Materials & Craftsmanship

Discover the art of making things from scratch and restoration projects with expert guides on DIY furniture, pallet woodworking, rattan weaving, and more. Learn about tools, materials, and craftsmanship techniques to create, repair, and upcycle like a pro. Perfect for hobbyists and makers!

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

The Art of Rattan & Wood

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 confident woman in work clothes crafting rattan patio furniture in a rustic timber workshop. The scene features neatly organized tools, golden sunlight streaming through a window, and a peaceful country view outside.

The Art of Rattan & Wood

How to Attach Rattan to Wood (Without Losing Your Sanity or Stapler): A Whimsical DIY Guide

ByJohn Fryer March 14, 2025 11:04 pmMarch 22, 2025 9:58 pm The Art of Rattan & Wood

Somewhere between “I want my home to look like a sun-drenched Bali retreat” and “this old cabinet could really use a makeover,” lies the noble art of attaching rattan to…