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Information provided by Sandra Bowles
This article first appeared in Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot (SS&D), Issue 113, Winter 1997/1998. SS&D strives to include learning experiences for young people to encourage them to create their own fiber traditions.
Possibilities
Weave a heart—to show someone you care.
Roses and Vines Woven Heart Rubber Stamp, woven heart and
woven heart card courtesy of JD Impressions.


Materials Needed:

  • a variety of decorative papers, felt or fabrics
  • tag or poster board
  • pencil
  • ruler
  • scissors
  • glue
  • stamps
  • stamp pads
  • paint
  • brush

Click here for a full size pattern of image on left.

 

Photocopy or trace the pattern to a piece of tag board or poster board to make a template. Fold a piece of decorative paper. Place the template on the decorative paper and trace around the edges of the template. Make sure to match the folded side of the paper with the place on fold mark on the template. Indicate cutting lines. Holding template and colored paper together (or use paper clips), tightly cut around template to make piece A. Repeat to make piece B.

 

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

Diagram 3

 

Position folded heart pieces A and B on work surface. Weave strips as shown in diagrams 1 and 2. Begin by sliding Strip 4 through Strip 4. Then slide Strip 6 through Strip 4. Strip 5 slides through Strip 3. Strip 3 slides through Strip 6. Strip 4 slides through Strip 7. As you weave the last strips you will need to carefully bend the strips as you slide one through the other. Continue weaving and slide Strip2 through Strip 5. Strip 6 slides through Strip 2 and Strip 5 goes through Strip 1 and so on until weaving is completed (see Diagram 3). Straighten strips and sections and glue or tape on handles and add decorations. Fill heart with candy or dried flowers or something special for your valentine.

Try mixing paper colors and patterns. Cut A from checked or a colorful decorative print paper and cut B from origami, metallic or handmade paper. Watch what happens when you weave the combinations together. Draw designs or use rubber stamps to decorate your woven hearts. Try enlarging or reducing the size of the heart pattern and make lots of different size hearts!

Can you think of other materials that you could use to make woven hearts?

Resource:
JD Impressions, P.O. Box 26895, Fresno, CA 93729-6895, (209) 276-1633. Facsimile (209) 276-1416. Catalog available.