Caning for CARE
Here are some pictures of chairs being caned for CARE.
CANING FOR C.A.R.E.
If you’ve been to the clubhouse before lunch any weekday since you will have noticed a majority of the tables has a chair or a rocker sitting on top of it.
Caning chairs since 1963 , Robert “Bob” and Barbara “Barb” Derflinger are now sharing this lost art with their fellow SKPs. Beginning with one student in 2010 Bob and Barb have been teaching the art of caning chairs to anyone at the Rainbow Plantation that wants to learn. During Mardi Gras of 2011 nine chairs were auctioned and the proceeds were sent to CARE.
The Derflinger’s class has grown in 2012 to over twenty students – some caning their own chairs but many, like me, that just want to learn this craft, are caning chairs and rockers provided by Bob and Barb. This year they brought about 15 chairs and rockers in their 29 foot fifth wheel from Michigan. Roger and Diane Ferguson (of teddy bear fame) brought several more with them from Ohio.
Before caning begins, Bob assesses what needs to be done. Some chairs must be completely taken apart, repaired, cleaned and then glued and screwed back together. They like to put one coat of varnish on the chair and then the caning can start.
We are taught the 7 step method and use this durable weave for the seats. From my own experience, it takes about 30 to 40 hours to complete a seat. Though Bob can do it much faster! The second pattern, should we choose to try it, is the Snowflake or Star of David. It is a very delicate looking weave and is usually reserved for the back of a chair or rocker. Personally I think this pattern goes faster then the seat but it could just be the learning curve as the seat is done first.
Once again there will be an auction of CHAIRS FOR CARE on Monday February 20th at 1:00 pm (during Mardi Gras week.) These chairs and rockers are donated by Bob and Barb as well as their teaching time. Their students are literally “caning for CARE.”
Come to the clubhouse, look the chairs over and pick one (or two) to bid on at auction. Talk to the caners because each chair is certain to have a story!
Thank you Bob and Barb and all the caners!
