Also known as Basket Braiding, Wicker Working, and Straw Spinning, the art of Reed Weaving is one of man’s oldest trades. The art is so old in fact that no-one is quite sure when it started, and as most old trades are, it is invaluable to the survival of all bipedal beings. Used for flatware, containers, furniture, and in smaller circles armor, there are virtually no limitations on the aspirations a gifted Reed Weaver.
Prerequisites and Related Skills
The only true prerequisite for reed weaving is that the craftsman has access to all components needed. This includes water, reed or straw of some nature that is a minimum of one foot in length, glues, and oils of some manner. While most prefer oils that are non combustible such as olive or lily oils any will do.
There are no skills that are directly related to the absolute benefit or requirement of Reed Weaving, however many can be combined with the skill. This are, of course, at the users discretion, and many who take up the skill have close ties to Pottery.
Components
- Reed and Straw – The heart and soul of Reed Weaving, these are the base materials used in the process. A skilled craftsman knows that different components have different properties and will explore these options throughout his life. For example the wider reeds are excellent for creating plates or low baskets, while the finer materials are more suited braiding carriages and furnitures.
- Water – Water is used to soak and shape the reed or straw, making it malleable. Without water the process would be impossible and the materials would often break before completion of the project.
- Oils – Often used after the completion of a project, oils are applied and soaked into the materials to give them a lasting flexibility. Without proper oil treatments, materials become quite brittle over time and the project will break down.
- Glues – Used to affix components into a set shape and hold them, or for bonding. Most craftsman prefer organic compounds that do not break down the natural strength of their materials such as honey, syrups, tree saps, and occasionally ground limestone and water. These are of course used sparingly, and avoided whenever possible as a glued joint will never hold up as well as a woven one.
- Inserts – These can be literally anything; many chose to weave inserts into their work to fill a function better suited outside of objects made of straw or reed. Often included are wooden bands for bracing edges, clay floors to insure durability, and metal wiring to improve overall strength.
Skills
- Soaking – The process of submerging the materials into a clean water bath and letting them absorb water to gain a malleable state. A user proficient in soaking knows through experience just how long materials need. Too long in the water and the materials turn to mush and are worthless, two short of a time span and they are to brittle to work with.
- Oiling – The art of applying oils to the product at the applicable time to insure long term flexibility of their design. Materials that are not oiled often dry out, crack and break over time, just as a sword requires upkeep so too does the basket.
- Gluing – The process of applying a bonding agent to materials in order to improve strength at an intersecting point. This is most often used at points of weakness, or areas where inserts are added. By gluing the product is seen as flawed and as one can imagine shunned by high level weavers.
- Layering – The process of laying materials atop one another weaving them above and below intersecting pieces.
- Rolling – Twisting materials into a more tubular form to increase strength
through layers. - Knotting – Tying materials together using links or knots.
- Braiding – The process of taking multiple strands of materials and crisscrossing them in a set pattern to create a tightly pulled and strengthened band.
Skill Progression
Novice (1-25)
At the Novice level a Reed Weaver is often found as an apprentice to a more experienced craftsman. They learn the process of soaking, gluing, and oiling through observation and practice. Generally they are only skilled enough to create product using the layering technique and a majority of their time is spent running errands and collecting materials. Common products are plates, simple bowls, and sifters.
Competent (26-50)
The Competent weaver now has a firm grasp upon the concepts of the skill. He or she can create product using multiple forms of technique and can generally support themselves with the skill. At this level they also begin to form a distinct understanding of what materials particular strengths and weaknesses are, and have the ability to choose those which best fit a project. Common products are baskets of varying sizes and forms as well as rope.
Expert (51-75)
The expert is seen as a skilled craftsman, and holds a firm grip and understanding of the process. Rarely do they waste time with simple projects, and their works are seen as functional art. They understand the complex details of their materials and often seek out new and exotic items to use in their form. An excellent living can be earned from the skill at this point and it is well known that those with money will seek out an expert for the comfort and reliability of their furniture. Common products include furniture, nets and works of art.
Master (76-100)
The Pinnacle of the form a Master Weaver often abandons commercial use of his skill and focuses on completely unique projects. Their understanding of materials is unrivaled and they can create seemingly impossible things from the straw. Among them is closely guarded secret of Straw Armor which uses layering and braiding of ultra thin materials as well as inserts to create an incredibly light weight and flexible, yet amazingly strong and durable armor.
The same technique is used to weave rugs and actual wall hangings too.
