Art With Embroidery Threads!

Using cardboard, embroidery threads, and scissor students learn to make a friendship bracelet in no time. The process is simple, we need a compass and a pencil to draw a circle on cardboard. Draw four lines on the cardboard through its centre in such a way that it divides it into eight equal parts. Make a small cut in all eight points. Make an opening in the centre of the cardboard. Next, put together seven different colours of threads through the opening in the centre. Make a knot at one end. On the opposite side spread out the threads into each cut on the circumference. Then we interlace to make it into a beautiful bracelet pattern.

The artwork is simple but rich in process for students. The whole process from beginning to end is fun integrated learning that has a development aspect in it. As students hold a compass to draw a circle and divided it into equal parts, they are thinking and learning math. The quick decision to make a big or small hole on the cardboard is a quick estimation they are making. 

For young students to be able to hold scissor and make a cut on the line are the development of gross and fine motor skills. The whole process of weaving the threads into the pattern is all about hand-eye coordination. In fact, there is a sense of coordination happening now and then throughout the process. Once they are done with the bracelet they have a sense of achievement. At the least, they now have the skills to make more bracelets.

The teamwork and cooperation are very visible as students help each other hold threads, share tools, and ideas throughout the process. Further, as the students interlace the threads, they pay careful attention to the patterns, so they are in some contemplation mood.

Anyway, by the end of the art class, many of the students have an idea to strengthen their friendship and make more friends by giving their own hand-made bracelet.