Make
a unique "quilt" using this
paper weaving technique. Paper
weaving can be done with any size of background paper, depending on what
you choose to use the finished product for. Paper weaving makes a lovely
place mat, a cover for a book or folder, or you can use it as the background
for another piece of artwork. Even four- or five-year-olds will manage to
weave if the preparation is done for them. (The paper strips can be made
a little wider for younger children.) You
will need:
- A sturdy piece of paper‹rectangular in shape‹to
use as a base or background. Black or another plain color is effective,
but
something
like
wall paper can also be used.
- Strips of bright colored paper, 1/2 inch wide and at least as long
as the width of your background paper; so make sure the latter
isn't too big.
- Ruler, pencil, scissors, glue
Here's
how to begin:
- Fold your background paper in half along the width, lining up
the two shorter sides. With a ruler and pencil, draw a horizontal
line 1/2 inch down from the top side. Next, mark out and then
draw vertical parallel lines, 1/2 inch apart, from this top line
to
the folded edge. It is important to measure accurately, otherwise
your weaving will be uneven. Now cut on the lines, beginning
at the folded side and stopping at the horizontal line.
- Now you
are ready to start weaving. Open your background paper
and lay it flat. Take a colored strip and weave under the first "slat" and
over the second, under the third, and so on all the way across.
When you begin the second strip, go over the first slat and under
the second, etc. (opposite of the last row). After each strip
is completed, push it tightly up against the previous one. When
the
mat is finished, the outside ends of the strips can be stuck
down with a spot of glue to keep the whole thing together!
Reprinted from www.bruderhof.com
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