Straw Work & Plaits Workshop

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)