Health & Safety Tips

Transporting Weaving Tools: Open tool bags and baskets are wonderful for organizing your weaving tools. However, what happens to these tools in an auto accident. The truth is that the tools become flying missiles and could cause more injury than the accident. Imagine being stabbed by an awl or hit on the head with a spoke weight traveling at a high rate of speed. Store the tools away in the car’s trunk or transport tools in a tightly closed and secure bag inside the passenger area.

Mineral Spirits is the recommended paint thinner since it is less flammable and less toxic. Odorless mineral spirits have been further refined to remove the aroma compounds.

Use a cork on the end of your pointed awl to prevent it’s poking through where it shouldn’t, including your hand when searching through your tools.

Is it safe to serve food in a basket which has been dyed? - Most packaged dye is not toxic; however as a rule check the package first. Don't use it for food service if you are uncertain. Caution: Some of the natural dyes are poisonous.

Never put reed in your mouth or let your pet drink out of your water bucket. Reed is treated with insecticides before it is imported. Use the soak water of non-dyed reed to give your plants a drink and to pass any insecticide on to the plant.

When you dye materials or stain your basket, work in a well ventilated area. Avoid breathing the fumes and wear a filtered mask.

Never put toxic substances down the drain as it contaminates the environment.. Toxic substances such as acrylic paints, dirty paint water, varnishes, paint thinner and solvents can kill the microorganism that decompose wastes.

Use a few drops of glycerin or a teaspoon of lemon oil in the bucket of water for soaking your reed to keep your hands from getting too dry. It also helps to keep the reed damp and pliable longer.

Anyone who actively sells baskets needs to beware of the stains used. You never know how the person buying your basket will use it. Don’t use something that will endanger their life if they use it for serving food or for children (toys, cradles, etc.)