On the morning of July 3, we came to Guihua Lane Art Village ~ Yan Yulin Handmade, and saw cypress straw hats. Thin slices planed from wood, and it needs to be an excellent wood like cypress, so that the slices will not become brittle.

The woodcarving industry in Lukang is booming, and there is no shortage of wood. Long strips of cypress straw need to be kneaded into a thread of about 90 centimeters using a machine. Some can be woven by hand, and some can be knitted with hook needles. In the early days, boys used wood to carve Buddha statues, while women could weave cypress straw hats at home. At that time, they were all exported goods. Lukang cypress straw hats, which were once unique in Taiwan, have also disappeared due to lack of wood (in the past 10 years).

We selected DIY prototypes that day, and the most expensive one was unexpected. It took us even one day to complete it.

The teacher's straw hat is woven in the same way as a rush hat. At the beginning, my hands were not in control, but as I became more proficient, my speed became faster, my work gradually became more beautiful, and I felt a sense of accomplishment.

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At the beginning, the teacher taught us how to make it, and then we gradually found the trick and felt a sense of accomplishment after completing it. This is an experience I've never had before! Because I did pretty well, I was called upon by the teacher to help my classmates correct their mistakes. Thank you, teacher, for allowing me to have this special experience and gain!

接草也是大學問

Handcrafting requires patience, care, and careful craftsmanship. Although not perfect, they are original. When we were doing it, many customers came and left after asking about the price. The teacher said at the time: "Handmade items will definitely be expensive. You have to agree that they are handmade, so they are expensive." I also think my straw hat pendant is very precious.