Some Marquetry Techniques
Before starting, straws must be soaked for about 20 minutes in warm water. Then they are split and opened out. They need to be dry before they are stuck. (Details below)
Straw suppliers listed at base of page.
MarquetryStraw marquetry could be described as the art and craft of applying pieces of straw to a structure to form decorative patterns and designs.In this example a very cheap side table was decorated.
The table. A very basic chipboard object. The design is drawn on the top with pencil.
The straws are soaked
Each straw is slit along a side and opened out
The straws are allowed to dry out and then pressed flat with the blade of a knife. Some makers prefer to iron their straws flat
Glue is applied to the area to be covered. The straws are laid in parallell lines to cover this area then each side of the shape is trimmed with a craft knife and ruler.
Adjoining shapes are covered in a similar manner but with a change of direction for the straws covering each shape.
Gradually the entire table is covered with stuck on straw.
When completed, the results are quite spectacular as the light catches and reflects in different directions.
1. Checkerboard patternPaper strips representing split and pressed straw.
Strips stuck in parallel lines on a backing sheet
Strips cut horizontally.
Newly formed strip moved horizontally to create the start of a checkerboard pattern.
2. Diamond patternPaper strips representing split and pressed straw.
Strips stuck in parallel lines on a backing sheet
Strips cut diagonally
Newly formed strip moved to create pattern. Can be stuck directly onto object being decorated or backing sheet.
3. Zigzag pattern
This needs two sheets , cut at opposite angles.
Strips are laid out vertically, one from one sheet adjoining one from the other sheet. Colours can be joined together (as above)
Colours can be alternated (as above).
4. Irregular strips
You will need individual straws in two colours
Place the straws together in pairs (one of each colour) and cut a wavy line through both straws together.
Place straight edges of straw back to back and match the wavy patterns as shown. These can alternate colour or be glued in a manner to provide a wide strip.
Elaine LindsaySomething Corny, Rowan Cottage, Inveramsay, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5DQ.www.somethingcorny.co.uk Tel. 01467 681330
Something Corny supplies straw working materials, books and tools for the craft