Frequently Asked Questions

  • Straw marquetry is a centuries-old art form in which the stems of grasses like rye or wheat are used to veneer a surface with intricate, often geometric patterns. Each stem is hand-dyed, split, and flattened into ribbons, then cut and adhered one at a time to a substrate — typically a wood panel. It's a labor-intensive process, often taking weeks to complete a single piece.

    I specifically work with rye straw, prized for its natural glossy sheen, which gives each piece a silky, luminous quality and a rich, organic texture unlike paint or print. As you move around a piece, light reflects differently off each individual straw ribbon, so the work is dynamic and ever-changing depending on where you're standing.

  • I don't remember exactly where I was first introduced to straw marquetry, but I remember the fascination taking hold immediately. I've worked in fiber art for much of my life — with a background in textile design, weaving, and embroidery — so there was a natural affinity for straw as a material from the start. What drew me in were its specific qualities: the texture, which is so visually tactile that people often feel an instinct to reach out and touch it; the way straw takes up dye unevenly, creating a whole universe of hues within a single color field; and the shine — the straw's natural luminosity reflecting light differently across every artwork, so a piece feels dynamic and alive depending on where you're standing.

  • Straw marquetry is remarkably long-lasting — historical pieces date back to the 17th century and remain intact today. I use the most lightfast dyes available to help each piece hold its color over time, though like any artwork, it's best kept away from direct, harsh sunlight to prevent fading.

  • No. Straw has a natural outer coating of silica that acts as a built-in, shimmering varnish. Applying artificial varnish or lacquer would actually dull the straw's natural, light-reflecting brilliance.

  • I love collaborating with people to create a piece just for them. The process starts with design — whether that means adjusting the size or color of an existing piece you've seen, or developing something entirely new. This stage usually involves digital mockups, color samples, and some back-and-forth between us. Once the design is finalized, I order materials and begin the piece. Commissions run slightly above the prices listed on my website, though not dramatically so — feel free to reach out for a quote.

    Custom straw marquetry pieces are also popular with interior designers looking to match a specific palette or scale to a room. The added bonus is that the straw's natural texture and dimensionality add warmth and organic depth to a space.

  • I do! Most pieces 24×36" or smaller ship domestically within the US via common carrier (like FedEx). Larger pieces are handled by a professional art shipper for safe transport. If you're outside the US, get in touch — smaller pieces are usually straightforward, but for larger work, shipping costs and import taxes can add up significantly.

  • You can currently see my work at: