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What is straw marquetry?

Straw marquetry is a decorative technique traditionally made with rye straw. The straw can be left natural or dyed to create a wide range of colours before each stem is split open and flattened into a thin ribbon.

Multicoloured Rye straws flattened into ribbons for straw maquetry practice in London.

The straw natural sheen reflects the light without the need for varnish, and the direction of each ribbon affects how the colour appears. By laying the same straw in different directions, a surface can shift between lighter and darker tones. 

Multicoloured Rye straws cut into modern wavy pattern for straw maquetry practice in London.
Multicoloured Rye straws for straw maquetry practice in London.

These ribbons are cut and applied by hand to create patterns and images. They can be laid directly onto a surface or first mounted onto paper, allowing larger sheets to be cut into more complex shapes and patterns.

Multicoloured Rye straws flattened and mounted on paper for straw maquetry practice in London.

The technique has been practised in Europe for centuries. Today, straw marquetry is used in both traditional and contemporary ways. At House of Straw, we use the technique across decorative surfaces and objects, combining colour, pattern and form with the natural reflective qualities of straw.

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