Showing posts with label teaching kids to weave. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching kids to weave. Show all posts

Monday, July 22, 2019

String and Stitch Lab for Kids is...HERE!


ANNOUNCEMENT: I'll be doing a book launch at Parnassus Books in Nashville on Sunday, August 11th at 2pm. If you'd like to join the fun, please RSVP here. Let's PLEASE support our local book stores by purchasing my book at Parnassus. LOVE to see you there!

I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE IT MYSELF...Stitch and String Lab for Kids is finally (like, FINALLY) here! And I cannot wait for you to see what's inside!
When I was a kid, fiber arts was my favorite. I didn't have art class in elementary school. So I had to get my art-makin' fix elsewhere. I learned straw weaving in Vacation Bible School. My grandma taught me how to embroider and cross-stitch. And my favorite teacher taught me how to do string art (shown above). As an adult, I've carried with me that love for fibers. When I have free time, y'all know I'm usually sewing up a dress or needle felting some wearable art. It didn't take me long to bring my love of fibers into the art room. Twenty years later...my students have experienced all forms of weaving, needle felting, wet felting, sewing, embroidery and more. I packed ALL of my favorite kid-approved lessons into this book...and I'm so happy. I want to share my love for fibers with you and your kiddos!
For that reason...I thought it would be fun to bring back the ole Facebook LIVE Craft Nights. I actually STOPPED doing FB/IG LIVES when I was so busy...writing this book. With that behind me, I'd love to get back to crafting with you. Since school is starting soon and I've got a couple other obligations happening, I can currently commit to these three dates. We'll see where we go from there. Here's the line up:
Mark your calendars and set your alarms! I'll be sharing the supply list shortly. I know if you are anything like me, if I give it to you too far in advance, y'all are just gonna forget all about it. So stay tuned here, follow me here and I'll keep you posted. 

TO CELEBRATE THE BOOK LAUNCH...I created a podcast episode just for you. Have you ever wanted to write a book? Well then I'm spilling the beans on the who, what, when, where, why and HOW in this episode:

By the way, if these photos are sparking your interest, they are projects from my book. There are 44 projects in my book...quite a bit! If you'd like to see me share more about my book and see some super easy projects for the youngin's, you can see my interview on Nashville's Talk of the Town here. 
If you do receive my book and like it, a review here would be AMAZING! You don't even know just how much a review (preferably a good one!) can mean to me. I would truly appreciate it! The amount of work that goes into making a book is bananas. So a kind word and review is a wonderful thing.

Also! I cannot forget to mention that my first book Clay Lab for Kids is also available here...and again, reviews welcome and much appreciated! 
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

In the Art Room: Weaving, Part 3

Weaving by one of my fourth grade students.
Hello, crafters! This week I am going to show you how to remove your completed weaving from your loom. If you have not started your weaving, no worries, you can begin here at Weaving, Part 1. Or, if you've finished your weaving and are now ready for the flap, you can catch up by reading Weaving, Part 2.

However, if you've done it all, then let's get to taking that weaving off the loom! This doesn't take long at all so you should be done in a snap.
You may begin on either side of your loom. I am starting on the side with the flap. Cut two warp strings close to the top. Never cut the warp strings close to the weaving as that will cause your weaving to unravel.
Tie your first knot so that it sits right on top of the weaving or weft strings. Do not pull the knot too tightly or it will cause the weaving to smash down and become uneven.
For the second knot, pull very tightly so that the double knot is secure.
Continue this process of cutting two strings near the top and double knot tying them until you have gotten to the end. If you have an odd number of warp strings, you will encounter three warp strings to tie at the end.
If you have this issue, simply put two strings together as one and tie it to the left over string. Double knot tie it as you have done the other warp strings.
Double check and make sure all warp strings are tied off and secure. At this point, you can snip the warp strings shorter.
When you flip your loom over, you will do the exact same thing. I like to pull the warp strings out from the other side or you could simply cut two as you have been.
Again, cut two, double knot tie two and continue until all strings are tied and secure. Trim warp strings.
Now you are ready to remove the weaving from the loom. This might be a bit of a struggle, especially if you have woven very tightly. But you can do it. Just put the end of the loom between your knees and start pulling the weaving off the loom. In art class, we say it's like taking a too-small sock off of someone's foot.
Don't worry about messing it up because you can't. Although it may look like you are.
And if you see this, don't panic.
Just flip it inside out and flatten by hand. Viola! You've woven a pouch!
Next week, I'll walk you through sewing on a button and making that little warp tail (seen in the photo above this one) disappear. Then we are on to creating the handle which is very easy and fun. Please feel free to ask questions or leave comments if you've got 'em. Happy weaving!
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