Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Grasping at straws

Several people asked about the straw in my new barn. Where did I get it? What is it made from?
 
Here's the answer: manila file folders! 
This the ultimate cheap and easy prop. Simply cut the folder into smaller pieces, then cut those pieces into tiny strips.  
This is a slow, tedious task, but if you stick with it, you will have enough straw to properly bank your stalls.
Hay can be made in the same way, just be sure to paint your manila folders an appropriate shade of green...
before cutting them to pieces.
Happy shredding, everyone!
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13 comments:

  1. MargaretJanuary 19, 2016 at 3:09 PM

    Dear god that looks so tedious! Sounds like a good craft to do while watching tv though. :)

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  2. UnknownJanuary 19, 2016 at 5:10 PM

    Sounds really tedious but looks great.

    Do you think that if I cut it the other way too it would work for shavings?

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  3. SparkieJanuary 20, 2016 at 8:41 AM

    Oh wow, what a great idea! ..I have no idea what manila folder is, though.. I suppose any kind of stiff-ish brown paper will do?

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  4. UnknownJanuary 21, 2016 at 10:24 AM

    Great idea!!

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  5. MizzyJanuary 21, 2016 at 12:54 PM

    hehe seen this on Youtube, its a great way to get shavings without worrying about insects going to live in there hehe

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  6. CWS Stables and StudioJanuary 21, 2016 at 1:09 PM

    So realistic!

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  7. brindleladyJanuary 21, 2016 at 2:41 PM

    I love this idea. I am going to be raiding the recycling bin at work for manila folders! Woo HOO! Thanks for the brilliant idea.

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  8. Horse TenderJanuary 21, 2016 at 6:11 PM

    I never would have guessed that's what it was. I was really thinking it was dried grass or something. Awesome!

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  9. ArtJanuary 22, 2016 at 7:37 AM

    You can find scale grass etc. at model railroad shops also. I have made straw and hay from hemp rope. You should be able to find it at a lumber yard for free.

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  10. mbutler500January 23, 2016 at 7:41 PM

    I never would have guessed that it was shredded manila folders. Very clever, as always.

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  11. NJHeart2HeartJanuary 24, 2016 at 1:46 PM

    What a great idea.. I come back to your blog every so often, and am always so happy to find great information I can apply to my own hobby craft :)

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  12. UnknownJanuary 24, 2016 at 3:16 PM

    I just re set up my barn. love this!!!!

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  13. UnknownDecember 12, 2017 at 1:13 PM

    An easier approach is to get a yard or two of cheap sisal rope from the hardware store and chop the strands to length with a utility knife.

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