Supplies Needed: Plastic Bags Old T-shirts (optional) Scissors Cardboard (optional/ use for mat weaving) Marker Plastic Cup Tape (optional to help keep plarn in place on the back of cardboard for mat weaving)
Overview: In these art demonstrations students will learn how to recycle plastic bags and use them to make functional art. Plastic bags can take up to 1000 years to recycle. These functional art creations help us to be responsible for recycling the products that we consume! Students will use a basic “over” and “under” weaving process.
Directions: 1. Watch video to learn how to make plarn
3. Use this visual weaving guide to help understand the warp/weft pattern:
4. Definitions of weft and warp: in weaving, weft and warp refer to the two sets of thread (or plarn) that are woven together to produce fabric. The weft refers to the threads that run horizontally on the loom and get woven in front of and behind the warp. The warp refers to the threads that are strung vertically on the loom.
5. For the mat weaving, the plarn you place into the slots on the cardboard will serve as the warp. For the cup weaving, the slots cut into the cup are the warp.
6. Have fun making things with your plarn! Make sure you wash your hands afterwards!
7. Be sure to share your “plarn” creations with your art teacher! We love to see our students' creations!