Straw marquetry facts for kids

Straw marquetry is a special kind of art where thin pieces of straw are used to create beautiful pictures and designs. It's a lot like wood marquetry, but instead of wood, artists use straw!

This amazing craft is thought to have started in the East. Some of the first examples of straw marquetry came to England in the 1600s.

What is Straw Marquetry?

Straw marquetry is a decorative art form. It involves cutting and arranging flattened pieces of straw onto a surface. This creates detailed patterns and scenes. The straw pieces are carefully glued down to form a picture.

How is Straw Prepared for Marquetry?

To get the straw ready for marquetry, artists use wheat or oat straw. They prepare it in a few steps:

• First, the straw is split open.
• Then, it's soaked in water. The water can be cold, warm, or hot.
• After soaking, the straw strips are ironed flat.

This process helps the straw get different shades, from light gold to dark brown. These different tones are used to make designs look more real, just like different shades of wood.

History of Straw Marquetry

Straw marquetry has a long and interesting history. It was practiced in different parts of the world.

Who Made Straw Marquetry?

In some places, like France and Switzerland, nuns were known for making many items using straw marquetry. They created beautiful pieces with this unique skill.

One of the most famous times for straw marquetry was during the Napoleonic Wars. Prisoners of war from these conflicts made many amazing straw art pieces. Prisons like Norman Cross in Huntingdon, England, were especially known for this craft.

Straw Art on Easter Eggs

Straw is also used to decorate Easter eggs, especially in countries in Eastern Europe. This is a slightly different technique called straw applique.

How are Straw-Decorated Eggs Made?

For egg decoration, artists glue small pieces of straw onto the eggshell. They often create cool designs like:

• Geometric shapes
• Stars
• Flower patterns

The main difference from marquetry is how the straw is prepared. For egg decoration, the straw is soaked and split, but it is not ironed flat. This gives it a slightly different look and feel.

Images for kids

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  Beautiful flowers made with straw marquetry.

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  A small house decorated with straw marquetry.

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  Easter eggs with straw applique designs.