Project #6 Paper Weaving

This project was designed to introduce fourth grade students to the concepts of weaving and three-dimensional design. Cool or warm color schemes along with tinting and shading allowed students to add uniqueness. Students started with a rectangular piece of cardboard to which 6-8 strips of newspaper were taped (four vertically and four horizontally). Then the paper strips were woven over under, over under. When all strips were woven, each strip was individually twisted to degree desired. After twisting, the free end of each strip was taped to the back of the board. Students then chose a color scheme and proceeded to paint, painting the background before painting the individual strips with a wide brush. Glitter, beads, buttons, etc. were added as optional accents.

I could use this project in a classroom where children may have been studying various styles of weaving and/or items produced by weaving. Because this project promotes uniqueness and style, a parallel could be drawn in that various cultures have unique styles of weaving and each culture's value of the products produced by various forms of weaving depends on various reasons.