Inspirational Paper Fiber Wicker Patio Sets

Wicker patio sets are a popular choice for outdoor furniture. The most common type of wicker is made from wood like bamboo or rattan, while an all-weather synthetic resin wicker has revolutionized the market. However, there was a short period of time when another material called paper fiber was the prime choice in wicker furniture.

The original name of the material was fiber reed and art fiber, but today it is mainly called paper wicker or creative twist. Unlike original wicker, which dates back to ancient Egyptian times, the process of using paper fiber originated right here in the United States. In 1904 paper fiber was created out of manmade, chemically treated kraft paper that was twisted into ropelike structures. The reason paper fiber was invented was because an embargo was placed on oriental rattan coming in to the USA, and so became much harder to come by and also thereby more costly. In addition, it saved manpower and the tedious amount of time required to hand weave elaborate Victorian style furniture. The cheap new alternate material still managed to resemble expensive Victorian rattan imports, and thusly achieved incredibly popularity in wicker patio sets up through the 1930s.

Paper proved to be a very versatile and easy to work with material, in addition to its low production costs. The base pulp is first treated with sizing and glue and then twisted into strands that resemble rattan. Because of its properties, paper was a good choice for wicker patio sets as it could be fashioned into many sizes and colors due to its porous nature and can easily be manipulated without having to soak the wicker as was the case with reed wicker.

As one would assume, paper fiber quickly became stiff competition for traditional rattan. Not only was it cheaper but it was easier to repaint than rattan. Once industrialization set in, all wicker became mass-produced, rather than woven by hand. The Lloyd Loom was created in 1917 to more quickly and efficiently weave products while lowering production and labor costs. Then, in the 1920s, a wire core was added to the fiber strands to reinforce them.

Paper fiber found another outlet beyond wicker patio sets. Wooden chair manufacturers used the new material, which was now available in sheets, as the seat bottoms of wood chairs. Consumers of paper fiber liked how it came in a continuous strand, so there was no need to worry about joining multiple pieces together. It also took well to varnish and lacquers. So common was its occurrence in pop culture that classrooms and social groups would engage in art fiber weaving.

The problem however, with paper fiber is that in the long run it did not prove to be as durable as other types of wicker. Also, it did not bounce back as well from being wet as wood wicker. Paper fiber wicker patio sets fell out of favor in the 1940s, helped probably in part by the onset of WWII. Although it's not produced much these days, you can still find paper fiber furniture, and original versions from the early 1900s are coveted by antique collectors.

Unique What's in Wicker Patio Sets?

For the perfect addition to your covered porch or sunroom, consider wicker patio sets. But before you hit the store, did you know that there is more than one type of wicker? Actually, there are multiple similar materials that call themselves wicker, each with a slightly different look and characteristics from those of its peers. Get ready to learn something, it's time for Wicker 101.

The term wicker merely refers to the familiar woven pattern consisting of flexible branches, vines, reeds, grasses, etc. but not actually a material itself. The origin of the word is believed to come from the Scandinavian wika meaning to bend and vikker meaning wicker. The actual process of making wicker involves the weaving together or caning of fibers into chairs, tables, baskets, etc. The interlacing patterns are then usually secured to a base framework and voila, wicker patio sets for everyone. The frames themselves are typically constructed out of wood or aluminum.

Willow
Willow is an easily recognizable tree, known for its sloping branches and so-called "weeping" appearance. It grows in temperate regions like Europe and North America. A light, yet durable wood, willow grows rapidly and is flexible because of how well it retains moisture, making it good for the weaving of wicker patio sets. Because of this, it's also long-lasting.

Reed
Reed is one of the oldest materials found in wicker. It dates back to ancient Egyptian handiwork but still can be found today. Reed comprises various swamp grasses woven together with a straw-like texture. Sometimes the term reed also refers to the core of rattan vines. The material was used exclusively on early American wicker furniture.

Bamboo
Found in southeastern Asian, bamboo is an extremely prolific grower that consists of tall tropical grasses. It can thrive in both tropical and temperate climates, and grow up to a few feet per day! There are hundreds of bamboo species but they are all recognizable by their nodular growth and hollow stems. Bamboo is one of the more common wood that makes up wicker furniture.

Rattan
Rattan is the most popular wood when it comes to wicker because of its price and availability. Rattan refers to a grouping of roughly 600 palm trees indigenous to parts of Africa and Asia. The trees are superficially similar to bamboo, but unlike bamboo they have a solid core vine which is perfect for producing wicker patio sets. Rattan is also easy to replenish so it's a cheaper alternative to bamboo.

Cane
Cane refers to the stem of large rattan trees where the palm leaf connects to the stem. During the drying process, it takes on a yellow color. Cane is used particularly in the production of natural wicker and stained pieces of furniture.

Paper
Between 1900 and 1930 there was a type of wicker known as paper fiber. It was made using chemically treated manmade kraft paper fiber. Its original use was to emulate the pricier Victorian rattan. The problem with paper fiber is that it cannot get wet.

Resin
In recent years, synthetic wicker has become popular as an "all-weather" variety that is better for outdoor use than traditional wicker. Synthetic wicker is made from a resin plastic that's waterproof and resistant to warping, rot and infestation.

Beautiful Adventures on Backyard Swing Sets

Back in the "good old times" the swing sets we used in our backyards were a lot more flimsy and unsafe than what is often manufactured presently. As youngsters, however, we never really viewed this liability as being a burden. In fact, we usually deemed it more as being a challenge.

There were definitely a few individuals that did what they could to boost the basic safety of the swing sets. They might consider adding a bit of support by just cementing the legs of the swing sets into the ground. Naturally, these were the households that could not mow their lawn properly, plus they also wound up with unpleasant barren spots underneath the swings. Many of us preferred to get a swingset which can be relocated throughout the yard, and so this resulted in a number of "daring adventures."

These potentially daring adventure were not fully harmless. In fact, standing 10 paces away and then firing off rocket powered lawn darts at one another would have perhaps been just as harmless. Then again for whatever reason, the idea of not carrying this out in no way occurred to any of us. Obviously, we ought to have known better, but how could all of us pass by the opportunity to show off our childhood bravery?

This was a simple adventure, the kind of things you carry out to make your yard seem to be more interesting. It starts by swinging as high as possible. Which, in and of itself, is normally fairly clear. However the true objective, the part where the danger came into it, was when we finally attempted to see just how far we could possibly tug the legs of the swing sets from the ground without making it tumble over.

This is the time at which every dad or mom should double check the foundations of their own outdoor play sets, or roll their eyes at the thought. Nonetheless, when we were kids (and in all probability when those parents had been youngsters) the idea of being daring enough to tug your swing sets out from the ground by a good eight inches (without dying) was something that just had to be tried.

Certainly, whenever we look back at it we all know that all of us could have yanked the entire thing down on our head, but the good news is that they are so lightweight it probably would not have hurt that much. And of course, the unavoidable parental shouting that would follow could be a bit distressing.

All the backyard play sets that are available today are generally,more stable than that. Many individuals and their families are now extra careful and buying the large wood made styles that include many other activities including climbing ramps and slides.

Looking back again upon days past you will be able to see how the modern day swing sets have fixed a lot of safety concerns and can help calm worried parents. Even so, days gone by definitely offer fond memories.

Unique Designer Bedding Sets - Complete Your Bedroom Decoration

Shopping for designer bedding sets can be great fun if you know the correct type and correct place to match your kind of look and design. Everyone loves to add the designer label to their bedroom settings. One or two decades ago it seemed to put extra weight on your budget but not any more. Now you can complete your bedroom decorations with colorful and designer bedding sets without have to go over your budget. The huge demand of these stylish bedding decorations have flooded the market with such patterns and designs of bedding ensembles as never seen before that too at amazing prices.

Owing to the huge demand for stylish and designer bedding sets, the masterpieces have been created keeping in mind the taste of all class of people and the prices set up accordingly. So now everyone can decorate their 'room of rest' into the 'room of luxury' without spending much. 'Bedding sets' the terms are generally taken in a broader meaning since it include all the bedding ensembles including comforters, pillows and bed skirts. They are available in different sizes which range from twin size to twin xl and also king and queen size. You have plethora of options to choose from.

The variety is not restricted to size only. The style also varies. From the texture of the cover sets to the patterns of the sets, the list is long and mouth watering. The entire aura of your hideaway changes and these unique and luxurious pretty things give a whole new elegance to your bedroom feeling you with utmost pleasure. Most of the people are hit with this wrong notion that going for these sets means that you are compromising with the quality part. In fact it is just the opposite. Getting these sets indeed mean that you are putting up something of rare and real quality as these sets are generally incorporated with quality materials.

The cotton pieces are the most opted one as they have some unique designs and are comfortable too. The Egyptian cotton are the most preferred one and the most popular one too. They are sure to complete your bedroom decoration exactly as per your wish and choice. The good thing is that you can now buy these bedding decorations from online bedding stores where they are on sale. You can get good deals and can buy these designer and luxury bedding sets at a cheaper rate.