Christmas Straw Ornament Workshop

6500 South Pulaski Road,Chicago IL 60629

20 November, 2021

Description

Annual Workshop with instructors Don and Kathy Astras using flat straw applique technique Learn how to create beautiful Lithuanian straw Christmas ornaments at this year’s Straw Christmas Ornament Workshop at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture. Instead of the traditional threaded ornaments–wherein straws are threaded with string to make intricate 3-dimensional designs–instructors Donatas and Kathy Astras will teach how to score and flatten shafts of wheat straw to make wheat straw applique ornaments (see photo above). The Astrases are carrying on a tradition started by Donatas’s late mother, Ursula Astras, an award-winning folk artist who for many years taught classes at the Museum. Examples of her straw ornaments will be featured at the workshop. Celebrate and pass on this centuries-old folk art tradition to your family. Workshop participants will be able to complete one straw ornament (4-inch diameter) and have step-by-step instructions to make more at home. The workshop registration includes: A viewing of examples of Ursula Astras’ exquisite designs and artworkLithuanian Christmas traditionsA step-by-step process that you can repeat at homeTemplates of designsGuidance by Don and Kathy AstrasTool kit and materialsInstruction in EnglishRefreshments will be served**Note: Each participant is asked to bring a pair of scissors and a ruler.** Additional patterns and designs by Ursula Astras as well as information about her life and work can be found on her website at LadyofWheat.com and can serve as templates. For more information about the workshop, please call 773-582-6500. This program is partially supported by the members and private donors of the Balzekas Museum and grants from the following grantors: Illinois Arts Council; Illinois Humanities; and a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Destination Lithuanian Heritage Sites project is funded by grants from the Lithuanian Government. This Museum presentation was supported in part by a grant of U.S. Department of Treasury funds through the City of Chicago. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this program are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Treasury or the City of Chicago or the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture and its Members. www.balzekasmuseum.org