Kirstin McAuliffe

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Ages 11-15

Year Long Course

Prerequisites: Beginners are welcome!  Crafting includes a level of fine motors skills, dexterity and patience!  Students need to be willing to try new techniques that may be difficult in the beginning as they make mistakes and learn, moving from being a beginner with imperfect handiworks to expertise over time and practice. 

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This year-long course will explore the history, evolution, and techniques behind various forms of handiwork from different cultures and time periods. Students will have the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in traditional crafts such as felting, macrame, quilling, calligraphy, embroidery and so much more!  We will see examples of how different cultures have depended upon handiwork in their daily lives, and then learn how we can use these handiworks to make personal pieces of art. The pace of this class will depend upon the students, and students may be working on different art pieces at the same time.  By the end of the course, students will not only have a deep understanding of these crafts' historical and cultural significance but also practical experience in creating their own beautiful pieces of art.

 

 

 

Unit I

• Overview of traditional crafts and their historical context.

• A look at the role of women in preserving and innovating crafts throughout time.

• The cultural significance of handiworks in various societies.

• Introduction to course projects and materials.

 

Unit II - Felting

• History of felt-making from ancient civilizations (Central Asia, Mongolia, and the Middle East).

• Techniques of wet felting and needle felting.

• Felting for functional items (hats, bags) vs. art.

• Create a felted coaster or small pouch.
   

 

Unit III: Macrame – Knots and Tapestries

• Origins of macrame in the 13th century, from the Middle East to Europe.

• Introduction to basic knots and their applications.

• Evolution of macrame in the 1960s and its contemporary revival.

• Create a macrame piece of art.
   

 

Unit IV: Quilling – The Art of Paper Strips

• History of quilling from ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe.

• Techniques of rolling, shaping, and gluing paper to create intricate designs.

• Use of quilling in greeting cards, portraits, and decorative items.

• Design and create a small quilled paper flower or greeting card.
   

 

Unit V: Calligraphy – The Art of Beautiful Writing

• The history of calligraphy in the Western and Eastern worlds (e.g., Chinese calligraphy, medieval illuminated manuscripts).

• Tools of the trade: pens, brushes, ink, and paper.

• The styles of calligraphy through the ages: Gothic, Italic, Copperplate, and modern.

• Practice basic strokes and letterforms of an italic script. Copy a poem.

 

Unit VI: Embroidery – Stitches Through Time

• Overview of embroidery history, from early decorative stitching to haute couture.

• Different types of embroidery: crewel, cross-stitch, and thread painting.

• The evolution of embroidery as a form of artistic expression and social status.

• Create an embroidered book mark or other handiwork
   

 

Unit VII: Weaving – From Looms to Modern Uses

• History of weaving from ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Mayans to modern textile art.

• Basic weaving techniques: hand loom vs. backstrap weaving.

• Weaving as an essential skill for creating fabrics, rugs, and tapestries.

• Weave a small tapestry or a coaster using a simple loom.
  
   

 

Unit VIII: Knitting and Crochet – Yarns and Threads

• A deep dive into the history of knitting and crochet, from ancient Egypt to modern-day fashion.

• Basic crochet and knitting techniques: chains, single crochet, knit stitch, purl stitch.

• How knitting and crochet have evolved as both crafts and expressions of identity.

• Knit or crochet a small swatch (e.g., simple scarf, dishcloth).
   

 

Unit IX: Beadwork and Jewelry Making

• History of beadwork in ancient cultures (Africa, the Americas, and Asia).

• Techniques for creating jewelry, bead embroidery, and bead weaving.

• The significance of beads in trade, rituals, and personal adornment.

• Create a simple beaded bracelet or necklace.
   

 

Unit X: Contemporary Handiwork Trends and Final Projects

• The role of traditional handiworks in modern-day craft movements.

• Discussion on sustainability and the resurgence of slow fashion.

• Presentation of final projects, where students will showcase one of the skills they've learned throughout the course.

• Final project presentation (students bring their completed projects to share with the class) and Exhibition Night.

 

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