Materials & Craftsmanship Archives - Uncle Johns Knows How

Mastering Woodworking with Essential Hand Tools: A Beginner’s Guide

by John Fryer | Oct 13, 2025 | Materials & Craftsmanship

Woodworking is an age-old craft that has captivated the hearts and minds of many creative individuals. Whether you are looking to transform raw wood...

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

by Uncle John | Mar 23, 2025 | 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...

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.

Maintenance & Longevity

by Uncle John | Mar 22, 2025 | 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...

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.

Application Techniques

by Uncle John | Mar 22, 2025 | 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...

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.

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

by Uncle John | Mar 22, 2025 | 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...

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.

Preparation Steps

by Uncle John | Mar 22, 2025 | 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)...

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