As I mentioned the other day I'm taking a class on caning. My project is caning a small footstool. Here's what I've completed so far. I think this might be a herringbone stitch. There are lots of other folks in the class doing some unique projects; different styles of chairs, larger footstools, and using different caning materials. Next Thursday I'll take my camera to class and take a few photos to show you.
Here's a side view so you can see the rungs at the bottom. Of course when I showed Gary photos of caning on google he started asking me questions I couldn't answer. Where does the caning come from? How did caning begin? Why was it developed? What can it be used for? I'll research these questions and more and report back here.
found on google images
Then Gary said he wanted a king sized headboard that was caned and when could he expect it. Don't hold your breath Gary. He thought he invented that idea. I googled it, nope it's been done before. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
When I was doing antique restoration people were always asking if I caned. Nooo ! I think it makes a nice seat but I don't know how anyone makes more than $3 an hour doing it for other people.
ReplyDeleteHi Dennis, thanks, I think any of these hand crafts are hard pressed to make what they should per hour but if I can pick up some damaged chairs for a song and do them then maybe I can make some extra income. we shall see.
DeleteCaning used be a craft that was taught to the blind. A friend made a nice little side income with it.
ReplyDeleteLike latch hook rugs I don't think I have the patience for it.
Hi Suzi, thanks, well maybe I can add to my income, I hope so, something to do in winter or that I can take with me when I can't do clay
DeleteLovely caning.
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi, thanks, can't wait to finish it and start another.
DeleteA wonderful art. The artist always behind me at one show was a chair caner. George was his name. I tended his booth on Sunday morning; he didn't come in until after lunch, because "Sunday mornings are slow!" I think I sold one piece for him.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, thanks, I guess George was right. Ha.
DeleteThat's going to be beautiful. Good to have another "finger activity" in your tool kit.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, and this stool is easy to carry around and not many tools needed to do caning.
ReplyDeleteI love how you are always trying new things! When I was in NH there was a house on my commute that had a sign outside that said "Reseating Service" - it always made me laugh... I know they caned chairs but I alway imagined someone calling them and saying, "I don't like my seats at the concert, can you reseat me in a better section?"
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, what a hoot, lovely story.
ReplyDeleteSo few artists are paid a meaningful hourly rate...
ReplyDeleteThe caning looks really promising. Another journey I will follow with a great deal of interest. Thank you - and good luck.
Hi Sue, thanks, these forays are very satisfying as a both a learning experience and as relaxing and artistic destinations.
DeleteI bought a beautiful piece of furniture a radiator cover for $15.00, no one at the auction knew what it was~~~beautiful wood with cane inserts (the open type with the little holes) there are several small holes, I never got around to having it repaired, but I think I did see where you could buy sheets of cane for a DIY project :( enjoy your class
ReplyDeleteHi Carroll, thanks, the caning isn't that difficult but it does require concentrations, knowledge of the skills, and patience as well as persistence.
DeleteHello Linda,
ReplyDeleteDoes your creative spirit know no bounds?
What fun to attend caning classes to learn a new skill. And, the end result looks good. If Gary were to attend lessons too then a headboard may well be possible......you could start at either end and meet in the middle!
Happy New Year and thank you for your kind message.
Hi Jane and Lance, thanks, if only we could meet in the middle, still trying to get Gary to take up a hobby with the hands rather than just traipsing around in a four wheel drive.
DeleteI just had to dispose of a chair of my mother's because it needed to be re-caned and she couldn't find anyone nearby who does it. It seems like a lost art. I am hoping someone like you came by and claimed the chair before the trash truck took it. Your stool looks great.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori thanks, oh I wish I had known I would have caned it so you could keep it, I hope someone got it and restores it.
DeleteThere's a caning shop in Berkeley that I love visiting. I buy reeds to make handmade handles on my teapots and they have an amazing collection. They also teach basketry and caning. In the back, they repair chairs. What a purposeful craft to learn. Your stool is looking good.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlene, thanks, for some reason I am drawn to the heritage crafts that may some day be lost to those who don't want to make anything hand made.
ReplyDelete