Corn Dolly Plaiting with Elizabeth Woodroofe. 31 March 2026

Join expert Elizabeth Woodroofe to learn about the tradition and practice of straw plaiting and corn dolly making, using local wheat. 

In this workshop you’ll have the chance to learn about the history and cultural significance of the corn dolly and practice aspects of this endangered craft: how to prepare wheat for plaiting, be shown several basic plaiting techniques and how to use these plaits to construct a variety of traditional corn dollies to take home.

Corn dollies can be made from different cereals: ‘corn’ is generic for all cereals, and ‘dolly’ derives from the word idol. In this workshop you will use local wheat.

Straw plaiting and corn dolly making is a traditional craft that has been practised in many parts of the world for centuries. Corn dollies are symbolic objects, originally made from the last sheaf of grain to be harvested since it was believed that the spirit of a good harvest retreated into that sheaf. This spirit was then woven into a corn dolly and kept safe until the following year. In this way, good harvests were secured. More recently, corn dollies have been associated good luck and are hung as decorative items.

All materials are included and all the tools required are supplied. 

Instructor: Elizabeth Woodroofe

Workshop Cost: $180.00

Coffee and tea is available all day; BYO lunch or grab a fantastic lunch onsite at Spring Hill Nursery Cafe (pastries, frittata, croissants, tarts, cakes, etc). 

Class begins at 10.00am at Spring Hill Nursery in Tylden and will run through until 4.00pm.

Workshop Address: Corner of Spring Hill Road and Trentham Road Tylden.

Tylden is near Woodend, Kyneton and Trentham in Victoria's Macedon Ranges.

Positions are strictly limited to eight (8) people on this workshop. Due to course preparation, international instructor and potential wait lists; if a position is cancelled less than four (4) weeks prior to the start date, we are sorry, but 50% of your deposit payment is not refundable. You may transfer or pass on this course booking (for this date only) to another person if you are unable to attend.