Green grow the rushes-o :)

[Toddy]

It's no secret that I think we should make more of our native plants, and in my meanderings with crafts folks and their conversations, I found a truly inspirational site

I know of the lady, but I haven't met her. I would love to do courses with her though

Have a wander through her site and look at the things she makes
http://www.rushmatters.co.uk/rush/harvesting/1/

atb,
M

 

[Goatboy]

Had a wee looksee, like the fact that the floormats are woven through with other herbs to help. Like you say would be great to go on a course.

 

[boatman]

Very nice site, thanks. Small caveat that I wish they used traditionally shaped reed cutting craft such as the Norfolk traditional boats.

 

[Toddy]

I did wonder about the punts, but I suppose they're available and capable of taking the load. Steady to work from too I'd reckon.
The reed lighters are a different shape entirely though, iirc. wider, more rounded ?

M

 

[Tony]

That's a lovely website, what they're doing is great, if i was minted i'd be able to afford something, I like the eco Beetle crushers, Shell would love them. I get that they need to be that price with the amount of work and skill etc....
Nice stuff

 

[Toddy]

I've done some rushwork, and it's lovely material to work with. It's pliable, almost leather like, it smells good, it looks good, it's much easier to handle that willow, hazel or cane. It's lightweight, it's warm underfoot or against the wall. It grows well here and it is so very useful.

I live in a very modern, comfortable, every mod con, box of a house, but if I would happily live in a home with rushes and natural materials all around me

M

 

[Bowlander]

Shame its not Juncus effusus, there are plenty of rushes around here, their everywhere!

 

[Toddy]

Those little rushes make good rope though

from this thread…..
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120400

M

 

[Bowlander]

Cool, I'll give that a try!

 

[Harvestman]

I love that rush mattress. Luxury camping kit!

 

[Toddy]

We used to make so much use of rushes in the British Isles, and when you see work like this it lifts it entirely from the 'rush strewn' primitive interior ideas that folks think of. Woven and plaited, it makes warm flooring or bedding, it insulates walls (see the stuff on the French chateau) and it makes good, practical, lightweight basketry too. It can even be woven into hats and raincapes.

M