Uncle John, Author at Uncle John's

Illustration of a woman in a sunny workshop making a common mistake, getting glue everywhere while working on a rattan chair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

ByUncle John March 23, 2025 12:29 amMarch 23, 2025 12:36 am The Art of Rattan & Wood

(Or: “Well, That’s a Learning Experience” in Disguise) Now, I’m not saying you would make any of these errors. But other people — let’s call them “enthusiastic but occasionally slapdash…

Illustration of a relaxed craftsman in his workshop attaching natural cane webbing neatly onto a flat wooden panel, using glue, staples, and basic hand tools.

The Art of Rattan & Wood

Maintenance & Longevity

ByUncle John March 22, 2025 9:24 pmMarch 22, 2025 9:45 pm The Art of Rattan & Wood

(Or: How to Keep Your Rattan From Turning Into Regret Over the Next Decade) You’ve done it. The rattan is attached, the glue is dry, the trim is on, and…

Watercolour illustration of a confident woman craftsman applying soaked rattan webbing onto a curved wooden chair using clamps, glue, and staples in a rustic, sunlit workshop.

The Art of Rattan & Wood

Application Techniques

ByUncle John March 22, 2025 7:52 pmMarch 24, 2025 5:09 am The Art of Rattan & Wood

(Or: How to Attach Rattan to Flat Panels, Curved Surfaces, and Your Loftiest Aspirations) Now that you’ve selected your materials, soaked your rattan (or given your synthetic a stern look),…

A watercolor painting of rattan and wood furniture, including baskets, chairs, and tables, arranged in a sunlit room with a wooden floor. A window in the background reveals a lush green landscape, creating a whimsical and serene atmosphere.

The Art of Rattan & Wood

Choosing Your Rattan and Wood (The Marriage of Wicker and Tree)

ByUncle John March 22, 2025 7:26 pmMarch 22, 2025 9:48 pm The Art of Rattan & Wood

Every epic tale begins with a union. Helen of Troy had her face, Arthur had his sword, and you, dear reader, have choices. Before a single staple is fired or…

A watercolour painting of a confident woman in work clothes standing at a workbench in a rustic timber workshop. She is soaking organic rattan sheets in a small tin bath on another bench, with a 30-minute timer nearby. The workshop is well-organized, with tools, materials, and golden sunlight streaming through a window that reveals a peaceful countryside view.

The Art of Rattan & Wood

Preparation Steps

ByUncle John March 22, 2025 5:43 pmMarch 22, 2025 9:48 pm The Art of Rattan & Wood

aka..( How to Bathe Your Cane and Convince the Wood It’s Ready for Commitment) Before any rattan meets wood in holy (or slightly sticky) matrimony, there’s prep work to be…

A watercolour painting of a confident woman in work clothes standing at a workbench in a rustic timber workshop. She is attaching soaked organic rattan sheets to a furniture frame using glue and staples. The workshop is well-organized, with tools, materials, and warm golden sunlight streaming through a window that reveals a peaceful countryside view.

The Art of Rattan & Wood

Attachment Methods

ByUncle John March 22, 2025 5:36 pmMarch 22, 2025 9:56 pm The Art of Rattan & Wood

(Also known as: Glue, Staples, Rattan sheets, and Other Mildly Dangerous Tools of Domestic Transformation) So. You’ve got your wood — clean, smugly sanded — and your rattan — soaked…

A watercolor painting of a hen with her chicks inside a chicken coop. The coop has nesting boxes, feed bags, and a slanted roof with sunlight streaming through.

Cluck & Coops

Keeping Chickens for Self-Sufficiency: A Practical & Humorous Guide

ByUncle John March 10, 2025 8:23 pmMarch 18, 2025 6:08 pm Cluck & Coops

So, you’re thinking about keeping chickens in your backyard? Excellent choice! These feathered friends can turn kitchen scraps into breakfast, patrol your garden for bugs, and provide endless entertainment with…

Diagram illustrating how PACE programs finance solar installations through property tax assessments."

Solar Power

The Ultimate Guide to US Solar PV Financing: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for 2025

ByUncle John March 7, 2025 12:03 amMarch 18, 2025 6:10 pm Solar Power

Going solar can dramatically cut your energy bills and carbon footprint. However, the upfront costs of a photovoltaic (PV) system can be intimidating. Fortunately, 2025 is a great time for U.S. homeowners to invest in solar thanks to robust financing options and government incentives. In this guide, we’ll break down US Solar PV financing from federal tax credits and PACE programs to picking top solar lenders, comparing solar PV loan vs lease options, and even financing DIY solar PV projects.

Solar Power

Guide to Wiring the 4kw Solar System

ByUncle John March 4, 2025 9:37 pmMarch 18, 2025 6:10 pm Solar Power

Guide to Wiring the 4kw Solar System: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for 2025 How to Wire a 4kW Solar System (Step-by-Step Guide) Wiring a 4kW solar power system requires careful…

A futuristic, eco-friendly home with large solar panels and a transparent solar battery system glowing with energy. A digital energy monitor interface displays clean, readable graphs and statistics, emphasizing real-time power tracking and cost savings. The scene is illuminated by warm sunlight, symbolizing sustainable living and energy independence.

Solar Power

Guide to Cutting Your Electricity Bill with Solar Batteries: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for 2025

ByUncle John March 4, 2025 7:20 amMarch 18, 2025 6:10 pm Solar Power

Tired of seeing your electricity bill balloon like an overfed balloon animal? This guide is here to show you how to harness solar batteries’ power to shrink those bills down to size. In 2025, with a little know-how and a bit of wit, you can build your very own DIY solar battery system that keeps the lights on and the bills low.