Weaving

Bible Integration: 
The use of woven material is seen in the Bible in the construction of the tabernacle. We are told skilled women spun wool with their hands, and even interwove gold threads into the fabric (Exodus 35:25 ; Exodus 39:3 ). What if your weaving was to be hung in the tabernacle? What colors would you want to use? What designs would you want to include?

Paper Strip Weaving

Objectives:
You will use observation, investigation, and experimentation in making art. You will demonstrate safety and proper procedures while using materials and tools. You will understand and recognize cultural uses for artwork during different times. You will design and create a woven artwork.
Vocabulary:
  • horizontal-parallel to the surface of smooth water
  • vertical-upright or perpendicular to a horizontal plane or line
  • texture-the character of a surface.
  • human-made-made by people
  • pattern-a series of objects, or elements that repeat in a predictable manner
  • loom-an apparatus for making fabric by weaving yarn or thread
  • warp-the set of lengthwise yarns or strips
  • weft-the thread or yarn which is drawn through the warp yarns to create cloth
  • overlapping-to lap over (something else or each other)
Process:
  • Watch the video, Paper Strip Weaving:​
  • Choose two colors of construction paper strips for the “warp” (9 total).
  • Choose 1 color construction paper strip for the “weft”.
  • Glue the top edges of the 9 warp strips in an ABAB pattern to the 1 weft strip. Be careful to keep warp strips straight and not overlapping.
  • Choose two weft colors and collect 5 of each color.
  • Begin weaving the weft strips over/under/over/under alternating colors.
  • Leave approximately 1½ inches on the bottom to cut into fringe.
  • Weave pieces of yarn into the pattern for texture.
  • Use a sharpie to add designs to your weaving. 
  • On an index card write your name and why you think your weaving should hang in the tabernacle.
Standards:
VA:Cr1.2
VA:Cr2.2
VA:Cn11.1

Weaving on Concentric Circles

Artists & Artworks
  • Wassily Kandinsky, Squares with Concentric Circles
  • Seminole Indians
Objectives:
You will brainstorm ideas for creative design and set creative art making goals. You will relate artistic ideas and works with culture and historical context. You will design and create a circular weaving.
Materials:
Chinet paper plates; tempera paint, paint brushes, water, containers, templates, yarn, scissors, paper, pencils, cutting template 
Vocabulary:
  • pattern-a series of objects or elements that repeat in a predictable manner
  • loom-an apparatus for making fabric by weaving yarn or thread
  • warp-the set of lengthwise yarns or strips
  • weft-the thread or yarn which is drawn through the warp yarns to create cloth
  • contrast-the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece of art
  • radial balance-the condition of having similar parts regularly arranged around a central axis
  • symbol-a picture or shape that has a particular meaning or represents a particular organization or idea
  • hue-the correct word to use to refer to just the pure spectrum colors
  • value-The lightness or darkness of tones or colors
  • tone-a quality of color such as warm or cold, bright or dull, light or dim and pure
  • intensity-or strength, or purity of a color
​Process:
  • Look at this painting by the artist Kandinsky. It is called Squares with Concentric Circles. ​
  • How does this painting make you feel?
  • What colors do you see?
  • What shapes do you see?
  • Are the shapes “perfect”?
  • Was this painting easy or difficult for the artist to paint?
  • Why is this painting called “Color Study of Squares with Concentric Circles”?
  • If you were creating this painting what would you do differently?
“I applied streaks and blobs of colors onto the canvas with a palette knife and I made them sing with all the intensity I could... " Kandinsky
​
Our emotions can color the way we actually see things in real life. When you're sad, sometimes it seems as though the whole world is gloomy. When you're feeling happy, the day can seem brighter and the colors of everything around you are more vivid. Here's something else to think about: if you were an artist, would you prefer sharing your feelings with others by painting a picture of something that they recognize (like a beach at sunset, a laughing child, a circus) or by using colors, shapes, and lines that don't "represent" anything specific—they are more like painted music. It's not an easy decision. Which would you choose?
  • Create concentric circles on round Chinet plates.​​ You may add patterns and details to your concentric circles. Here are a few examples:
Watch Paper Plate Weaving.​
  • Cut notches for warping yarn (use template) along the edges of your Chinet plate.
  • Add warping yarn and begin weaving in circular direction.
  • On an index card write your name and 5 things about your weaving project. You can include things you like and why, things you might change, where you might hang your weaving.
Standards:
VA:Cr1.1
VA:Cr1.2
VA:Cn11.1

Spirit Bracelet Weaving

​Objectives:
Students will be introduced to weaving techniques and create a woven bracelet.
 
Materials:
Cardboard, template, scissors, pencil, ruler, mason twine, lighter
 
Process:
Watch & follow along with video instruction.
​Standards:
VA:Cr2.1
VA:Cn11.1