In the 16th century the Spanish introduced marquetry techniques to the New World. The term "marquetry" applies to two different types of surface decoration: inlay and veneer; straw applique as it is practiced in New Mexico combines both techniques.) The introduction of marquetry dovetailed with the pre-Hispanic Aztec tradition of decorating surfaces with feather and shell mosaics. By the late 18th and 19th century straw and corn husks were used against dark colored wood to create a high contrast that imitated gold leaf. Twentieth century straw applique designs are both abstract and figurative and appear on crosses, candles, sconces, nichos, wall plaques, boxes, and chests. This lesson plan, "Making a Straw Applique Design," includes objectives, vocabulary terms in English and Spanish, materials, motivation, procedure, evaluation, and extensions and connections. Contains three references and names, addresses and phone numbers for three New Mexican community resource contact persons. (MM)