Straw Work & Plaits Workshop

Description

Join experience tutor, Helen, and learn some of the skills required for straw work & plaiting. In this workshop you will make straw harvest tokens and favours – a heritage craft from a time when we worked with the land, and were tied to the seasons and cycles of the year. We’ll use a traditional variety of wheat that has long stems, and we’ll learn how to prepare the straw and work with it. This is a good first step in straw work, covering the basics to produce something beautiful and special, something which inspires a connection to our land and heritage. The workshop will take place in the 100sqm converted craft barn with stunning views of the open Nottinghamshire countryside of Hanwell Wine Estate. The setting provides the perfect space to relax and engage in your passion while learning new useful skills. What you will make: Guided by expert tutor and teacher Helen you will make two types of plaits from wheat straw, and will use these plaits to make traditional harvest favours. What you will learn: How to sort straw How to prepare straw How to tie knots for straw work How to make at least two different straw plaits How to make harvest favours by shaping the plaits and adding ribbon How to take your interest further after the workshop Outline of the session: Welcome and refreshments Introduction to tools & materials Sorting straw The first plait Morning refreshments The second plait Practice time! Make another plait, perfect your technique and perhaps try a third project Discussion, Q+A, how to take things further Use ribbons and make beautiful harvest favours with your plaits Recap, show & tell, depart with your finished straw work Who is the workshop for: No prior knowledge is required, this course is designed for beginners What is included: Refreshments and materials will be provided What you need to bring: An apron household scissors or secateurs (for cutting straw) small snips (for cutting thread – e.g. embroidery or sewing scissors) a notepad and pen/pencil 2 x tea cloths (clean, but not necessarily new) a small box to take home what you’ve made (e.g. a shoe box) About your tutor Helen  Helen Leaf is an engaging tutor with a lifelong passion for making. She is an accomplished straw worker, teaching locally and nationally to a wide range of students. She has experience in many fibre arts, now specialising in ply-split braiding. She has taught and exhibited work in the UK and internationally. To ensure the quality of your personal experience, group size will be limited to 8.

What's included in the price?

All materials are included in the workshop price

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Rural Antics, Hanwell Wine Estate

with Craft Courses since 2017

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