Straw work is a traditional craft that uses dried cereal straw such as wheat, oats or rye to create decorative and symbolic objects. Corn dollies (also known as harvest trophies) were historically made from the last sheaf of the harvest and were believed to hold the spirit of the crop until the following year. 

Today straw work is recognised as an endangered heritage craft and is being revived through workshops and contemporary design.

Each scarf design begins as an original drawing inspired by traditional straw craft, rural landscapes and harvest folklore. The patterns are often based on historic straw plaits and corn dolly motifs, reinterpreted as contemporary textile design.This connection between heritage craft and modern design means every scarf tells a story rooted in British craft traditions.

Yes. The scarves make thoughtful gifts for anyone who appreciates art, textiles or British craft. Because each design is inspired by heritage techniques and original artwork, they are a meaningful and distinctive alternative to mass-produced fashion accessories. Each silk scarf comes in a box.

My designs are inspired by rural landscapes, farming traditions, harvest celebrations and historic straw plaiting patterns.

My products are produced in the UK using high-quality materials such as silk and cotton. It is important to me that I support specialist UK manufacturing.

Heritage crafts are traditional making skills that have been passed down through generations but may now be at risk of disappearing. Examples include straw plaiting, corn dolly making, basketry and textile crafts. Many of these skills were historically connected to farming, seasonal celebrations and rural life.

Penny’s work focuses on preserving and sharing these crafts with new audiences through workshops, demonstrations and contemporary design. 

Yes. Penny runs straw craft workshops across the UK teaching skills such as: corn dolly making, straw plaiting techniques, harvest knots and decorations, straw folk hangings and traditional harvest crafts.

Workshops are suitable for beginners as well as people who want to deepen their craft skills. 

Yes. Workshops can be booked for:

• museums and heritage sites
• festivals and craft fairs
• corporate wellbeing events
• community groups
• schools and universities

Sessions can be tailored for different audiences and can include demonstrations, talks or hands-on making.

Workshops take place at venues across the UK including museums, craft schools and heritage organisations. Previous venues have included museums, summer schools and arts centres.  

Private workshops can also be arranged at your venue.

Please see the events page for upcoming workshops

Yes. Most workshops are designed for beginners and include step-by-step guidance. Participants will learn how to prepare straw, basic plaiting techniques and how to make simple straw decorations or corn dollies.

More advanced straw workshops are also available.

A corn dolly is a decorative object made from straw that was traditionally created from the last sheaf of the harvest. In rural folklore it was believed to hold the spirit of the crop until the following year’s harvest. Corn dollies can take many forms including harvest maidens, plaited ornaments and symbolic shapes. 

Traditional straw work uses long-stem cereal straw such as heritage wheat, rye, barley or oats. The straw is soaked and prepared so it becomes flexible and suitable for plaiting and tying.

Yes. Demonstrations, talks and interactive sessions can be arranged for museums, heritage organisations, festivals and educational institutions.

Yes. Bespoke straw artworks and decorative pieces can be commissioned for exhibitions, events, installations, film productions and private clients. 

Yes. Traditional straw techniques can be used to create custom props, costumes and decorative pieces for film, television and theatre productions.