Which hay should I use for handicrafts?
Long stalks from the first harvest are ideal. They can be easily bent and you don’t have to use so much wire.

Which wire should I use?
Wire specially for handicrafts is the best. It should be of a similar colour to the hay. If it is too dark it stands out too much. Thread can be used instead of wire for making smaller animals.

Which animals can I make from hay?
Any animal really, hens, rabbits, cats, dogs and mice are especially popular.

Introduction: how do I make an animal from hay?
First of all, make the head and body. Then, depending on whether your animal has got legs or not, work in narrow sticks. Always bear in mind how much of the stick is going to go into the hay body when selecting the length. The animal should be able to stand up and not wobble. Next, wind hay around the sticks. Finally, wind wire around the whole body, so that the animal is stable. The eyes, mouth and ears can be added any way you like.

Tip: some farmwomen will be happy to show you how to make handicrafts with hay during your holiday.

> Farms with handicraft sessions

Recipe:
400g flour
200g salt
3 dessertspoons oil
2 dessertspoons alum powder (from chemist’s)
500ml water
Put all the ingredients into the mixer and mix well. To make different colours, simply add food colouring.
Careful: keep dough in an airtight container so that it stays soft for longer and the oil doesn’t go rancid. This dough keeps for about six to eight weeks.