Just returned from attending a short course in KL organized by the Women's Institution on how to make this craft. Looks like rattan baskets, don't they? Actually, strips of newspaper were rolled into very thin cylindrical "sticks" and then woven as you would in basketry. As you go along, you join the paper "sticks" (sorry I don't know what to call it!) until you get the shape you wanted. I had problem joining the paper sticks. The next step is to touch-up the pieces with lacquer or paint. Once they are lacquered, the papers become stiff. The two baskets on the left in the picture are in their natural state - newspaper. And the dark coloured ones are painted. Now, the next big problem is I have to master the technique so that I can in turn pass this craft to the members in my locality, in preparation for a competition. It's not merely teeny weeny baskets, mind you. Oh no! A 10 inches diameter sewing basket PLUS (mind you PLUS) COVER! Will I be able to it? So that's my BIG challenge for now. I'll keep you posted of my progress . . . . wish me luck, folks!Friday, January 21, 2011
NEWSPAPER - RECYCLED
Just returned from attending a short course in KL organized by the Women's Institution on how to make this craft. Looks like rattan baskets, don't they? Actually, strips of newspaper were rolled into very thin cylindrical "sticks" and then woven as you would in basketry. As you go along, you join the paper "sticks" (sorry I don't know what to call it!) until you get the shape you wanted. I had problem joining the paper sticks. The next step is to touch-up the pieces with lacquer or paint. Once they are lacquered, the papers become stiff. The two baskets on the left in the picture are in their natural state - newspaper. And the dark coloured ones are painted. Now, the next big problem is I have to master the technique so that I can in turn pass this craft to the members in my locality, in preparation for a competition. It's not merely teeny weeny baskets, mind you. Oh no! A 10 inches diameter sewing basket PLUS (mind you PLUS) COVER! Will I be able to it? So that's my BIG challenge for now. I'll keep you posted of my progress . . . . wish me luck, folks!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
PEARL OF KEDAH - LANGKAWI
Here's wishing you a Very Happy Start to a Brand New Year! May 2011 brings you happiness, good health and good fortune.
I celebrated the coming of the new year in the bus returning home from LANGKAWI, a beautiful island right up north of the Peninsula.
I went with a group of senior citizens - all ladies - whose main purpose was to shop at the many Duty Free Shops, naturally! I, on the other hand, took the opportunity to spend the last few days of my holidays enjoying the camaraderie with my friends and to enjoy the scenery of this beautiful island.
LANGKAWI consisted of a group of 99 islands (so said the tourist guide). I love the high hills dipping into the clear, blue seas. Also I liked the colours of the many boats bringing tourists by the loads from island to island. We went to one or two tourist spots and "island hopping" but due to the short stay (also time taken with shopping!), I didn't get to see much of the island. Hope to return to explore more of the island some other time.
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