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Introduction to Straw Work

Learn about the humble material of straw and how it can be used to make decorative and functional objects. Straw skills have been practiced for hundreds of years in farming and folk crafts around the world. Straw work and Corn Dolly making are both Red Listed Endangered Crafts after falling out of mainstream practice due to the mechanisation of crop harvesting.

Today, there has been a resurgence in interest as people appreciate the pleasure of working with a natural and sustainable material and the mindful aspect of working with straw. This course is suitable for beginners and those with some previous experience who would like to revisit or improve their skill set.

This course will introduce you to the basics of straw and corn dolly work so you can gain a good understanding of the materials and master a variety of straw work skills. Working with heritage wheat, you will learn how to prepare it and experiment with different plaiting techniques. The aim is to go home with 2 or 3 finished pieces.

To book your place

To book your place click on the booking form link below:

https://oxfordshireartandcraft.co.uk/booking_form?id=OSS.2024.002.2

Complete the online booking form then click on the Send Booking button.

If a course is full or otherwise unavailable, You will see an Add to Waiting List button so that you can register your interest.

Your deposit payment of £60 is required once your booking is confirmed. You can pay by bank transfer or cheque. Payment details will be provided in a Booking Confirmation email.

Further resources

Useful knots for straw workers

The use of the correct knot will ensure that your work will look tidy. Tying a bunch of straws together = Clove Hitch Tying two straws together at right angles = Transom Knot A knot that will not slip = Ligature Knot Joining straw threads = Weavers Knot Clove Hitch Method 1 Clove Hitch Method 2 Transom Knot Method 1 Transom Knot Method 2 (using a Clove Hitch) Ligature Knot This knot is sometimes called the Surgeon’s knot but the…

FAQs About Straw

1. THE BASIC MATERIAL For Corn Dolly making and decorative straw work a hollow stemmed straw is required, with a good length between the head of the wheat and the first leaf node. Some of these varieties are available from specialist growers who supply to straw workers (see List of Suppliers,) or you may be fortunate enough to have a farmer near you who grows an old fashioned variety of long stemmed wheat specifically for thatching. ‘Corn’ is a generic…

Thatched Roof Ornaments

There is no finer sight than to see a newly thatched roof glowing in the sunshine topped, if you are fortunate, with a stylish straw ornament that gives a flourish, and seems to say “well, this is a fine piece of craftsmanship, to be sure” . It is many a year since hayricks and straw stacks were thatched. Rick ornaments took various forms – a cockerel or a bird, a cross or a crown, a boat, an apple or a…