Raffia

[JenJen]

I bought raffia from JoAnne Fabric's a day or two ago... I looked at the package and it indicated it was 100% natural. However, upon opening it there was a faint smell that I couldn't place. It wasn't quite chemical and could possibly have just been natural raffia smell. I thought little of it and dug in to begin making shredder toys for Zulu. After working with the raffia (braiding it) for a few minutes, I started to notice that it felt slicker than what I expected. Almost like it had a bit of a waxy residue on it.

Long rambling aside, has anyone ever used the raffia sold at JoAnne's? I've sent an inquiry to the manufacturer but have yet to hear back. In the meantime, curiosity again gets the better of me!

TIA

JJ

 

[Terry57]

I have never used the one that they sell at JoAnne's, but if there is any doubt I don't think I would use it. Hopefully you will hear back from the manufacturer.

 

[Kalidasa]

Take a few pieces and light them on fire. If they're coated with stuff the flame will often (but not always) be bluish and give off a greasy smell. Also, you can soak it in soapy water and dry in the sun

 

[JenJen]

After sending an email and not receiving an answer, I called the company directly. Investigation is necessary, Ms. Bird Nut, they said. What follows is the email response to my phone inquiry as to whether the raffia in question is treated in any way, shape or form by chemicals, bleach, wax, etc. Or if it is 100% natural.

The “natural” raffia does not contain chemicals and has not been bleached. However, our items are intended for floral use only and not intended for anything other than decoration.

I wanted to give the flame test a go but haven't really had much of an opportunity yet.... but thank you for the suggestion! I don't quite know if my interaction with the rude CSR (I am a CSR myself, and know we can have bad days but... wow... she took the cake!) has soured me or if it's something more, but I don't even know if I'm all that inclined to bother with their product.

 

[JenJen]

Should this have me concerned? This was in reply to my inquiry to a different company about a product of theirs that I use in every single toy I make for Zulu.

We have never tested this item in regards to animal safety but the factory has stated the item was treated with a mixture containing 1.5 L Batching Oil, 0.5 L Emulsifier and 12 L of water. This was then applied to 100 kg jute fibers in order to soften the fibers.

I really can't help but wonder now if there are any safe products to buy for bird making toys - outside of the online stores (which I do shop from!).

 

[Dinosrawr]

I would be concerned and remove it just in case. I'm also in the same boat, I'm very paranoid about what I buy and I often buy things and then return them or toss them because I can't get enough information on whether or not they're safe. I think if you stick to items that are child safe, they should also be relatively bird safe.

It kind of blows me away when people get upset with you for being a concerned human being about something you love... it'd be different if you were harassing them and saying they're cruel to animals or something for not producing something animal safe, but you were asking a genuine, honest question.

 

[JenJen]

The folks from Darice were awesome. It was that other place that left me scratching my head.

I'm bumbed about the jute/hemp. I bought several rolls while they were running a special. I loved how easy it was to use and was totally comforted by the 100% natural labeling. I've attached pics of the two ropes on the off chance other people use them too (and might chime in!).

While they also confirmed which of their wood craft products are safe... They didn't specify the type of wood used...which is, again, worrisome. For those interested:

These 3 items are kiln dried. No chemicals or other treatments:

9146-62 BIG VALUE 16MM RND BEAD 40PC/PKG
9119-46 BIG VALUE 12MM ROUND BEAD 75 PC/PKG
9119-47 BIG VALUE 20MM ROUND BEAD 30 PC/PKG