Crafting straw ornaments is a wonderful way to bring a natural, rustic touch to your Christmas tree. these straw ornaments were traditional in the holiday sseason in Nordic Countries.. Inspired by Scandinavian traditions, here’s a simple guide to making your own straw ornaments:
Materials:
- Natural straw (you can use wheat straw or purchase craft straw from a craft store)
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Water (to soften the straw)
- Decorative ribbons (optional)
Steps:
- Prepare the Straw:
- Soak the straw in warm water for about 15-30 minutes to make it pliable. This helps to prevent it from cracking when bent or tied.
- Cut the Straw:
- Use scissors to cut the straw into even lengths, depending on the design of the ornament. For star shapes, cut several pieces of straw to the same length (about 4-5 inches).
- Create the Basic Shape:
- For a star: Take two or three pieces of straw and arrange them in an “X” or star shape. Use needle and thread to secure the center by stitching through the straws where they overlap.
- For a heart: Fold a single piece of straw in half to create a heart shape. Secure the ends together with thread or glue.
- You can experiment with different shapes such as angels, wreaths, or snowflakes.
- Secure the Straw:
- Wrap thread or fine wire around the center of the shape to hold the straw pieces in place. Tie tightly and trim any excess thread or wire.
- Decorate (Optional):
- For added decoration, tie small ribbons or bows around the center of the ornaments. In traditional Scandinavian styles, red ribbon is often used.
- Add a Hanging Loop:
- Thread a loop of string or ribbon through the top of the ornament for hanging.
Tips:
- To add some variety, you can dye the straw in natural colors using food coloring or fabric dye.
- Combine different lengths and thicknesses of straw for intricate, layered designs.
These handmade straw ornaments are a beautiful way to honor Scandinavian traditions and bring a natural, minimalist touch to your Christmas tree. You can experiment with various designs to match your holiday decor