Straw Ornaments: European Folk Traditions

Born in Prague and trained in the traditional crafts of Central and Eastern Europe, Daniela brings decades of expertise in preserving cultural practices that have been passed down through generations of wheat-growing communities. Her work as an Oregon Folklife Network award recipient and master artist reflects a deep commitment to keeping these time-honored techniques alive in contemporary practice.

Students will explore the rich history of straw craft, discovering how agricultural communities across Central and Eastern Europe transformed humble wheat stalks into objects of beauty and celebration. The workshop focuses on three distinct traditional forms: woven hearts created from long wheat stalks using techniques that require patience and precision, decorative angels and dolls that capture the folk art sensibilities of rural communities, and colorful stars crafted with authentic German-made molds and vibrant split straw.

Students will complete approximately six finished projects during the workshop and gain insight into the history and origins of each technique. The meditative nature of working with natural materials provides a welcome respite from digital distractions while connecting participants to agricultural rhythms and seasonal celebrations that have shaped human communities for millennia.