Weaves of Gold

Weaves of Gold lesson plan

Weave golden sticks through paper printed with gold leaves. This wall hanging is a natural to make an impression!

  • 1.

    Research weaving. Learn about its importance in cultures throughout history. Find out how weaving continues to be an important industry.

  • 2.

    With an adult supervisor, collect fallen leaves from plants or trees. Gather several fallen sticks that are slightly longer than construction paper. Choose only those items that are safe to handle. Wash hands.

  • 3.

    Use Crayola® Markers to divide construction paper into four sections. Color each section.

  • 4.

    Cover your art area with newspaper. Brush the underside of a leaf using Crayola Premier™ Gold Tempera Paint and a Crayola Brush. Press the painted side down on one section of the paper. Lift the leaf. Repeat with leaf prints in all four sections. Paint several sticks with gold paint. Dry.

  • 5.

    With Crayola Scissors, cut several strips in the printed construction paper. Cut to within a thumb's width of one edge of the paper. Do not cut strips all the way through.

  • 6.

    Weave the golden sticks into the paper. Insert the first stick under the first strip, over the second and under the third. Continue across the row. The second stick will be inserted over the first strip, under the second, and over the third. Continue acro

  • 7.

    Turn over the weaving. Run masking tape across the open end of the strips to secure them. Turn weaving to its front. Glue another gold stick to each end with Crayola School Glue. Dry.

  • 8.

    Attach a hanger of raffia, ribbon, or yarn to the top of your weaving.

Benefits

  • Students gather information about the history of weaving.
  • Students discover how important weaving has been to people through time and realize that it is still a viable craft and industry in modern society.
  • Students demonstrate their knowledge of weaving by producing a paper wall hanging woven with gold painted sticks and decorated with prints of golden leaves.

Adaptations

  • Students with special needs may appreciate some initial help as they become independent with weaving.
  • Use Crayola Multicultural Markers to color the paper for an earthy look. Add raffia or dried weeds to enhance the natural feel of the hanging.
  • Make wall hangings with cloth. Design the background with Crayola Fabric Crayons. Cut into strips. Weave sticks into a pattern.