The Book Of Wheat Weaving And Straw Craft: From Simple Plaits To Exquisite Designs [Paperback]

Morgyn Owens-Celli (Author), Kelley Jones (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1998

Make amazing natural projects ranging from simple but lovely plaits to creations fit for museums. The 20 different weaving techniques will prepare you to make house blessings including fans and harps; love knots, used to preserve and promote love; ancient and traditional designs such as Celtic knots, Earth Mother, Glory Braid, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In addition to its practical uses, most notably as hat or mat material, wheat straw has been woven into folk figures to celebrate the harvest since ancient times. These abstract figures, usually with the grain heads still attached, are the basis of the projects in this book. Wheat stems are woven into wall or door decorations using macrame techniques. The simpler ones may also be hung outdoors as an offering for the birds. A "preparations" chapter discusses the different kinds of grain that may be used and supplies needed for the work. The projects that follow are inspired by designs from many countries and have step-by-step instructions with excellent color photographs of the finished items. This is a good addition to a nature crafts collection.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

This is another great book on ancient crafts from Lark Books, it has beautiful color photos showing the designs in all their glory. Very clear instructions with line drawings to guide even the novice on their way to a very rewarding craft experience, highlight the text. A history of the craft is well written and interesting to any level of crafter. Owens-Celli is the director and curator of the American Museum of Straw Art and shows his enthusiasm for straw weaving on every page of the book. This book should be in the library of any person from 10 to 110, if they enjoy a challenge with their hands. The source list will be a great help to find the necessary straw to work with; the other supplies listed you probably already have in your house. Personally I was quite interested in some of the braids and how to make them, as I had seen similar work on woven mats dug up in the Southwest at several sites. A great gift to purchase for yourself and your favorite crafter or history buff. -- From Independent Publisher --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157990078X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579900786
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,471,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, easy to follow instructions!, January 1, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Wheat Weaving and Straw Craft: From Simple Plaits to Exquisite Designs (Hardcover)

Simply wonderful book! Great pictures as well as easy to follow line drawings and instructions make it easy to produce beautiful works of art. The author has included a wealth of information between the covers of this book. It is a wonderful addition to any book collection - whether you weave or not!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful photos! Complete, easy to follow directions., February 12, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Wheat Weaving and Straw Craft: From Simple Plaits to Exquisite Designs (Hardcover)

This is the best book on straw weaving I've found so far. It includes photos and drawings of every technique. I have had no trouble following any of the instructions. Each project contains a short piece of folklore that pertains to the piece. The pictures are so beautiful, it also makes a good coffee table book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, February 19, 2000

By 

Paula Moor - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book Of Wheat Weaving And Straw Craft: From Simple Plaits To Exquisite Designs (Paperback)

This is the perfect gift for anyone interested in craft work. It has excellent pictures and the step by step instructions are easy for beginners to follow. As well as projects for the advanced weaver.