Activity for a team event - reed crown making workshop
Reed stems rustle, knots become strong, and time seems to stand still. Hands are busy, yet the mind relaxes.
This is what making reed crowns is like. It is a creative and meditative activity that suits a team event because it unites participants toward a common goal and creates something beautiful and memorable.
The reed crown workshop takes participants into the world of geometric shapes, where craftsmanship meets culture, calm, and collaboration.
We explored more about reed crowns with their master, Urmas Veersalu, who kindly answered our questions.
WHAT IS A REED CROWN AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO US?
Before we start tying, we want to know what a reed crown is and where it comes from.
Urmas replies: “No one really knows exactly when these 3D home decorations started being made, but their purpose was based on the belief that a crown made from tied reeds would help ensure a better harvest the following year. The tradition of making crowns came to Estonia through the coastal Swedes, and the material used was mostly reed. Paradoxically, in Sweden, the tradition of making crowns is no longer known, and because of this, it has come to be thought of as a Finnish tradition.”
But what could the significance of a reed crown be for a modern Estonian?
It seems no one has asked Urmas this before, and he thoughtfully says: “I haven’t thought too much about the meaning of reed crowns for Estonians, but there is clearly some connection to happiness. According to the World Happiness Report, Finns have been the happiest country for eight consecutive years, and Lithuania, where crown making is also respected, has risen to 16th place in the same ranking.”
Reed crowns have been part of our folk culture for centuries — hung under the ceiling as symbols of light and life to bring happiness and a good harvest. Today, they take on a new meaning as a team-building exercise that is both practical and beautiful.
Reed crown workshop, Photo from Urmas Veersalu
MAKING REED CROWNS AS A THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCE
Now we are curious why making a reed crown is so special. How does it differ from other craft traditions, like knitting mittens?
Urmas happily points out: “Making reed crowns is entirely positive — the material is eco-friendly, the activity is meditative, and through the activity, knowledge of geometry expands.”
It also turns out that making a reed crown requires a lot of attention. Urmas says: “When tying reed crowns, you need to be ‘present,’ because generally the crowns do not hold their shape until the last reed is tied in place, and if you are talking at the same time, a knot can go in the wrong place.”
Urmas also dreams: “In my vision, reed crowns could gradually replace the tradition of bringing young spruce trees indoors. Let the trees stay in the forest, and then we won’t feel uneasy that we’ve cut down a 10-year-old tree just for a couple of weeks of use.”
When the reed links are connected and the crown begins to take shape, a quiet moment of focus arises. Everyone dedicates themselves to their own work while also being careful not to disturb others.
Reed crown elements as Christmas decorations
CREATIVE COLLABORATION IN THE REED CROWN WORKSHOP
By the end of the workshop, one larger reed crown is completed. A crown that would take one person much longer to make is completed quickly when many hands and minds work together.
We are curious how making a reed crown differs when done in a team versus alone.
Urmas draws on his experience leading workshops and responds: “Making crowns alone is fun, but making them together is even better. In collective creation, the final result is never completely predictable, which sometimes brings out hidden creativity in people. Even if there is an idea of the crown, the true image only emerges when the crown is finished and hung up.”
Regarding freeing creativity, Urmas adds: “Generally, the goal is symmetrical shapes, but you can always try making ‘anything.’ We can think of the reed crown as a ‘core’ of a decoration, to which or below which we can also hang something. A finished reed crown seems to change shape with its movement, and we can endlessly play with the light directed at the crown and the shadows it creates.”
It turns out that tying a reed crown together requires cooperation, attention, and trust. Each knot and link must fit into the whole. Just like in a team, where everyone has their own role and responsibility! This is a symbolic experience that teaches listening, coordinating, and creating something together in a free and relaxed atmosphere.
A larger symmetrical reed crown
CREATIVE COLLABORATION IN THE REED CROWN WORKSHOP
HOW TO COMBINE A REED CROWN WORKSHOP WITH A WINTER TEAM EVENT?
What could be nicer than gathering in a warm room after a winter urban nature hike and doing a little festive handcrafting together? The result of such a team event is a beautiful reed crown, to which each participant can contribute. Making reed crowns is a long-standing tradition. Why not decorate your office with a jointly crafted reed corwn this holidays?
Come discover forgotten craft techniques, calming creative activities, and the joy of working together toward a common goal.
Holiday season hike
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