Urmas Veersalu

Straw worker

©Sandra Urvak

The himmeli maker

Urmas creates geometric reed himmeli
He helped build the largest reed crown on record
He makes DIY handicraft boxes for enthusiasts

From miniature reed himmelis to massive geometrical ones hanging from high ceilings, Urmas Veersalu keeps alive this peculiar forgotten tradition and spreads the joy to others through his DIY handicraft boxes. Urmas has always been fascinated with handicraft and wooden objects; since the age of 11 he has been playing around with reeds that look similar to wood. The way himmels spin around in an airy space is mesmerising to him, but it wasn’t until 2013 that he gradually started his work and built up his studio. The largest reed crown in the world that now has a place even among the World Guinness Records was built under Urmas' guidance! His large works hang in spaces across the world, inside private homes, museums and even the Estonian President's palace.

Interview

©Sandra Urvak

©Sandra Urvak

What type of techniques do you use?: I create especially large oversized himmels and to create such himmels I use stiff reed straws. Stiff reed straws are the magic ingredients for my large-scale decorations, as rye straws are not suitable for the process. In the preparation process, I use my clean-cut technique before putting the modules together by hand.
Are there any secrets to your craft?: One secret is that people don’t know that these decorations are made from a very ordinary plant. Also cutting and gathering the straw does helps our coastlines, as it's an invasive plant. Using it is good to our biodiversity.
What is a memorable event in your career?: In 2019 on Saint Martin’s Day at the Tallinn Handicraft Fair we created one of the largest himmeli ornaments that took us four days and almost a thousand people took part preparing it. The whole experience was unexpectedly emotional!
Why himmels?: For me creating objects out of reed is a therapeutic process and it brings a lot of joy and happiness from very small and simple things in life. Also, I love the whole working process of provision, processing, and product assembly.

Urmas Veersalu is a master artisan: he began his career in 2013 and he started teaching in 2015