Making water hyacinth as raw material for basket water hyacinth crafts that are sold, not only provide benefits to craftsmen, but also benefit the environment. Water hyacinth is known to be a pest of every such water and pond. If there are already a few, the instructions immediately multiply and tend to have a negative effect on the environment.
Using water hyacinth, especially being able to take advantage of the stuffing, is a positive thing for the environment. Because the victim can reduce or not be able to help. This plant can grow quickly, increase, the more it is used, the better. It’s just that the use is new, as information as raw material for handicraft products.
Water Hyacinth for the Environment
To better understand how water hyacinth exists in the environment, it doesn’t hurt to look at the various negative impacts on the waters. But besides that, we have come to understand that we can make water hyacinth as a handicraft product that has positive values for the environment.
1. Silting of water
In Indonesia, there are many swamps, reservoirs and rivers that are used for various needs of the local population. For example for irrigation, power generation and fish farming. If there is water hyacinth, these beneficial waters cannot function properly anymore.
This is because these weeds absorb water. Because it grows quickly, more and more of the water contained in swamps, reservoirs and rivers will decrease in volume. Because the volume is reduced, ultimately the benefits of water areas also do not function properly.
2. Destroying fish farming
One way to cultivate fish in Indonesian waters is to use karamba. Karamba is a basket or box made from bamboo slats to grow fish for example in swamps or rivers.
If there is a flow of water, this plant will also be carried by the water and drag the karamba as a fish farm. Of course it will have an impact on the fish that live in it, even causing huge losses.
3. Blocking traffic in the water
These handicraft raw material plants, if grown in water, will increase in number in a short time. If there is water traffic such as a boat or boat, then this plant can block the waterways from running.
4. Clog irrigation
In irrigation the problem is the same. If there are these plants, the irrigation canal will be filled so as to clog the existing irrigation system. As a result, all the benefits and needs obtained from irrigation are not obtained.
Wicker Baskets
As raw material for handicraft products, water hyacinth provides great benefits. The scarcity of craftsmen who have the ability to process water hyacinth and its products that have an attractive appearance have made handicraft producers able to reap tens of millions. Even at international handicraft goods festivals, this craft product is still a favorite.
The most preferred product from water hyacinth crafts is the wicker basket. Although there are also water hyacinth products such as tables, chairs, bags and other products. What is the process of making water hyacinth as a useful and attractive basket?
As a handicraft, it turns out that this water hyacinth basket is quite easy to make. But of course it still takes a little skill and patience to keep up with the process. Here’s how to process water hyacinth into baskets that you might be able to practice.
1. Looking for water hyacinth
Finding water hyacinth is the first job we have to do. Some craftsmen buy it in a dry form. But to follow the process, we have a review from the beginning.
We can look for water hyacinths along rivers, ponds and dams. The types of water hyacinth that are needed are also not always the same. There are types that have long stems. Well, this type is usually used as a basket.
2. Washing the water hyacinth
The next step is washing the water hyacinth. Once removed from ponds, dams or rivers, there is bound to be some contamination such as garbage or odors on plants. By washing it, the plants can be used.
3. Separating the water hyacinth from the stalk
After cleaning, then the water hyacinth is sorted. Separate the stems from the leaves, this stage aims to classify which ingredients will be made into baskets. Separation can be done using a large knife or scissors.
Performing this step using only your hands is more difficult than using a knife or scissors. Water hyacinth has resilient properties that are difficult to break if you just use your hands.
4. Drying the water hyacinth
After the stems and leaves separate, the next step is drying. Some craftsmen prefer to use the oven terribly. This is possible if there is not enough sunlight, for example during the rainy season.
But if you can get good sunshine, directly horrifying to the hot sun will be more natural and better. At least so according to some craftsmen. Because the hot sun has a different chemical effect compared to an oven.
5. Making Craft Patterns
While waiting for the natural drying process, it’s good to take the time to make craft patterns. What kind of basket you want to make using this basic material. Later, the baskets will be made after the water hyacinth is woven into sheets.
6. Weaving the water hyacinth
After drying and knowing the design, the next step is to weave the water hyacinth. There are a variety of different woven patterns to choose from according to taste. The wicker sheet is made of the size of the slab we are going to make.
7. Finishing
After being woven in sheet form, then it is formed into baskets. You can see examples of water hyacinth baskets that have been made. Then you can also add product dyes and ornaments to further enhance its appearance.
That’s how to make a water hyacinth basket. Hopefully this information can provide additional benefits and insights for you. Check out more information on other craft products on the page Harmoni Kreasi.
