Exploring Fiber Arts

Make a decorative vase or desk holder using colored yarn or string as the primary creative material.

Fiber art is a unique art form involving the use of fibers and material. It can involve the use of sewing, weaving, stitch work along with other techniques. Wikipedia gives the simplest definition: “a style of art which uses textiles such fabric, yarn and natural and synthetic fibers. It focuses on the materials and the manual labor involved as part of its significance."

Educator Resources:

Supplies

• Glass or plastic jar (with interesting shape if possible), or metal or plastic can
• Glue - Elmers or craft style - glue sticks will not work for this
• Paintbrush
• Yarn or string in varying colors
• Scissors

Time to Create

Day 1

1. Pick the color or colors for layer one - wrapping the bottle or can.
2. Choose your starting color and pull out a long stand (do not cut). This will allow you to begin wrapping without have to stop as you work on the first few rows. Repeat the pulling of more yarn/string as needed.
3. Using the brush, apply about 1/2” of glue all the way around the lowest edge of the bottle.
4. Begin to wrap the yarn around. As you finish one glue section, check for gaps between rows. Gently pinch them together to push them together.
5. Repeat steps #3 and #4 until you have finished covering the bottle/can. You have the option to change colors at any time.
6. Let dry over night.

Day 2

1. Decide what design you want to create as layer two and select your colors.
2. Today, you should work with smaller pieces of yarn/string. Gently squeeze a thin layer of glue into the shape of a small portion of the design and place your yarn/string into position. Or dip the yarn/string into a shallow bowl of glue and lay it down creating your design as you go.
3. Work slowly to allow the yarn to stick in place. If your design goes all the way around the bottle/can, you may have to allow for brief stops to allow for dry time. Otherwise, you might accidentally pull off a section you already put in place.

Tips

• This is not a one day project. Day one will involve wrapping the jar/can. It will need to dry overnight before proceeding to add designs on the top of the first layer.
• The hardest part is the beginning and ending of wrapping the jar/can with your chosen material. Parents may need to assist for the first/last few rows.
• **If you use a plastic jar or can, you will need something heavy to place in the bottom so it doesn’t tip over.

Share Your Work

Send a copy of your work to your teacher and/or art teacher. Explain what you learned. We love to see your creativity. Take a picture and tag us on social media or email it to MartinMuseum@baylor.edu

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