Chapter 4: Paper Crafts
Overview
In this chapter, you will discover paper as a fascinating artistic medium. You will explore various techniques like folding, cutting, and weaving, and learn about Indian art traditions such as Sanjhi paper cuts.
Activities
Activity 1: Paper Folding
- Origami: The art of folding paper, originating in Japan.
- Example: The story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, symbolizing peace.
- Instructions for Paper Crane:
- Start with a square paper.
- Fold diagonally to form a triangle, then unfold.
- Fold two edges to the center crease to form a kite shape.
- Fold the kite in half lengthwise and flip it over.
- Open the flap and squash it down to form a diamond shape.
- Repeat the squash fold on the reverse side.
- Fold the top flaps toward the center.
- Create inside reverse folds for the head and tail.
- Pull out the wings to finalize the crane shape.
Activity 2: Paper Cutting
- Sanjhi Art: A traditional art form from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, originally used as stencils for rangoli.
- Uses: Create lanterns and decorations using intricately cut paper designs.
- Buntings: Colorful decorations hung during festivals, made by cutting various shapes and patterns.
Activity 3: Paper Weaving
- Technique: Mimics the criss-cross pattern of cloth (warp and weft).
- Experiment: Weave your own mat using paper strips.
- Materials: Explore using natural fibers, cotton, wool, bamboo, jute, and discarded fabric strips.
Important Diagrams
- Origami Crane: Step-by-step guide for folding an origami crane.
- Paper Weaving: Illustration of hands weaving yellow strips through vertical green strips, creating a checkered pattern.