Saturday, November 19, 2 p.m.

Lithuanian Straw Christmas Ornament Workshop

Traditionally made from threaded straw, Lithuanian Christmas ornaments are delicate and often elaborate pendants, whose geometric designs (such as, stars, snowflakes, and angels) are inspired by natural, celestial or religious motifs.

The unique white paper or plastic straw ornaments so typical of Lithuanian Christmas trees today, have an interesting origin. Juze Dauzvardis, the wife of Petras Dauzvardis, Consul General of Lithuania in Chicago (1961-71), was asked to decorate a Christmas tree with Lithuanian ornaments as part of an international Christmas tree exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Wanting to distinguish the Lithuanian tree from all others, Juze Dauzvardis, with the help of Sisters of St. Casimir, came up with the idea to use ornaments made of white paper drinking straws. The Lithuanian Christmas tree with its distinctive white ornaments became a great hit at the exhibition and drinking straw Christmas tree ornaments became a popular modern and urban twist on an old Lithuanian tradition, particularly because natural straw is more difficult to procure for American city dwellers than it is on the Lithuanian homestead.

Learn how to make your own Lithuanian Christmas tree ornaments from white plastic drinking straws made into shapes of stars, the sun, snowflakes, bells, lanterns, and angels. Attendees are asked to bring their own scissors, a pencil and a ruler. Straws and other supplies will be provided (see below). A traditional Lithuanian Christmas Tree will be displayed.

Registration Information:

Family fun!

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT CLASS
AT THE BALZEKAS MUSEUM OF LITHUANIAN CULTURE

Learn how to make your own Lithuanian Christmas tree ornaments from white plastic drinking straws made into shapes of stars, the sun snowflakes, bells and angels. Traditionally, the ornaments were made from natural straw.

Experienced folk artist Vaida Lagoneckytė will instruct the class in English. Participants are asked to bring their own scissors, a pencil and a ruler. All other supplies (straws, needle, thread and instructions sheet) will be provided at the workshop. Extra supplies for work at home will be available in the Gift Shop.

The Lithuanian Christmas Tree, decorated with these unique ornaments, has been admired by the public for many years at the Museum of Science and Industry, Midway and O’Hare Airports, Navy Pier.

When: Saturday, November 19, 2 p.m.

Where: Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago 60629 Directions

Fee: $15 adults/$12 for Museum members.
Children 12 and under - $6

NEW: For your convenience, now you can register for the workshop through the Museum's online Gift Shop Here>>>

Fee includes: Supplies (straws, needle, thread and instructions sheet); free admission to the Museum; and light refreshments

Free parking available in the back of the Museum.
For more information and registration, please call the Museum at 773-582-6500

The Museum is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This project is partially supported by Grants from the Illinois Arts Council, City Arts Program 3, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the ECPC.