Weaving with Recycled Materials

Weaving projects are great for strengthening fine motor skills. Gail Bartel, artist and creator of the blog That Artist Woman, suggests using your collection of recycled plastic containers as a base for weaving.

Supplies You'll Need
- Recycled plastic containers (e.g. yogurt cups, cottage cheese tubs, etc.)
- Yarn, string, cord, fabric pieces, chenille stems, etc.
- Recycled newspaper, book pages, maps, etc.
- Scissors
- Mod Podge Weaving Project Directions

1. Begin by using Mod Podge to cover the recycled plastic containers with recycled newspaper, book pages, magazine scraps, old maps, etc. that have been cut into one inch strips. Set aside overnight to dry.
2. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure and cut the sides of the plastic container. For a fully woven look you'll need an odd number of sections. For an alternating, partially woven look you'll need an even number of sections.
3. Plan your materials (e.g. the color and texture patterns you wish to achieve).
4. To begin weaving, tie the chosen material to one of the plastic sections and follow an over-under pattern.

Not only will you help your students strengthen fine motor skills, you'll be teaching them about complimentary colors and patterning too!

that artist woman: Basket Weaving using Recycled Containers