Ronghua, a traditional Chinese craft, comes in two main styles: fluffy and pressed. Each style has unique techniques that significantly affect their final appearance and texture.
Fluffy ronghua retains a soft, three-dimensional look, emphasizing traditional aesthetics. In contrast, pressed ronghua introduces innovative techniques to create flat shapes, offering new artistic possibilities.
Preparations before arranging silk threads:
- Choice of Silk Threads: Use high-quality silk threads, preferably untwisted (无捻）or lightly twisted (低捻). Untwisted silk maintains its natural softness and fluffiness, crucial for achieving the fluffy texture.
- Help with Talcum Powder: During the threading process, a small amount of talcum powder can help secure the threads, making them more robust and enhancing their fluffiness.
Threads Grouping Techniques:
1. Choose the right wire thickness
Fluffy Ronghua: Use 0.15mm copper wire to create a dense and delicate appearance. The thinner wire allows for tighter spacing between the threads, enhancing the fluffy texture.
Pressed Ronghua: Use 0.2mm copper wire for better support and shape retention. The thicker wire is essential for maintaining the flat shape.
2. Even Threading:
Ensure consistent and even threading for a harmonious look. For fluffy ronghua, group 10 threads, making 14 groups with lengths of about 4 to 4.5 cm. For finer details, group 2 threads, making 26 groups with lengths of about 4 cm. As for the pressed ronghua, group 5 threads together, making about 15 groups with lengths of around 4 cm.
Tips after Threads Grouping
1. After crafting, gently tap the surface to remove loose fibers and enhance the fluffiness.
2. Lightly brush the threads during the process to remove excess fibers and smoothen the threads. This step is particularly important for fluffy ronghua to maintain its soft texture.
