Inspired by the Ojibwa, the fourth graders created their own "birch bark" basket. First step is to develop paper with a similar texture to birch bark through the use of chalk and tempera paint on tag board. Next, practice measuring and cutting a basket shape (I had many examples- which some students used to create their template, but others came up with their own basket shape.) Practicing with a separate piece of paper helped my students work out the kinks in their designs before they started cutting and gluing their final piece of birch bark. The last step of the basket is to add decorative elements such as stitching, feathers, fabric cut designs, beads and painted symbols.
Very cool. Wish there was enough time in a school year to try every cool project that comes along - I adore these 'birch bark' baskets! My 4th graders are working on their wampum belts as they study the Iroquois and they take FOREVER to get done. So many ideas, so little time...
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, you really have to invest a lot of time in these creations, but the outcome and experiences are so worth while. Wampum belts sound very interesting- I hope you post about them!
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