Blanket/Rug with bright red, white, and blue patterns in various shapes

Weaving with Various Materials

Blanket/Rug with bright red, white, and blue patterns in various shapes

Artist not known, Navajo, Eyedazzler Blanket/Rug, about 1885. Textile. 71in. Width: 54 in. Denver Art Museum; Gift of Mrs. Charles Macallister Willcox.

Instructions:

  1. Provide an 8x10 piece of felt with slits one inch apart across almost the entire width of the piece.
  2. Leave a one inch space around the entire felt piece as a border.
  3. Provide various material choices to weave in and out of the slits:
    • Pipe cleaners
    • Cut paper (paper bag, card stock, etc)
    • Heavy yarn pieces
    • Ribbon
    • Burlap

Guiding Questions:

  • We each started with the same blank piece of felt. Now that we are finished are any of the two projects in the class alike?
  • Why is it important to weave in and out?
  • What materials feel rough? Smooth?
  • What colors or patterns do you see?

TIP: Practice in small groups before placing it in a self-led center. Introduce students to the materials and show an example of the art of weaving.

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