Straw Craft foundations

Sunday, June 14: 9 AM - 4 PM

Straw craft traditions in Europe have existed since early agriculture, when the last stands of grain would be woven into small ‘Corn Maiden’ figures in order to house the goddess of the fields over the long winter. Come springtime, she would be planted back into the earth with the grain. 

This class will cover foundational skills used to weave many traditional straw patterns so that participants will walk away with the ability to make multiple different projects.

  • Tuition: $130 per participant

  • Apply for a scholarship

  • Materials Fee: $45 to be paid to instructor

  • Required tools: Sharp scissors/snips, absorbent hand towel.

  • Optional tools: Clipboard, apron, strong thread in your preferred color (I use buttonhole thread.)

  • Age / Ability Level: 12+, Beginner - Intermediate

  • Participants will learn the clove hitch knot, ribbon and spiral plaiting, and the Welsh Fan and North African cage methods. After learning these foundational skills, students will weave a pattern of their choosing and leave with a completed project to hang in their home.

  • This craft requires finger strength and dexterity but does not require any standing.

    CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive learning community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and able to participate. As we launch our first workshop series, we are dedicating space in each class for reduced-tuition scholarships to support anyone facing financial barriers. As we build a more robust scholarship program, we hope this initial launch will remove barriers and expand access to hands-on learning for all.

    Anyone with financial need is encouraged to apply for a half-tuition scholarship. To be considered, please submit a brief online application. Please note that CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is operating with limited financial resources and an entirely volunteer staff. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a spot for every applicant. Each class has one scholarship slot available. Applicants who are not selected in this current round are welcome to reapply.  Apply here

  • Description text goes herPC is able to provide refunds up to two weeks before the start date of the class for which the registration was submitted, though we do retain a $20 fee for return payment processing. If you need to cancel your class within the two week window, a refund is not guaranteed, but will be considered based on several factors.

    If CPC needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment, teacher illness, or other factors, you will receive a full refund. Read our full set of policies.

meet your instructor

Isabel Estelle (they/them) is the owner and artisan behind Bearded Lady Heritage Craft Farm, located in Shafer, MN. They are a second generation straw craftsman and first generation farmer dedicated to growing materials for endangered crafts in an effort to build better access to traditional arts. They are a member of the Guild of Strawcraftsmen, the National Association of Wheat Weavers, and the Land Stewardship Project.