Stunning water hyacinth handicraft

Water hyacinth (ichhornia crassipes) is one type of floating aquatic plants. Besides being known as water hyacinth, in some areas in Indonesia, the water hyacinth has another name, such as in the area known as Kelipuk Palembang, in Lampung known Ringgak, known as the Dayak-ilung Ilung, in Manado known Tumpe.

Water hyacinth has a high growth rate that is considered a weed plant that can damage the aquatic environment. Water hyacinth spreads easily through the water to other water bodies. Lately, the development of aquatic plants, water hyacinth in the waters of rivers, lakes, brackish waters up to a very rapid pace. A glimpse of water hyacinth plants are useless. For communities around the edge of the river, water hyacinth is a plant parasite that only pollute streams and rivers can lead to clogged or overflowed because too much water hyacinth. Similarly, for the communities around the periphery of the lake is considered a lot of water hyacinth in the lake is a nuisance that hinders their activity on the lake.



This fact could make the water hyacinth plant considered a nuisance, but if we are keen to find opportunities, the water hyacinth plant is very useful to provide a business opportunity as a base for crafting (handy craft). Along with the development of science and technology, water hyacinth plant parts after drying it can be used as a raw material for making beautiful handbags, luggage, sandals, baskets (where used clothes), coasters, mats, trays and so on. In fact recently been used to support the furniture industry den furniture, rattan instead of increasing the price soar.

Until now many areas are able to develop an enchanting hyacinth handicrafts to manufacture craft items, furniture den furniture. Among others in Purbalingga, IN Yogyakarta, around the city of Solo, Cirebon, Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali. Even some craft items and models of water hyacinth with a certain quality, widely exported to Europe and the United States are increasingly infatuated with the goods produced from natural materials (back to nature).

Manufacture of handicrafts made from water hyacinth is needed is a long process. Water hyacinth must first be dried for about two weeks. After drying the water hyacinth and formed a long braid that made citizens and groups of artisans. After a long braid-shaped, water-Eceng is woven into the desired item. Ranging from flower pots, garbage cans, tissue boxes, bags, hats, kitchen equipment to furniture. To further enhance the attractiveness of the buyer, the webbing is ditambahakan lacquer paint. So, it looks more shiny and attractive.
Average of these crafts are sold in the market with prices ranging from Rp 15 thousand to 5 million. Depending on the size and level of difficulty of woven goods.

Here are the steps in the manufacture of handmade paper with water hyacinth material:

* The collection of water hyacinth
* Separation of the base of the stalk
* Drying the base of the stalk
* Revolves
* Forming / weaving finished work of art (bags, wall hangings, purses, chairs, etc.)