Kseniia Koshykova

My name is Kseniia, and I am an artist specializing in wheat straw weaving. I currently live in Kenmore, USA, but I am originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine. I first discovered straw weaving as a child at a summer camp, and it has remained a part of my life ever since. I still remember how my father once brought a bundle of straw into our home—the whole house was filled with the warm, comforting smell of bread. Straw weaving is one of the oldest folk traditions in Eastern Europe, with roots that trace all the way back to ancient Egypt! In Ukraine, straw items were found in nearly every household. These included children's toys, bril (straw hats), and, of course, beautiful Christmas decorations like the Didukh, Pavuk (spider), and straw Christmas stars. These handmade pieces were—and still are—cherished symbols of the holiday season. I’m proud to bring this traditional folk art into our modern daily lives and I am happy to share with you a piece of Ukrainian culture through my straw weaving decorations. I have been a speaker on Weaving Out West 2025. The Natioanl Association of Wheat Weavers conference, I shared Ukrainian traditions in straw weaving and stories about how Ukraine is enduring the times of the russian war. I gained new experience and felt incredible support not only as a craftswoman but also as a Ukrainian. I heard so many words of support because of the war caused by russia. In NAWW2025 I thought two classes Straw Horse and significant Ukrainian Pavuk!

Link to my instagram and shop bellow:
https://koshykdesign.etsy.com
https://www.instagram.com/straw_weaving_ua