Beginners Workshop: Plaited and Woven Straw Earrings

Level: Beginners – suitable for complete beginners; no previous jewellery or textile experience is required.Generously supported by the Traditional Arts and Culture Fund, discover the creative possibilities of straw in this unique one-day workshop exploring traditional straw working techniques and their application within contemporary jewellery making. Working with natural materials, students will be introduced to different types of straw, how they are prepared for use, and the basic tools and processes involved in straw work. Elaine will guide you through a range of traditional techniques, including plaiting, weaving, and the creation of the ‘Hairst Knot’ — a historic decorative knot traditionally associated with Scottish rural craft and farming traditions.The workshop begins with the creation of a small decorative straw piece, allowing students to build confidence and develop an understanding of structure and handling before progressing to jewellery-scale work. Using finer straws and more delicate techniques, students will then create a selection of lightweight woven and plaited earrings, exploring texture, form, and pattern through this highly tactile material.Straw has been used decoratively for centuries across the world in a range of craft traditions, valued for its warmth, subtle sheen, and ability to create intricate surface detail from a humble natural material. This workshop offers a rare opportunity to explore these heritage techniques in a contemporary jewellery context.Suitable for complete beginners, this relaxed and supportive workshop encourages experimentation and careful handwork while introducing students to an unusual and increasingly rare craft skill. ‘This workshop is suitable for all abilities, whether you have always wanted to learn the craft and didn’t know how to start, or you have worked with straw for a while and need some inspiration and new projects.’Your TutorElaine Lindsay is an Aberdeenshire-based straw worker and founder of Something Corny. She has been working with straw for over 40 years, developing a practice rooted in traditional rural craft while creating contemporary designs for modern audiences. Elaine joined the Guild of Straw Craftsmen in 1989 and achieved her Craftsman Award in 1999. She is also a founding member of Scottish Straw Workers and regularly teaches, demonstrates, and gives talks on straw work. Her varied practice has included traditional corn dollies, fashion pieces, theatre and television work, exhibitions, and project-based books. Elaine is passionate about passing on this increasingly rare craft skill and helping students discover the creative possibilities of straw.What You’ll Learn

• How to prepare and work with natural straw
• Traditional braiding and weaving techniques
• How to create a traditional Hairst Knot
• Jewellery-scale straw construction techniques
• Creating lightweight woven earrings
• Handling and finishing delicate natural materials

OutcomeStudents will leave with a decorative straw sample piece, a selection of woven straw earrings, and the confidence to continue exploring straw work within their own creative practice. All materials will be provided.What to bring/expect

• We’ll provide everything you’ll need for your workshop.
• Please bring along glasses if you need them.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a studio environment, including closed-toe shoes.
• Please wear long hair up.

A decorative straw sample piece, a selection of woven straw earrings, and the confidence to continue exploring straw work within their own creative practice. Read more details