"When I work with straw, "autumn colours", from snow-white up to brown, attract me; this scale of gold colours is very natural. However I found a use for a gold braid, laces, snowy pearls and gold glass beads. It is astonishing how organic this stuff flow together without rejection and rivalry. The harmony of purity and solemnity is created."

Тhe technique of framework performing is very plain but fiddly. It combines appliqué work and framework creation of different forms. Each Whatman and cardboard detail undergoes the repeated stitching round of edges and only then it can be glued over with straw, braid, lace and pearls.
     The work on frameworks began cautiously and tremulously, because each icon is unique and carries its own different from others light and energy. That is why you are not aloud to change over frameworks places. For example, there are some elements of military armours of Russian Earth defenders: shield, helmet, spear, banners in the icon encasement of St. Blessing Prince Alexander of Neva, but the icon encasements of Out Lady are decorated with crowns, towels, flowers… Icon encasements of Out Lady “Tenderness” and “Praying on the rock of St. Seraphim of Sarov” are very laconic and tender. The shawl of icon encasement “Tenderness” is the covering of Bride and has been woven from the stars, the icon “St. Seraphim of Sarov” is like a lake of pure sacred beauty with the dew drops hardened on the wood flowers in the prayerful silence…

     The work on icon encasement “Saviour` bell gable” was the most astonishing and significant among others. The sketch of the bell gable appeared before my eyes all at once and I had only to strike it off. All my doubts concerning the material for the icon encasement (straw) were blown over by the member of higher orders of clergy in Zaporozhe and Melitopol Basil. He listened to me attentively and gave a blessing. His kind words during my first exhibition at the artistic museum and live Russian music, relatives and friends added me strength and inspiration.
     There are 16 icon encasements in my home iconostas now. I am grateful for the knowledge’s to all my first correspondence teachers, fine masters of straw in Belarus. I could not create such icon encasements with out your help. If Almightily Lord wended my way once, he would always help.
     I am glad to have a chance to present these wonderful straw icon encasements to you and I am eager to share the secrets of their production.