Even the inexperienced eye realizes that various wheat weaving methods create different results. To the straw artist, the most common include plaiting, marquetry, Swiss straws, embroidery and tied straw.
- Plaiting: Repetitive folds and bends of straw create tabletop and wall decorations and straw hats.
- Marquetry: Bits of flattened and sometimes colored straw form intricate appliqué patterns.
- Swiss straw: Artists may use whole, split or spun straw to form decorative trimmings, such as for hats.
- Embroidery: Straw may be spun to embroider cloth.
- Tied straw: Artists tie together straw – sometimes a combination of wheat, oats, barley, rye and rice – to make different shapes.
Ruff prefers plaiting and embroidery. A simple 6-inch wheat heart may take just an hour to fold and bend after the wheat is cleaned and soaked. In contrast, dolls consume a week’s time with various components and details. Ruff even wraps straw around a knitting needle to form curls for doll hair. Her homespun straw thread embroiders materials, such as dresses.
SEE MORE: Wheat 101
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