There is a 0% chance that I will ever do this myself, but a 100% certainty that going forward I will look at caned furniture with genuine appreciation. Thank you.
Years ago when i was teaching i received a Christmas gift from one of my second grade students. It was a chair he had caned by himself under the watchful eye of his grandfather. I still have the chair decades later and treasure it to this day.
I love your story. That has to be one of the nicest teacher's gifts that I have ever heard of. That he spent his time making that chair for you instead of playing with his friends shows how much he liked & valued you. What an impression you made on him.❤ I fear the teaching profession today could use many more teachers like you - you put the students' needs above your own in the classroom. Well done. 😊👏👏👏🎉
I have a rocking chair that was caned by my great granny. I only knew her when she had Alzheimer's. So watching you do this gives me a glimpse of how sharp and precise she once was. Her name was Dimple and she also liked to sing when she did her work. Thank you, Rajiv.
I love reading these stories, thank you for sharing. Makes me feel happy to know that I can contribute to bringing the past to life for someone like you, Katie.
I think that you are the Mister Rogers for adults, Rajiv. You should be proud of everything that you do to help people think differently about things and to live with more appreciation in life, about things that people take for granted. 🌹
@@looloo4029 Mister Fred Rogers was an ordained minister who revolutionized television for children. He was the first person to talk to his audience of children and make them feel as if he was speaking to them one-on-one; the camera zoomed in for close-ups as he televised “dialogues” with them, on subjects such as divorce, bullies, disabilities, friendships,adoption, careers, jealousy, love, death/dying, self-esteem, and marriage. He was also a pianist, and he composed songs which helped children feel good about themselves… and about why they experienced some of the feelings they felt in specific situations. He would “visit” people in his neighborhood, explaining what adults do when they leave for something called “work”. He used the word “grown-ups” instead of “adults”, so that children would better understand him. In “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”, Fred featured something he called, “picture picture”, which was actually a television built into the wall, which displayed video tapes showing how products are made in factories. Fred Rogers also featured, “Make Believe”, in which he would operate a trolley on a track in his “house”, which was the set. The trolley would “drive” the children viewing the program to a “make-believe” world. Fred was the puppeteer and the voices, too, for most of the puppets. In addition, actors starred as characters alongside their puppet counterparts, too, in this pretend world… there, Fred continued his life lessons for his young audience, in a different format. It was a wonderful show! And it was all funded privately for television audiences via the public broadcasting system : PBS (back when there were only a handful of channels and no remote controls, no plasma screens, no cell phones, and no personal computers in everyone’s houses). Look up Fred Rogers on RUclips and you will be able to “meet” him for yourself! ✨
@@looloo4029 I'll give you info I see from Google or Wikipedia. Fred Rogers, host of preschooler's television series "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood' which ran from 1968 to 2001. ... From my experience, he spent a lot of time talking to children about how to feel, react or do things on public television.
My father and I caned 6 dining chairs when I was a teenager...at the time I thought of it as drudgery. Now many years later I watch your video, the nice music, topiary background, peaceful tutelage...and wonder if I might try it again.. Thanks Rajiv, you are such a joy, love this channel!
Wow! Amazing job! 👏👏👏I was so happy when you finally finished it! 😃This reminded me of the old furniture we had growing up in the Philippines. I’ll probably never cane a furniture, but thanks to you, I now have a better appreciation of pieces like this. Thanks again for this wonderful video! ❤
I’m thrilled about this episode. My mother re-caned a large antique rocking chair for me in 1970, teaching herself how to do it as she worked. You’ve given me an even greater appreciation for her gift of love. And thank you for showing so many lost arts. You’re a treasure.
This could not have come at a better time, I JUST busted through the cane on an old chair of mine and was looking into caning just this morning! Thank you Rajiv!
Same! I just found an old bentwood caned rocking chair. There is one hole in the back and I was dreading it falling apart, now I'm kind of excited to try something new and clean her up.
I simply adore how you pick a skill, a task, and you learn it. It is inspiring. During thr pandemic I chose to learn Japanese (I'm now in Japanese 8 at my local community College extension program) and to play the harp. I haven't made as much progress as I've dreamed I would, but I am improving. And I realized that I've done this all my life. I've studied three martial arts, learned to make jewelry, learned to make lamp work beads, learned glassblowing, learned pottery, basic (v. basic) household electrical work, basic auto repair (not as much now w/ an electric car), and more little crafts than I can count. Next, I want to explore furniture making, preferably in the Japanese style with carved pegs and intricate dovetails. Do you have a dream next-skill? What do you want to learn next? Thank you again for your time and your videos. So many blessings to you.
I grew up with these chairs in the Philippines. I always thought they weren't as valuable as the newer more modernistic chairs. In the early 2000s, the old Filipino culture was slowly becoming less valuable and popular. Seeing you appreciate caining in this way (and my love for antiques as I've gotten older) is healing my views of my culture.
I still live in the Philippines but I have a similar experience. With globalization, social media, and the colonial mentality still prevalent in the country, I thought representations of our culture like caning or solihiya as we call it was uncool. I appreciate it now that I'm older and actually developed a preference for things that reflect my cultural identity.
I have been visting or living in the Philippines since the early 80s. The change in views is a part of changes of society, not only the Philippines. These things ebb and flow and this will also.
I get the same feeling from watching Rajiv that I used to feel when watching Mr Rogers Neighborhood as a kid. I leave with a sense of quiet satisfaction and renewed inspiration to do better at life.
Many years ago I double caned a Bergere arm chair that belonged to my grandmother. Taught myself. It was a real challenge but very satisfying when finished. Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. You are an old soul.
Sweet memories of my grandfather caning all our dining room chairs. Thank you for reminding us all that yes, these things require skill-but anyone can learn and practice until they get it right!
I’ve never wanted anything more than to visit John Derian’s basement. And now I really want to cane something. I was not expecting the “that’s what she said” jokes but now I love Rajiv? In a non-creepy way
Got a sweet little nursing rocking chair as a gift, after a year or two the seat cane broke. I am currently halfway through hand caning the seat and it is a very fun and satisfying project. It was great to learn more about the process.
I bought two caned chairs and the woman gave me two for free because the caning was ripped. I sort of gave up on them and was about to donate them until I saw this video (other tutorials make it look MUCH more tedious!). We've followed you since 2020 and LOVED the handmade book you made. Also in awe at your calligraphy talent! Thank you for your videos!
Yes, do it, Christine! I love reading comments like this, knowing that these videos we're making can inspire someone like you to actually try doing it yourself!
I learned to weave right out of High School and then studied it at University of Oregon. I came home and bought a loom from a wonderful man in my old neighborhood. I got to know him a little bit. He started to teach me how to cane a small chair. I think he gave me only one or two lessons. But I was young and in the business of creating a life for myself and never went back to see him and learn more. I've always been sorry that I didn't do that. Young people don't always take the time to learn from older people. I'm older, back then I didn't listen, now that's all I want is for my children or grandchildren to have the same interests and want to learn. The things you're interested in seem to be much the same as my interests. I'm thrilled to have another glimpse into my past through your eyes. Your uncle may be right about it being a practical craft and anyone can do it, but truly these crafts are not practiced or cherished any longer. It takes so much time that very few people really care about doing this kind of craft and craftsmanship. Thank you!
I have just discovered you 7 days ago, I have watched all your video's, I am addicted! You are so intriguing, you bring life back to everyday tasks and items, making them special and respected again ❤ You are one in a trillion! Please keep sharing your thoughts with us, all the likes in the world from myself here in New Zealand!
My mom bought me a chair I wanted that needed a new chained seat when I was about 9 .years old . I was shown by our neighbor how to chain the seat . Every night after dinner I would go in the garage and work on my chair . I needed help along the way , but what a lesson in perseverance. I had such a sense of accomplishment when I was done and felt much more confident in general when I saw what I could do . I loved my little ice cream shop style chair . You said start with a square chair , nope I started with a round chair haha . I’m sure it wasn’t perfect but how proud was I when I was done. Side note I stripped the chair of all its old paint before I started it too . I’m 64 now and realized I was born an old soul.
Wonderful video!!!! I like how the flowers basically showed how long you worked on the loveseat. Would you consider doing a floral arrangement video? They are always so beautiful.
@@rajivsurendra great! I already contributed and hope more people do! You do an amazing job! I feel like I am going back into my past when I view these. I was raised with 1890-1930 furniture, caned, velvet, silver, rules of table setting, etc. and it is comforting to see you enjoying the finer things! Thank you so much.
24:45 I adore it when you talk like your family (I imagine that is what your parents or grandparents sound like when they are teaching you). It's just so sweet...like they are always on your mind. :). Watched this a year later, by the way, and still clapped for you at the end when you flung the cover off the table and showed us your finished work. Really beautiful!
I refinished and re-caned a vintage deck chair for a friend years ago -- it turned out really well, even though it was a huge area to cane for a complete novice with only a library book as a guide. I still think about that piece of furniture.
Very nice, thank you. I grew up hearing from my grandmother "Stay off those chairs, they are too easy to break".She got the 6 chairs from her grandparents and my sister held on to them for 25 years before gaving them to me 2 years ago. You gave me the confidence (and I saw you do it) that I can do this! Thanks again!
You can absolutely do it! Don't be daunted by how long it will take. Just go step by step and take your time. Take breaks whenever you get tired (even for days), just re-wet the woven parts with a sponge when you start to weave again.
Thank you so much for this video! My mother passed away 19 years ago and one of the items she left me was her rocking chair with a cane seat. The seat was damaged and for years I’ve been wanting to learn how to weave the cane so I can do it myself. 🦋
After that broken bowl I'd not have touched another one. My heart lept when it fell , however, I'm glad you didn't edit that part out. Thrifting is also serious solo adventure for me. The thrill of the find taking my treasure home to unwrap and touch, test or try out. Oh heaven.
I've been studying the peerless rattan (you referenced) youtube video as I'm caning my very first chair seat. They provide the necessary bare bones basics, but your video is on another level. it made me want to check out your channel, and find out more about you, and how you became who you are. You are a one of a kind priceless gem of a human being. Thank you for your videos. Namaste.
I cant believe you never sat in it!!!!! Whaaaattt?!?!?!?!? Also, I am astonished how much I absolutely enjoyed watching you working on this project. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and you, and your precious objects, are truly treasures in this life. Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of your world with all us viewers! :)
Most definitely on team Seeing & Appreciating. Also enjoyed the unexpected humor throughout (''Nerd", "that’s what she said", "it's not that special"). Great videos, look forward to more.
Apparently there is a Thonet rocking chair in the attic, that my lovely late father (passed a year ago today) tried to cane himself. He said that he couldn’t get the tension right but I suspect he was doing it when the cane was still wet. It feels meaningful to have stumbled on this video today, perhaps I will try to cane it myself at some point in the future. A beautiful video, thank you for sharing your love of things and making with the world. Craft and art make life so much more joyful. 🌟
👏👏👏 Rajiv, thanks to you I will never look at a caned furnishing with casual indifference 😂!! It was therapeutic just watching you…I can only imagine your sense of accomplishment & pride upon completion!!! Well done & thank you, as always, for sharing yet another of your talents & skills!
I caned a chair seat once. It took me a week. It was fun and a challenge. I had a chair from the set to refer to. Way before computers and all that, so I just copied the sister chair. There are four of them, SEARS chairs from maybe 1920s?? When I retire, I will go back in and cane the other two. Thanks so much for sharing this. And beautiful outcome on your settee Rajiv.
Everything you do is an art form! You can't help but look at everything in your living space and admire it! We should all have such patience and talent!
I saw a lovely chair the other day with a ripped cane seat... now I want to go back and buy it and have a go at repairing it myself. Thank you so much for sharing this skill. I love this channel and you are an absolute treasure. Thank you.
I never realised that I would find the opportunity to watch someone recane a love seat such a piece of good fortune. It has been fascinating. Thank you 🙏 so very much for sharing your knowledge and experiences with the world. 😊
I'm in awe. I will never look at a cane piece the same way again. I love it, but don't know that I would take on that project. Maybe a square seated baby chair. You have such patience and disciple. Congratulations.
My dad used to cane our chairs and I used to help him. He would use tree branches and shave them to the right diameter to fit as the pegs. Rajiv you explain every little detail about the process and history behind this. Thanks so much.
Job well done sir. My granddaddy caned several chairs over the years..... I had no idea the dedication. Wish I could thank him now. REALLY enjoying your channel. Thank you.
I think if you ever come across an old piece of furniture that needs recaning, you buy it and slowly recane it yourself...that would be a deeply sentimental way of connecting with your beloved granddaddy.
With all due respect, Rajiv, I wish that your Uncle could have expressed how proud he was that you had caned that chair-and caned it patiently and successfully. Many wouldn’t have the patience!
I love this channel, so calming and we learn something at the same time...bringing us back to the basics, taking a break from our busy lives, introducing us to culture, history and art forms and an appreciation for the simple and beautiful things...Another job very well done, Rajiv.
I just found your channel and I love it! I have been collecting antiques for a couple of years. I have one nice piece in every room of my house. I lost my wife to cancer a few years ago and it's so hard to get rid of "our things"; because there's only so much. People tell me to move on but 25 years is alot to get over. But I'm finding my own style and I'm giving things that were my wife to family who will understand the true value of it. So long story short, I'm enjoying your channel.
There was a blind gentleman that had a caining studio@ the gw in my hometown of Sioux City, Iowa. He was an incredibly skilled Master. I loved watching him work. Nice bouquet!
I cannot, Rajiv is so special. He’s giving a charismatic combination of the soothingness of Mr.Rogers combined with the enthusiastic attentiveness of say Alton Brown or Steve Irwin all wrapped up in something uniquely ✨Rajiv✨ He is so *authentic* and *genuine* in his enthusiasm for his passions, his content is tidily filling a much needed gap.
I love that from around 27:30 onwards the camera gives up focusing on the actual caning part and fully zooms in on Rajiv's intent and passionate facial expressions only :)
I smile when you do your little voices. You reminded me of Robin Williams here, Rajiv. Thanks again. I listen to your content while I review student essays, and it helps me relax.
I was born in Toronto and explored the hinterland to become a canoeist. I built my own 16.5’ cedarstrip canoe and hand-caned the two seats myself. It was fun and easy to cane.
OMG, that was wonderful and I know of nowhere that I can find a handcaned chair or settee to redo like you did! Awesome and I will continue to mine for one!
IDK what I love more. .. that freaking jumpsuit, the pure joy of a person in love with craft, Rajiv himself, the sincerity factor - as if this man thinks that some of us might actually do this- AND MAYBE WE WILL NOW, or the whole thing with the watercolor teacher's mise en place lecture complete with accent. . . Lord have mercy. This video is just SO many kinds of good. thanks Rajiv 🙏
Wow, you have you'r own channel. I'm so glad i find you. You are so awesome soul. Make me so happy always when find good people from RUclips. Have a wonderful weekend Rajiv Surendra. 💛💛☀️💛💛
What a strange blast from the past. I used to help my grandfather with this work until he had a carpentry injury that damaged his dominant hand. His fingers stopped cooperating with him eventually, and pinching anything with his thumb was impossible. He died a few years ago and I stopped a lot of my creative endeavors after his death. I'd shuffle about in his (or I guess our) old studio a lot. I'd hesitate, and never actually get anything done but some cleaning. "I never said this would be fast." He used to say this all the time! So very true. Anyway, great work here! I liked how it came out, thank you for introducing others to such a rewarding craft.
I love how you know every detail of the art, down to how the tree naturally grows in it’s habitat. There is so much beauty in the origins of handcrafts.
My dad used to be able to do this when I was growing up in Colombo. He used to fix our cane chairs when the weaving eventually ripped apart. Sometimes he used a red plastic faux cain. I never liked it but did the job. This took me back to the side chair and settee which he has given in red. Took me back to our verandah in Colombo. That house is no more. Thank you,❤️
Since i found Rajiv a couple of years ago my outlook has changed. I look at thing differently i look at details, imagine people who made or used things. My appreciation for beauty and age has been lit. I even see myself differently. I appreciate the age i am. The bumps and laughter lines that tell the story of my life i embrace rather than try to hide
Thanks, Rajiv! I’ve been holding a couple of my grandmother’s maple chairs planning to learn to recane them for 50 years! Now you are inspiring me to get going. Thanks for emphasizing it isn’t hard and is doable. Grateful for your breadth of talent , interest, and ability to teach! Merci!
Wow! That turned out beautiful! Years ago I attempted to weave a seat in an Eastlake parlor chair for my grandmother. After step 3 I gave up and paid to have it finished. Now I wish I had persevered. ( I wasn’t keeping the cane wet enough and was cutting my fingers on it ). It’s interesting to know Thornet dates back so far. I have heard of this type of cane referred to as “ Venetian caning”. This is a very inspiring tutorial, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you !
Up to step three I thought, wow, this is fairly easy and goes quickly. Then step four required weaving and I realized, "Oh. Now everything slows down. A LOT." The weaving is when things get a little more frustrating, but if you take your time and walk away when you start losing your patience, you can do it leisurely without rushing...that's my advice.
He is so Creative. Back in the 80s my Mother had a Caned Rocking Chair and a Chair with a tall straight back to it. That Chair always sat in a corner of the house more so just for design. One of my Aunts also had a Kitchen Set with that styling on the back of the chairs with Valor Padding she purchased in the late 70s.
I love your videos! Love that you changed the intent of the video to inspire and just get people to think differently. As a fellow Sri Lankan, I never really enjoyed caned furniture, but your videos have given me a new appreciation.
There is a 0% chance that I will ever do this myself, but a 100% certainty that going forward I will look at caned furniture with genuine appreciation. Thank you.
You took the words away from my keyboard! Agree 💯
No kidding! What a lock of work and skill. Wow
Years ago when i was teaching i received a Christmas gift from one of my second grade students. It was a chair he had caned by himself under the watchful eye of his grandfather. I still have the chair decades later and treasure it to this day.
I love your story. That has to be one of the nicest teacher's gifts that I have ever heard of. That he spent his time making that chair for you instead of playing with his friends shows how much he liked & valued you. What an impression you made on him.❤ I fear the teaching profession today could use many more teachers like you - you put the students' needs above your own in the classroom.
Well done. 😊👏👏👏🎉
I have a rocking chair that was caned by my great granny. I only knew her when she had Alzheimer's. So watching you do this gives me a glimpse of how sharp and precise she once was. Her name was Dimple and she also liked to sing when she did her work. Thank you, Rajiv.
I love reading these stories, thank you for sharing. Makes me feel happy to know that I can contribute to bringing the past to life for someone like you, Katie.
How precious😊
She must be a great soul.😊
Dimple is an adorable name! ❤
Krj4691, Thank you for sharing ❤
I think that you are the Mister Rogers for adults, Rajiv. You should be proud of everything that you do to help people think differently about things and to live with more appreciation in life, about things that people take for granted. 🌹
I was just thinking this!! Really hope to get more singing in each video too because he has a great voice!
Who is / was Mr Rogers? I keep on asking the question but am yet to receive an answer.
@@looloo4029 Mister Fred Rogers was an ordained minister who revolutionized television for children. He was the first person to talk to his audience of children and make them feel as if he was speaking to them one-on-one; the camera zoomed in for close-ups as he televised “dialogues” with them, on subjects such as divorce, bullies, disabilities, friendships,adoption, careers, jealousy, love, death/dying, self-esteem, and marriage. He was also a pianist, and he composed songs which helped children feel good about themselves… and about why they experienced some of the feelings they felt in specific situations. He would “visit” people in his neighborhood, explaining what adults do when they leave for something called “work”. He used the word “grown-ups” instead of “adults”, so that children would better understand him. In “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”, Fred featured something he called, “picture picture”, which was actually a television built into the wall, which displayed video tapes showing how products are made in factories. Fred Rogers also featured, “Make Believe”, in which he would operate a trolley on a track in his “house”, which was the set. The trolley would “drive” the children viewing the program to a “make-believe” world. Fred was the puppeteer and the voices, too, for most of the puppets. In addition, actors starred as characters alongside their puppet counterparts, too, in this pretend world… there, Fred continued his life lessons for his young audience, in a different format. It was a wonderful show! And it was all funded privately for television audiences via the public broadcasting system : PBS (back when there were only a handful of channels and no remote controls, no plasma screens, no cell phones, and no personal computers in everyone’s houses). Look up Fred Rogers on RUclips and you will be able to “meet” him for yourself! ✨
@@looloo4029 Use google, it's an old TV show.
@@looloo4029 I'll give you info I see from Google or Wikipedia. Fred Rogers, host of preschooler's television series "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood' which ran from 1968 to 2001. ...
From my experience, he spent a lot of time talking to children about how to feel, react or do things on public television.
The talent...the details...the jumpsuit....the singing....Rajiv is such a treasure!!!
agreed
rajiv is basically the martha stewart of 2023, but more chill, less insider trading
Rajiv, thank you for bringing us the perfect blend of storytelling, history lessons, and instruction.
And song! 💜
I could listen to Rajiv explaining absolutely anything!
And music.
My father and I caned 6 dining chairs when I was a teenager...at the time I thought of it as drudgery. Now many years later I watch your video, the nice music, topiary background, peaceful tutelage...and wonder if I might try it again.. Thanks Rajiv, you are such a joy, love this channel!
I don't ever plan on caning a chair, but I watched this entire video just because its Rajiv.
There is no limit to your talents, Rajiv. Always learn something new while watching your videos. 👏👏
Thank You!
Renaissance man du jour!
Wow! Amazing job! 👏👏👏I was so happy when you finally finished it! 😃This reminded me of the old furniture we had growing up in the Philippines. I’ll probably never cane a furniture, but thanks to you, I now have a better appreciation of pieces like this. Thanks again for this wonderful video! ❤
I’m thrilled about this episode. My mother re-caned a large antique rocking chair for me in 1970, teaching herself how to do it as she worked. You’ve given me an even greater appreciation for her gift of love. And thank you for showing so many lost arts. You’re a treasure.
This could not have come at a better time, I JUST busted through the cane on an old chair of mine and was looking into caning just this morning! Thank you Rajiv!
You're welcome, Gillian! It is REALLY gratifying to spend the time doing this and then having a chair you can use again.
Yesss! Me too
Same! I just found an old bentwood caned rocking chair. There is one hole in the back and I was dreading it falling apart, now I'm kind of excited to try something new and clean her up.
Omg 😱 same here! I have 2 chairs that need this! Thank you 🙏 for posting. And Amen! To that RUclips algorithm for sending me this vid!!!
no way! 😂 This was made just for you!
I simply adore how you pick a skill, a task, and you learn it. It is inspiring. During thr pandemic I chose to learn Japanese (I'm now in Japanese 8 at my local community College extension program) and to play the harp. I haven't made as much progress as I've dreamed I would, but I am improving. And I realized that I've done this all my life. I've studied three martial arts, learned to make jewelry, learned to make lamp work beads, learned glassblowing, learned pottery, basic (v. basic) household electrical work, basic auto repair (not as much now w/ an electric car), and more little crafts than I can count. Next, I want to explore furniture making, preferably in the Japanese style with carved pegs and intricate dovetails.
Do you have a dream next-skill? What do you want to learn next?
Thank you again for your time and your videos. So many blessings to you.
I grew up with these chairs in the Philippines. I always thought they weren't as valuable as the newer more modernistic chairs. In the early 2000s, the old Filipino culture was slowly becoming less valuable and popular. Seeing you appreciate caining in this way (and my love for antiques as I've gotten older) is healing my views of my culture.
I still live in the Philippines but I have a similar experience. With globalization, social media, and the colonial mentality still prevalent in the country, I thought representations of our culture like caning or solihiya as we call it was uncool. I appreciate it now that I'm older and actually developed a preference for things that reflect my cultural identity.
Also fun fact, solihiya is so rich! There are multiple patterns you can weave in. The 6-strand way is just the most common
I have been visting or living in the Philippines since the early 80s. The change in views is a part of changes of society, not only the Philippines. These things ebb and flow and this will also.
How touching. I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for handmade items. I hope you’ll cane a seat! I have one ready ❤
YAS! Bring it back honey, revive it! Slow art is ALWAYS of exellent value! 🙌❤️
I get the same feeling from watching Rajiv that I used to feel when watching Mr Rogers Neighborhood as a kid. I leave with a sense of quiet satisfaction and renewed inspiration to do better at life.
I didn't expect the "that's what she said" joke and i'm here for it
Many years ago I double caned a Bergere arm chair that belonged to my grandmother. Taught myself. It was a real challenge but very satisfying when finished.
Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. You are an old soul.
This was so beautiful. I loved how happy and proud you looked at the finish piece. I LOVE THIS CHANNEL.
My grandfather used to hand cane as part of his refinishing business. I loved to watch him do this and miss the smell of his shop.
Sweet memories of my grandfather caning all our dining room chairs. Thank you for reminding us all that yes, these things require skill-but anyone can learn and practice until they get it right!
I’ve never wanted anything more than to visit John Derian’s basement. And now I really want to cane something. I was not expecting the “that’s what she said” jokes but now I love Rajiv? In a non-creepy way
Got a sweet little nursing rocking chair as a gift, after a year or two the seat cane broke. I am currently halfway through hand caning the seat and it is a very fun and satisfying project. It was great to learn more about the process.
I can remember the first times people encountered my off the cuff voice changes…it’s awesome to hear someone else do that!
I bought two caned chairs and the woman gave me two for free because the caning was ripped. I sort of gave up on them and was about to donate them until I saw this video (other tutorials make it look MUCH more tedious!). We've followed you since 2020 and LOVED the handmade book you made. Also in awe at your calligraphy talent! Thank you for your videos!
Yes, do it, Christine! I love reading comments like this, knowing that these videos we're making can inspire someone like you to actually try doing it yourself!
@@rajivsurendra thank you, I will! And I think that you should publish "Sometimes Agnes"! Great book for all ages.
I learned to weave right out of High School and then studied it at University of Oregon. I came home and bought a loom from a wonderful man in my old neighborhood. I got to know him a little bit. He started to teach me how to cane a small chair. I think he gave me only one or two lessons. But I was young and in the business of creating a life for myself and never went back to see him and learn more. I've always been sorry that I didn't do that. Young people don't always take the time to learn from older people. I'm older, back then I didn't listen, now that's all I want is for my children or grandchildren to have the same interests and want to learn. The things you're interested in seem to be much the same as my interests. I'm thrilled to have another glimpse into my past through your eyes. Your uncle may be right about it being a practical craft and anyone can do it, but truly these crafts are not practiced or cherished any longer. It takes so much time that very few people really care about doing this kind of craft and craftsmanship. Thank you!
I have just discovered you 7 days ago, I have watched all your video's, I am addicted! You are so intriguing, you bring life back to everyday tasks and items, making them special and respected again ❤ You are one in a trillion! Please keep sharing your thoughts with us, all the likes in the world from myself here in New Zealand!
Thanks for your kind words!
My mom bought me a chair I wanted that needed a new chained seat when I was about 9 .years old . I was shown by our neighbor how to chain the seat . Every night after dinner I would go in the garage and work on my chair . I needed help along the way , but what a lesson in perseverance. I had such a sense of accomplishment when I was done and felt much more confident in general when I saw what I could do . I loved my little ice cream shop style chair . You said start with a square chair , nope I started with a round chair haha . I’m sure it wasn’t perfect but how proud was I when I was done. Side note I stripped the chair of all its old paint before I started it too . I’m 64 now and realized I was born an old soul.
I would watch a video of this man watching paint dry. He is so charming and engaging - not to mention talented.
Wonderful video!!!! I like how the flowers basically showed how long you worked on the loveseat. Would you consider doing a floral arrangement video? They are always so beautiful.
He included flower arranging in one of his earlier videos, but I cannot find it! Buying the flowers, arranging the flowers, etc……..
How to be a good host……maybe it is in there……..
That's on the list of videos we're hoping to shoot if we can continue raising money on the gofundme campaign I started for this channel.
@@schhnan I did this on the pilot for the show I created, Homeboy, on Discovery Plus.
@@rajivsurendra great! I already contributed and hope more people do! You do an amazing job! I feel like I am going back into my past when I view these. I was raised with 1890-1930 furniture, caned, velvet, silver, rules of table setting, etc. and it is comforting to see you enjoying the finer things! Thank you so much.
24:45 I adore it when you talk like your family (I imagine that is what your parents or grandparents sound like when they are teaching you). It's just so sweet...like they are always on your mind. :). Watched this a year later, by the way, and still clapped for you at the end when you flung the cover off the table and showed us your finished work. Really beautiful!
I refinished and re-caned a vintage deck chair for a friend years ago -- it turned out really well, even though it was a huge area to cane for a complete novice with only a library book as a guide. I still think about that piece of furniture.
Maybe you could find another piece of cane furniture that needs to be redone….how wonderful it would be to develop your skill. Good luck to you!
I'm a Filipino and this was part of our subject in primary school. We had to hand cane rattan seats. Only did one but you never forget how to. Hehe.
I would have loved to be in class with you.
Oh man you have the most peaceful vibe. Thank you for the blessing you bring to RUclips
Very nice, thank you. I grew up hearing from my grandmother "Stay off those chairs, they are too easy to break".She got the 6 chairs from her grandparents and my sister held on to them for 25 years before gaving them to me 2 years ago. You gave me the confidence (and I saw you do it) that I can do this! Thanks again!
You can absolutely do it! Don't be daunted by how long it will take. Just go step by step and take your time. Take breaks whenever you get tired (even for days), just re-wet the woven parts with a sponge when you start to weave again.
Thank you so much for this video! My mother passed away 19 years ago and one of the items she left me was her rocking chair with a cane seat. The seat was damaged and for years I’ve been wanting to learn how to weave the cane so I can do it myself. 🦋
I think re-caning that rocking chair and bringing it back to life will be very therapeutic for you, Elena. ❤
@@rajivsurendra definitely! I am so grateful to you.
It is an easy and enjoyable project.
After that broken bowl I'd not have touched another one.
My heart lept when it fell , however, I'm glad you didn't edit that part out.
Thrifting is also serious solo adventure for me. The thrill of the find taking my treasure home to unwrap and touch, test or try out. Oh heaven.
Satie's "Gymnopedie No. 1", reminds me of watching Woody Allen's "Another Woman", one of my favs.💚 Bravo on the chair!
Love how you bring to light how some of your projects have a meditative aspect and how they can be beneficial to mental health.
I've been studying the peerless rattan (you referenced) youtube video as I'm caning my very first chair seat. They provide the necessary bare bones basics, but your video is on another level. it made me want to check out your channel, and find out more about you, and how you became who you are. You are a one of a kind priceless gem of a human being. Thank you for your videos. Namaste.
I know nothing about this topic and have ZERO intentions of ever canning a chair, but imma watch simply because this dude is fascinating
I cant believe you never sat in it!!!!! Whaaaattt?!?!?!?!? Also, I am astonished how much I absolutely enjoyed watching you working on this project. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and you, and your precious objects, are truly treasures in this life. Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of your world with all us viewers! :)
Most definitely on team Seeing & Appreciating. Also enjoyed the unexpected humor throughout (''Nerd", "that’s what she said", "it's not that special"). Great videos, look forward to more.
Me too! 😁
Gorgeous seat… coincidentally I just finished caning a chair I found at Goodwill. ❤
You are such a beautiful human being.
How nice that John Derian saw how much you wanted the chair and gave it to you!
The way Rajivs channel has become my safe space ....
Apparently there is a Thonet rocking chair in the attic, that my lovely late father (passed a year ago today) tried to cane himself. He said that he couldn’t get the tension right but I suspect he was doing it when the cane was still wet. It feels meaningful to have stumbled on this video today, perhaps I will try to cane it myself at some point in the future. A beautiful video, thank you for sharing your love of things and making with the world. Craft and art make life so much more joyful. 🌟
👏👏👏 Rajiv, thanks to you I will never look at a caned furnishing with casual indifference 😂!! It was therapeutic just watching you…I can only imagine your sense of accomplishment & pride upon completion!!! Well done & thank you, as always, for sharing yet another of your talents & skills!
This video give me nostalgic vibes and bring me back to early 2000s where all the furniture were caned in my little hometown.
I caned a chair seat once. It took me a week. It was fun and a challenge. I had a chair from the set to refer to. Way before computers and all that, so I just copied the sister chair. There are four of them, SEARS chairs from maybe 1920s?? When I retire, I will go back in and cane the other two. Thanks so much for sharing this. And beautiful outcome on your settee Rajiv.
I truly appreciate how meticulous but also how silly Rajiv is. warms my heart ❤️
The Kadas in your Hand just give a hint of your roots in the most elegant way possible
You are such a treasure, Rajiv! I love meticulous activities like this. You are so fun to watch. Thank you!
Everything you do is an art form! You can't help but look at everything in your living space and admire it! We should all have such patience and talent!
I saw a lovely chair the other day with a ripped cane seat... now I want to go back and buy it and have a go at repairing it myself. Thank you so much for sharing this skill. I love this channel and you are an absolute treasure. Thank you.
I never realised that I would find the opportunity to watch someone recane a love seat such a piece of good fortune. It has been fascinating. Thank you 🙏 so very much for sharing your knowledge and experiences with the world. 😊
PS…Rajiv, please tell me, did you sew 🪡 the jumpsuit yourself? ❤
@@looloo4029 I did not! It's from P.LeMoult!
National Geographic needs to have a series where Rajiv travels the world, talks about the history of things, and learns local techniques in crafting.
I'm in awe. I will never look at a cane piece the same way again. I love it, but don't know that I would take on that project. Maybe a square seated baby chair. You have such patience and disciple. Congratulations.
My dad used to cane our chairs and I used to help him. He would use tree branches and shave them to the right diameter to fit as the pegs. Rajiv you explain every little detail about the process and history behind this. Thanks so much.
“You don’t just stick in any random hole”- Rajiv Surendra, 2023
If this was a shirt I’d totally buy it. Love the video btw.
What a wonderful way to wake up. I haven’t even gotten out of bed. So relaxing. Thank you
Thank you for watching!
Job well done sir. My granddaddy caned several chairs over the years..... I had no idea the dedication. Wish I could thank him now. REALLY enjoying your channel. Thank you.
I think if you ever come across an old piece of furniture that needs recaning, you buy it and slowly recane it yourself...that would be a deeply sentimental way of connecting with your beloved granddaddy.
I was looking for a tutoring for my chairs and I found a treasure: you and your art de vivre. Thank you
With all due respect, Rajiv, I wish that your Uncle could have expressed how proud he was that you had caned that chair-and caned it patiently and successfully. Many wouldn’t have the patience!
I think he was teaching humility
I love this channel, so calming and we learn something at the same time...bringing us back to the basics, taking a break from our busy lives, introducing us to culture, history and art forms and an appreciation for the simple and beautiful things...Another job very well done, Rajiv.
I just found your channel and I love it! I have been collecting antiques for a couple of years. I have one nice piece in every room of my house. I lost my wife to cancer a few years ago and it's so hard to get rid of "our things"; because there's only so much. People tell me to move on but 25 years is alot to get over. But I'm finding my own style and I'm giving things that were my wife to family who will understand the true value of it. So long story short, I'm enjoying your channel.
This Song and your Work achived makes me cry...
There was a blind gentleman that had a caining studio@ the gw in my hometown of Sioux City, Iowa. He was an incredibly skilled Master. I loved watching him work. Nice bouquet!
I can’t stop watching this guy.
I cannot, Rajiv is so special. He’s giving a charismatic combination of the soothingness of Mr.Rogers combined with the enthusiastic attentiveness of say Alton Brown or Steve Irwin all wrapped up in something uniquely ✨Rajiv✨
He is so *authentic* and *genuine* in his enthusiasm for his passions, his content is tidily filling a much needed gap.
“that’s what she said”……I died. LOL.
My grandparents had such wonderful furniture that included chairs like these, and a favorite was a rocking chair.
I love that from around 27:30 onwards the camera gives up focusing on the actual caning part and fully zooms in on Rajiv's intent and passionate facial expressions only :)
Your talent and patience are incredible. Beautiful job.
Dedication! I will certainly never look at these chairs the same way again.
I could watch a live stream of Rajiv simply caning furniture and would be so soothed.
This man is simply a genius of Old style DIY
I smile when you do your little voices. You reminded me of Robin Williams here, Rajiv. Thanks again. I listen to your content while I review student essays, and it helps me relax.
Idk this type of appreciation just makes me so attracted to this man
Bravo! You gave your love seat love. Thanks for rescuing it! Beautiful lines…great job!❤️
I was born in Toronto and explored the hinterland to become a canoeist. I built my own 16.5’ cedarstrip canoe and hand-caned the two seats myself. It was fun and easy to cane.
OMG, that was wonderful and I know of nowhere that I can find a handcaned chair or settee to redo like you did! Awesome and I will continue to mine for one!
IDK what I love more. .. that freaking jumpsuit, the pure joy of a person in love with craft, Rajiv himself, the sincerity factor - as if this man thinks that some of us might actually do this- AND MAYBE WE WILL NOW, or the whole thing with the watercolor teacher's mise en place lecture complete with accent. . . Lord have mercy. This video is just SO many kinds of good. thanks Rajiv 🙏
I remember helping my dad with this process as a little kids to cane a cot. Sweet Memories!
Wow, you have you'r own channel. I'm so glad i find you. You are so awesome soul. Make me so happy always when find good people from RUclips. Have a wonderful weekend Rajiv Surendra. 💛💛☀️💛💛
My 5 yr old daughter and I laughed together when you changed your accent and called yourself a nerd. Thanks for making us laugh.
You are such a Renaissance man
I have no words. Absolute joy to watch Rajiv do his magic. Thank you!
What a strange blast from the past. I used to help my grandfather with this work until he had a carpentry injury that damaged his dominant hand. His fingers stopped cooperating with him eventually, and pinching anything with his thumb was impossible. He died a few years ago and I stopped a lot of my creative endeavors after his death. I'd shuffle about in his (or I guess our) old studio a lot. I'd hesitate, and never actually get anything done but some cleaning.
"I never said this would be fast." He used to say this all the time! So very true.
Anyway, great work here! I liked how it came out, thank you for introducing others to such a rewarding craft.
I love how you know every detail of the art, down to how the tree naturally grows in it’s habitat. There is so much beauty in the origins of handcrafts.
My dad used to be able to do this when I was growing up in Colombo. He used to fix our cane chairs when the weaving eventually ripped apart.
Sometimes he used a red plastic faux cain. I never liked it but did the job.
This took me back to the side chair and settee which he has given in red. Took me back to our verandah in Colombo. That house is no more.
Thank you,❤️
Since i found Rajiv a couple of years ago my outlook has changed. I look at thing differently i look at details, imagine people who made or used things. My appreciation for beauty and age has been lit. I even see myself differently. I appreciate the age i am. The bumps and laughter lines that tell the story of my life i embrace rather than try to hide
Love the loveseat!! I’ve been in that basement…lots of goodies down there…and in the whole store!
A good teacher, no limit to talent and great own soundtrack 🤩
You got mad skills sir! 😍
Thank you for saving my will to use my hand again after a severe injury. I am grateful to you for reviving my hope again.
Thanks, Rajiv! I’ve been holding a couple of my grandmother’s maple chairs planning to learn to recane them for 50 years! Now you are inspiring me to get going. Thanks for emphasizing it isn’t hard and is doable. Grateful for your breadth of talent , interest, and ability to teach! Merci!
Having done this before it is an act of extreme concentration, endurance and love. Well done.
Wow! That turned out beautiful! Years ago I attempted to weave a seat in an Eastlake parlor chair for my grandmother. After step 3 I gave up and paid to have it finished. Now I wish I had persevered. ( I wasn’t keeping the cane wet enough and was cutting my fingers on it ). It’s interesting to know Thornet dates back so far. I have heard of this type of cane referred to as “ Venetian caning”. This is a very inspiring tutorial, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you !
Up to step three I thought, wow, this is fairly easy and goes quickly. Then step four required weaving and I realized, "Oh. Now everything slows down. A LOT." The weaving is when things get a little more frustrating, but if you take your time and walk away when you start losing your patience, you can do it leisurely without rushing...that's my advice.
He is so Creative. Back in the 80s my Mother had a Caned Rocking Chair and a Chair with a tall straight back to it. That Chair always sat in a corner of the house more so just for design. One of my Aunts also had a Kitchen Set with that styling on the back of the chairs with Valor Padding she purchased in the late 70s.
I love your videos! Love that you changed the intent of the video to inspire and just get people to think differently. As a fellow Sri Lankan, I never really enjoyed caned furniture, but your videos have given me a new appreciation.
It is so common in Ceylon...I love seeing the antique teak pieces there that are caned.