Himmeli and Slavic Straw Ornaments

Nov 21, 2026
10:00 AM
—
1:00 PM

Location

Christ Lutheran Church 150 5TH ST, MARINE ON SAINT CROIX, MN 55047

Categories  Crafts

Instructor  Aleksandra Ward

In this hands-on class, you will discover the geometric beauty and cultural richness of straw art. Participants will learn to create Slavic straw ornaments found across Poland and Ukraine alongside himmeli, the delicate, airy mobiles rooted in Finnish and Baltic traditions.

 

You’ll learn traditional techniques for cutting, threading, and assembling natural straw into balanced forms, inspired by the instructions passed down by instructor Aleksandra Schmelig’s Polish grandmother. We’ll discuss the symbolism of straw in Slavic cultures and the role of ornamental mobiles in seasonal rituals.

 

Each participant will make a small himmeli mobile and aniolek, a Polish ornament, with optional embellishments. You will leave with your finished pieces, the skills to continue creating at home, and a deeper appreciation for the timeless artistry woven into these cultural traditions.


 

About the Instructor: Aleksandra Ward

 

Instructor will provide the following: 

All materials for making the ornaments and printed instructions

 

Students are asked to bring:

  • sharp scissors
  • long needles for beading
  • x-acto knife
  • measuring tape or ruler
  • Since your class runs over the lunch hour, you may want to consider bringing a lunch or snack. Click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities available before or after your class.

 

Skill Level 

No experience required. 

 

Age Recommendation

Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Students ages 16 and 17 may attend without a parent/guardian in attendance as long as MMFS is provided with written parental permission by email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

 

Location Details 

Christ Lutheran Church

150 5th Street

Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

 

Cost Details

Tuition: $45

Materials Fee: $30

Total Cost: $75

 

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.