Reed is a perennial herb that has settled on the banks of rivers and lakes. In addition, in search of reeds, you can go to swamps and burnt peat bogs. For creativity and the creation of unique things from reeds, narrow-leaved and broad-leaved varieties are used, which differ not only in the size of the leaves, but also in color. The narrow-leaved variety has yellow-green leaves, while the broad-leaved variety has grayish green leaves.
Reed weaving
Reed weaving material is harvested during the flowering period. During this time, the leaves gain sufficient strength, but still retain their flexibility. You should go to the collection not earlier than the middle of summer. The reed is cut with a large knife or sickle.
When properly dried under a canopy, the leaves retain their natural olive green color. It is better not to dry the material under the sun, as it loses its strength and acquires a golden-fawn hue. Unless you plan to start weaving right away, keep the leaves tied in bunches. If necessary, the leaves can be dyed and bleached with synthetic dyes. Leaves 1 cm wide are suitable for weaving, if the leaf is too large, it is cut in half.
Using the weaving method, you can create unique and useful things: trays, baskets and decorative vases. To weave a tray, pick 15 leaves and make "racks" out of them. Take 6 reed leaves, which will be equal in length to the diameter of the bottom, 6 more leaves should be the same in width and length. Add new leaves as you weave the bottom.
When the diameter of the bottom reaches the required size, weave the "string" into two sheets and lay on the bottom, continue to weave the walls of the future tray. Once you have reached the required height, complete the braiding with a double "string". Using an awl, straighten the rows of weaving.
Reed curtain
If weaving causes you difficulties and you are used to getting results quickly, make a curtain from reeds. For the curtain, a reed stalk is required, it is cut into its component parts with a sharp knife, carefully scrolling.
Each link is pierced with a knitting needle and the fishing line is pulled. You can decorate the curtain with multi-colored beads and plastic rings. The length of the curtain should be equal to the height of the doorway. After completing the assembly work, tie the resulting threads to a bar with drilled holes.
Reed paper
This paper is perfect for decorating a notebook. For cooking, cut the reeds into pieces, discarding the joints. Place the stems and lye in a suitable container. Caustic soda can be used as alkali. After the stems are soft, rinse them under running water.
Add flax seeds to the resulting milled mass. Thanks to this, the liquid will become more liquid and viscous, convenient for casting. Prepare the fabric stretched over a wooden base and pour the mixture through a sieve to form a sheet. Smooth with a knife and press with a cloth. Once dry, the sheets can be used.
