under rows.
Tips
and Tricks listed on this page have been pasted from weaver to
weaver over the past years. MBG does NOT claim originality
but provides a
forum for sharing those deemed beneficial to new and experienced
weavers.
MBG welcomes the submission of additional tips and tricks.
Please send
your tips to
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