Hi Kevin,

Nice to see you here on the forum, welcome! Where are you located?

I believe you should rethink the use of the natural pre-twisted rush in favor of the paper fiber, which was the material usually found in the Stickley rockers and chairs. For one thing, it's much easier to work with, costs less and looks great.

You might find my blog very helpful as far as weaving with paper rush is concerned, since I've posted a lot of hints and tips about it.

And then too, take a look here doing a SEARCH on paper fiber rush and read all the posts that we've discussed over the past eight years about the subject.

I used to have articles online showing the steps and also a photo album on PictureTrail, with the intent to post them on my website, but haven't gotten that far yet.

I prefer to use straight varnish on the paper fibre, but many others like to use shellac and I use linseed oil/turpentine on my hand-twisted natural cattail or bulrush seats. Never use pre-twisted though, so can't comment on that one.

The Wicker Woman®--Cathryn Peters
http://www.WickerWoman.com/blog
http://www.youtube.com/thewickerwoman (bulrush and cattail leaf seat weaving)