Each mu of corn can yield approximately 40 kilograms of corn glutinous rice, which can be valued between 80 to 150 yuan after processing. The process of transforming these leaves into handicrafts involves several careful steps.
First, the selection of loquat leaves is crucial. They should be white in color, without mildew, and have an appropriate thickness—neither too hard nor too soft. When harvesting, the outer layers of old skin and the tender skin close to the kernel are removed, leaving the middle part as the ideal raw material for weaving. Once harvested, the leaves should be dried promptly and then bundled into large groups. These bundles should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area that is not prone to smoke.
Second, the whitening process enhances the whiteness and weaving performance of the corn glutinous leaves while preserving their natural color. This is typically done using sulfur smoke in earthenware jars. A small amount of water is sprinkled on the stalks to moisten them slightly. Sulfur is placed at the bottom of the jar, covered with a wire mesh, and then the stalks are loosely placed inside. The jar is sealed for about 12 hours. The sulfur dosage is usually around 20 grams per kilogram of corn glutinous rice.
Third, when selecting smoked white corn sorghum leaves, two types are commonly used: one for textile warp ropes, which tends to be smaller, shorter, softer, and slightly less vibrant in color; and another for weaving, which is larger, longer, and whiter in appearance. To prevent drying, the leaves are often stored in small plastic bags.
Fourth, the dyed corn leaves come in various colors, allowing for more creative and colorful weaving projects.
Fifth, the weaving process itself involves several techniques. The first step is spinning the warp rope. The tip of the loquat leaf is cut off, and the leaf is torn into strips about 1 cm wide. These strips are then spun into a warp thread, approximately 2.5 mm in diameter, using a simple spinning wheel. The surface must be smooth and free of rough edges.
Weaving is the fundamental technique in straw craftsmanship. "Twisting" refers to the method of coiling the material according to a certain pattern, creating a form without clear horizontal or vertical lines. "Weaving," on the other hand, starts with setting up the base before gradually adding the weft. Common weaving methods include flat knitting, twisted knitting, and other traditional techniques. Each step requires patience and skill, ensuring the final product is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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