Here are three ways to make Brigid’s Crosses. You’ll find the best method for you. This material was sourced from the Geocities website. Just returned from Ireland, I’m sorry to lose this material on the Internet.
Cross Bhrighite in Gaelic Rushesis a traditional material used for St. Briget’s Cross. Before construction, all materials must be blessed. Keep rushes moist, but not so wet that they mold or rot. Plastic drinking straws in white packaging are perfect for avoiding the mess. Rubber bands are a great way to secure the straw ends. I use 9 straws with 4 rubber bands. However, you can use any number.
The size is not important. Crosses are usually made of pieces of rush measuring 8-12 inches in length. Some jewelers make the crosses in earring size.
Method 1,
After months of searching, I bought it from the Irish-American Gift Shop. The design was easy to understand when I disassembled it. This process is perfect for those who are busy and great at telling stories!
- You will need 9 8-12-inch rushes or straws and 4 medium to small rubber bands.
- One of the rushes/straws should be held vertically.
- Fold in half the second straw horizontally and at an angle of right over the middle of the first straw, with the second strand projecting right. The bend should be pressed up against the center of the first straw.
Grab the middle overlap between thumb and index finger.
- The two straws should be turned 90° counterclockwise to the left (the ends of the straws will now project upwards).
- Fold the third straw over the two parts of the second hand straw from left to the right, and tuck the folded inside against the middle and second straw. Keep it tight.
- Keep the middle firmly in place! Turn all straws 90° counterclockwise. (left)
This time, the bottom of the straw is pointing upward. Fold the new straw over all of those that are facing upward.
- The vertical and central straws.
- Rotate the straws 90° counterclockwise by holding tightly to the centre.
- Fold the new straw in halves from right to left, and then to the center.
- Continue to fold the straw and rotate the straws 90 degrees left. Keep your hands firmly in the middle.
- After the straw has been folded, firmly hold the straw in the middle.
- If using straw, rubber bands or rushe-splattered string or straw are used to secure the final arm. Secure each arm.
- Paint the straws, but take care as the wet paint can dissolve the paper coating. Dry rushes by placing them on a flat, level surface. When the rushes are dry, you may want to paint them with your favorite color.
Method 2
This technique produces a cross that is similar to the Eye of God, andas a result it reminds you of ancient Celtic Traditions
Ireland
Materials: Two sticks or either
Twist wire, paper or rushes. I use heavy gauge electrical wire in green. This makes a fantastic reusable cross
This can be rebuilt for every session. The class or audience completes the cross.
- Two sticks should be positioned at an angle. I use tape or string.
- Then, pull the rush or the wire under the X on the image above across to the middle and left. Under the lower left spoke, then the upper left. Then curve under and back to the left.
Idealy, there should still be some stick visible on the spokes. The cross should be more prominent than the eye of God.
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Source: Lettice S. Sanford Corn Dollies and Straw Work Top!
Method 3.
The method is similar to Method 1. For some reason, this method appears more archaic.
- Nine straws can be tied together by tying them at the ends.
- Then, spread them out as in the image with the knotted end down. (Image #1)
- The front two straws of each three-pack can be folded under the others. (Image2)
- (Image3) Bring the image up and over so that it is next to the two in the corner. (Image3)
- Image 4 shows a completed cross.