Straw Plaiter
WORKSHOP STYLE
Meditative, intricate, historical.
ELIZABETH SAYS:
My mother was the inspiration for my interest in straw plaiting and making corn dollies. It’s an ancient skill that uses natural fibres to turn them into harvest knots, which were worn as decorations to celebrate the end of the harvest centuries ago.
And just for the record, a corn dolly isn’t a baby made from wheat, they were shapes, or idols created to keep the spirit of the good harvest alive from one year to the next. The creation of these decorations is repetitive and mediative which I enjoy.
WE SAY:
Straw plaiting is officially on the Heritage Craft Association’s red list of endangered crafts. Elizabeth is a member of the Guild of Straw Craftsmen and is passionate about passing on this ancient artform.
