Natural Fiber Materials
We are fortunate that we live and work in Indonesia. A country rich with natural fiber materials and strong craft culture.
Most of our grasscloth product materials are sustainable material like water hyacinth and mendong.
HAND WOVEN WATER HYACINTH GRASSCLOTH
We use natural fiber materials for our products. One of it is Water Hyacinth. Its an aquatic plant float freely in fresh water with an extremely rapid proliferation has become an increasing host of problem. Problems such as hindrance to water transport, clogging of irrigation systems and many consider it a serious threat to biodiversity.
In an attempt to prevent such damaging outcomes, residents in the areas where the plant thrives are working to devise viable ways to transform it from pest to natural resources. As a result, people find ways to use Mendong to produce paper, fiber board, basket work, charcoal briquette and even fish feed.
But by far, its most elegant application is the amazingly delicate and texture rich natural textiles fiber can be woven into textiles. The process is simple and sustainable.
Stems of the water hyacinth stalk are shred lengthwise to expose the fibers. And then left to dry in the sun for several days. The fibers then hand spun into rope and yarn. And finally, using traditional techniques, weave into beautiful textiles.
Hundreds of woven natural fiber swatches on the Grasscloth Collections page.
HAND WOVEN MENDONG GRASSCLOTH
Other natural fiber materials that we commonly use is Mendong. Mendong is a kind of straw plant growing in a semi aquatic field. And the length of the straw is approximately about 100 cm. In Indonesia, it is first originated from the Sumbawa Island on the eastern part of Indonesia. And not until the 1980 that this plant is brought to the Java Island.
In the west part of the Java Island, in the Tasikmalaya area, which known already for their weaving skills. Mendong is becoming famous for making local style rugs called “tikar”. Over the years the weaver realized a special characteristic of this straw. Mendong is very suitable for dyeing and coloring.
This plant is becoming one of the West Java main material for natural hand woven materials. With limitless option for color and weaving pattern. Mendong cultivation by farmers, the process of weaving this materials into natural handwoven textiles.
The process of using it to create products such as storage boxes, rugs, mirrors and other products is a very good alternative income. And even more, a stable income for people in the villages.
Hundreds of woven natural fiber swatches on the Grasscloth Collections page.