Paper Straw Himmeli
18 November 2013
The tradition of himmeli is tied in with harvest - something made using straw from one year, to ensure plenty for the next. In Finland these fragile mobiles are called Himmeli or Olkihimmeli and in Sweden Oro or Halmkronorna. Each country, even each locality, has its own versions. This paper design is simple and we hope it will give you a taste for the technique. More experienced practitioners create elaborate and magical geometric shapes bedecked with feathers, grass, paper shapes and even candles. An ideal project to do with children.
YOU'LL NEED:
- Paper straws
- Thread
- Ruler
- Precision knife
- Needle
- Cutting mat
STEP ONE
This ornament consists of twelve lengths of straw, the proportions are up to you. This example is made with six straws cut in half.
STEP TWO
A straw is 19,5 cm long, so each straw that has been used in this example is 9,75cm long.
STEP THREE
Mark the length with a pen and cut the straws with a paper knife.
STEP FOUR
12 equal pieces.
STEP FIVE
Cut a length of thread 20cm longer than the length of all your straws eg. 9,75 x 12 = 117cm + 20 = 137cm. Tie it to a needle.
STEP SIX
Thread four straws by letting the needle and thread drop through. Secure them with two knots to form a diamond. Don't tie them too tight or too loose - just enough to give some moveability,
STEP SEVEN
Thread 2 more straws and tie them together at the end of the other pair.
STEP EIGHT
Repeat step seven. This is where the structure of the ornament takes shape. If you want to make variations like in the main image above, you can lengthen or shorten these parts.
To create the red and white ornament cut 4 straws in half (9,75cm) and one straw into four pieces (4,8cm)
To create the light blue/white ornament: Cut 2 straws in half (9,75cm) and 2 straws into 4 pieces/straw (4.8cm)
To create the red and white ornament cut 4 straws in half (9,75cm) and one straw into four pieces (4,8cm)
To create the light blue/white ornament: Cut 2 straws in half (9,75cm) and 2 straws into 4 pieces/straw (4.8cm)
STEP NINE
Pass the thread through just one straw so it comes out in the middle of the structure.
STEP TEN
Thread one straw and tie it to the middle of the next pair. Repeat this step until complete.
If you want to make variations like in the main image above, you can lengthen or shorten these parts.
To create the red and white ornament cut four straws in half (9,75cm) and one straw into four pieces (4,8cm)
To create the light blue and white ornament cut two straws in half (9,75cm) and two straws into four pieces each (4.8cm)
If you want to make variations like in the main image above, you can lengthen or shorten these parts.
To create the red and white ornament cut four straws in half (9,75cm) and one straw into four pieces (4,8cm)
To create the light blue and white ornament cut two straws in half (9,75cm) and two straws into four pieces each (4.8cm)
STEP ELEVEN
Make a loop of thread of your desired length, trim off excess and the himmeli is ready to hang.