I have deviated even further away from spoons :D For some time I had been trying to get my hands on some tampico fibres in order to have a go at making a brush (or two ;). These veggie scrubbers are the evolution of a brush from something pretty but nevertheless not that useful, to something pretty and very useful!
I have used recycled Australian hardwood timber for these cute veggie scrubbers, not 100% sure what it is although my source tells me it is either Blue Gum or Iron Bark. Either way, this timber is super cool with lots of interesting inclusions (for example nail marks) and a beautiful grain. SUPER hardy. I had to start sanding at 40 grit if that gives you an idea! These are little lovely cubes that sit beautifully in your hand, approximately 4.5cm cube, with the tampico fibre extending from this another approximately 3cm.
The fibre used is known as Tampico, but is also known as Ixtle or Mexican Fibre. This is a soft to medium flexible plant fibre from a group of cacti, mainly Yucca & Agave grown and processed in Mexico.
Tampico is ideal for brushes made for scrubbing, sweeping, painting, decor, tactile stimulation, or ritual/altar spaces. It is also used in weaving, rope making, and other crafts.
This fibre is not treated with any chemicals and is 100% food safe and biodegradable, and with simple care will last many years or decades.
In short lengths tampico is stiff and great for nail and body brushes, and in longer lengths for brooms or tactile brushes it is more soft and flexible.
My veggie scrubbers are sanded to 600 grit and finished with my spoon butter, a mix of bees wax and coconut oil. The tampico fibres are glued into place before being trimmed to approximately 3cm, and are rigorously brushed after that to remove any loose fibres.
Natural differences in the timber and my drilling skills mean each one is completely, one hundred percent unique!
