More workshop information/Exploring options
Workshops can cater for groups of various sizes, all ages and abilities and can take place indoors or out
Some images of Workshops in Action
A group which meet regularly, often choose a project for a session of about an hour. Here are some suggestions for a fairly large group
Woven Hearts
These use 3 strand hair plait which most people are familiar with
Woven Favours
These 'favours' are a great way to master unfamiliar plaiting patterns
Threaded Himmeli
These charming mobiles formed by threading straws can be as simple or as complex, as plain or as decorative as the creator desires.
Marquetry Bookmarks
These serve as a very basic introduction to straw marquetry.
Straw stars
Easy to master but require a certan amount of dexterity. Countless variations and combinations.
A workshop for a small number people can tackle a more advanced project. Here are some examples.
Children and Young People can be catered for
An idea for the very youngest
These 12 year old Girl Guides realised 4 hands were better than two !
An idea like this makes a good classroom group project.
An example of planning for a drop in workshop, catering for the youngest to the eldest
Here a theme has been specified - valentines. The very youngest will be given a 'special,' small straw heart to incorporate in a picure composed of precut shapes which they can stick onto a background. Infant aged children should be capable of decorating and sitcking a hanging heart. They will be encouraged to create (ie colour), form (bend the strips into heart shapes) and stick. Comparative to the adult version of create (ie plait), form (bend the plaits into heart shapes and tie. There are 3 basic types of plait on show. Hearts can be made from one type of plait or upto three different types.
You may wish to organise a series of drop in workshops. Some people may come once, others may attend a number of session Here are some images from a project which took place over a 6 week period. (The 'Ceres project -more details below)
First time plaiters were invited to choose a plait and make a shape. Here 3 strand hair plait ideas
Some times a compass plait is a better plait to start with than the hair plait. Easy compass plait ideas.
An arrow plait and more ideas appropriate to the theme.
More complex plaiting
Joining small pieces to make more complex items
One idea , with a lot of possible variations
A godess?
One of the larger items made
A curzon
This design is beautiful. Single corazons were used by some actressess as necklaces. They had a very middle Eastern feel.
A tree
This was another items worn as a piece of jewellry by the performers.