Tag Archives: homeschool craft

Dec14

Fence Weaving for the Holidays: Paper Garland

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Fence Weaving for the Holidays: Paper Garland

Materials:

Paper in 4 holiday colors or colors of choice

Scissors

Pencil/eraser

Ruler or yard stick

Beads, glitter or similar craft items (optional)

Glue stick

Ribbon, paper twist, strips of fabric or similar material

One chain link fence

 

  1. Use three or four different colored papers. The sample in the photograph uses red, green, silver and brown. Measure and cut one of the colored papers into six ½” x 8” strips.
  2. Measure and cut the next colored paper into seven strips measuring ½” x 6.”
  3. Glue one strip of paper measuring ½” x 6.” Then glue a strip of measuring ½” x 8” through the first loop. Alternate the colors of the paper strips until you have 13 paper loops in two different colors forming a garland. (For example, the pattern would be red, green, red, green, etc.) Use the photograph for reference.
  4. Next, measure and cut the paper of the third color into 16 strips of 1/2” x 5.”
  5. Glue one strip of that paper through one of the loops measuring ½” x8”. Glue another strip through that same loop so that the loops hang down from the first loop. Use as many strips to form loops of the third color as you wish. The sample in the photograph used four strips of that color. Continue to glue strips of the third color into loops hanging down from the larger loops. The sample shows four smaller loops of paper flowing vertically from four larger loops for a total of 16 loops of the third color.
  6. Proceed in the same way with the fourth colored paper. Cut strips measuring ½” x 5.” Loop the strips vertically from the second colored paper. See the photograph of the sample for reference.
  7. Optional: glue glitter or sequins or small beads on any or all the loops. Use small beads and be aware that heavy or large beads can drag down the paper loops.
  8. Loop the ribbon through one of the paper loops at one end, then weave the ribbon in and out of the chain link fence. Tie a bow at the top. Repeat this step at the other end and in the middle.
  9. Or use your imagination and use other decorative objects!
  10. Hang from the fence during the holiday season.
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Nov20

How to Make Greek Worry Beads

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How to Make Greek Worry Beads

HOW TO MAKE WORRY BEADS (KOMBOLOI)

Komboloi or worry beads are a string of beads used as a form of stress management similar to squeeze balls (only you can’t squeeze them). The word “Komboloi” comes from the Greek word “kombos” or “knot” and “logio” meaning “collection”. Worry beads are also used to simply idle away the time.

Worry beads are similar to prayer ropes (“komboskini” which uses the Greek word “kombos” for “knot” and “skini” which means “rope”) but have no religious significance. Like prayer ropes, they consist of an odd number of beads because odd numbers can not be evenly divided and are considered good luck.

Although many cultures use worry beads, they have been used in Greece and Cyprus for centuries. In recent years, worry beads made of materials other than the traditional amber or amber resin are popular.

Materials:

 

Odd number of pony beads in different colors (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, etc. I used 17 and 21)

One bead larger than the other beads preferably in another color or contrasting material;add more pony beads in different sizes

Scissors

Wide-eyed needle (optional)

Cordage such as string or nylon twine or even yarn about 24” with more yardage for adding tassel

Tassel (homemade or store-bought)

Ruler or measuring tape

Instructions:

1.      Cut cordage and string beads through it

2.      Thread both ends of the cordage through the large bead and tie a knot at the end

3.      Attach the tassel by tying extra cordage around it and knotting it. Or attach four smaller pony beads about a    half-inch below the knot.

4.      Tie a knot and trim excess cordage or fray it like a tassel.

5.      Extend four fingers keeping them together and the thumb upright. Twirl worry beads under and over the hand. Or twirl the worry beads over and under the forefinger.

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