Unit 10 The Art of Craft

Understanding America Through Art, Unit X:
The Art
of
Craft
Rosie, the Uncaged Hen – Robin Atkins. Glass and stone beads embroidered into fabric, set on wood base.
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 1
GLOSSARY
Focal point – the first part of the work of art, craft item, painting or sculpture that attracts the eye
Antique - a decorative object or piece of furniture, of an earlier period, that is valued for its beauty, workmanship, and
age
Transparent – so fine in texture that the object can be seen through
Opaque - not able to be seen through; not transparent or translucent
Acrylic paint – synthetic, water-based paint with the high gloss finish of oil but much easier to use and much less
expensive than oil
Enamel paint – oil-based paint that dries to a hard, glossy finish
Construction paper – heavy, coarse craft paper
Tanning – the process of preparing animal hides for use in clothing or tool manufacturing; the tanning process uses
chemicals to turn the animal skins into long-lasting leather.
Suede – napped or brushed leather finish of the hides of lamb, goat, pig, calf or deer; suede is usually softer and
thinner than other leathers.
Buckskin – similar to suede; soft, pliable leather usually from the hides of deer
Grommets – metal, plastic or rubber rings inserted into material to seal an edge around the hole; grommets require
a special eyelet setting tool.
Appliqué – the process of applying one fabric over another by stitching around the edge of the material placed on top
Score – cut
Swivel knife – a tool used in leather scoring that allows free movement around curves
Remnants – small lengths of left-over fabric sold in bundles at fabric or craft stores
Collage – a work of art; newspaper clippings, ribbons, bits of colored or hand-made papers, portions of other artwork,
photographs and other found objects, are glued to a piece of paper or canvas.
Plait – braid
Scrapbook – an album designed to hold photographs, paper art, and other objects or mementoes, usually collected to
represent a time period like school years, or an event, like a graduation
Digital photos – photos taken with a digital camera that uses electronics in place of film; digital camera photos are
displayed on a computer. Prints can be made using special printers and papers.
Clip art - refers to pre-made images, cartoon characters, or drawings used to illustrate any document; Clip art comes
in many forms, both electronic and printed.
Fonts – style of typing used in digital printing.
This is an example of the font called French Script.
Calligraphy – hand lettering in fancy, scripted or printed style
Wampum – Native American form of communication using white and purple mussel shell beads arranged in coded
messages, passed from tribe to tribe
Alloy – the product resulting from mixing two or more metals to form a stronger metal
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 2
What is Craft?
Craft is the broad category of hand fashioned objects found
within a culture that contain the expression of art using
materials that may be considered ordinary. Glass, wood and
plant fiber, paper, fabric, clay, leather, seeds and nuts, and
even wire can be crafted into objects of study that make their
way into the museums of fine art. These objects are made
from materials that have been enhanced through a process of
design and workmanship by the hands and creativity of an
expressive crafts person. The craft artist is not only a skillful
designer, but must also have knowledge of the science of the
material, its physical strength, weakness and capability in order
for the piece to succeed.
Woven Cherokee baskets, mid-1970s
Coming to America, the artisans among the colonists, and later the foreign-born immigrants,
discovered a remarkable entrepreneurial freedom that was outside their European experience. In
a revelation that resonates to this very day, they were no longer restricted by the class and guild
traditions of Europe. By working hard, they would succeed on their own terms, based on their
own name, reputation and quality of work.
Craft in America continues to evolve with our ever-changing culture. During the past two
centuries, artists who work with clay, fiber, metal and wood have enjoyed an open field for
creating objects of useful practicality, ethnic authenticity and uniquely decorative designs.
President Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981) describes his experiences with crafts which led to the
design of his own black walnut Shaker style bench:
As a child in rural America, I grew up surrounded by family and
friends who made things – women who came together in
quilting bees; carpenters who built furniture, carved whirligigs,
and made pull toys; blacksmiths who forged raw iron into
objects of beauty and utility.
Bench in black walnut, by
President Jimmy Carter
I watched over their shoulders and gained an early appreciation
for anyone who created things with their hands. These were
people who took pride in their work and signed what they made
with their names or with their special look or design. The
recipients knew they possessed something that was filled with
love – worth more than money could buy.
Craft is the visible, tangible proof of American virtues, values, hardships and celebrations, a
history lesson of American culture hiding in plain sight in museums, craft books, old photos and
attics. It is the new designs of blended cultures communicating our identity and our legacy.
Because craft includes an almost infinite variety of objects, skills and practices, we have limited
our topic to modern crafts achievable by anyone, from novice to skilled crafts person. In this unit
we will examine methods for appreciating five craft projects – painting on glass jars, leather
craft, rag crafts, scrapbooking and crafting with beads.
For the scrapbooking section, you will need to bring in one photo from your collection.
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 3
To begin the topic of crafting in America, watch the brief video on the right side of the page at
this website
http://www.craftinamerica.org/
A. According to the speaker, tradition is continually evolving, but still relies on key features:
place___, m___________, t_____________, e___________, and s____________.
Below the video screen on the lower right, find the heading, ARTISTS.
Click on MEET THE ARTISTS.
Click on ARTISTS: WOOD.
Find George and Mira Nakashima. Click on their names.
Play the brief video on the right of the page. What is their crafted item?____________________
How did Mira mark the item to commemorate her family’s crest?__________________________
What else would you like to explore in this website?
Every crafted item has a focal point, the primary point of attention that attracts the eye. The
focal points of these items are noted below:
Prominence
Raised initials on a belt surround leather
purses, drawing the eye. The contrasting
dark belt against the neutral leather of the
purse add interest.
Color
The red rose says, “Notice me!” against a
shiny silver field of elegance.
Shape
The eye is drawn to the center of the
“daisy” in this bronze sculpture because of
the way the petals seem to point to the
center.
As you study this unit, ask yourself:
How does the artist express artistry in this craft?
How was color used in the design of the item?
What is the focal point of the item?
Does the item have useful practicality as well as decorative design?
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 4
Hand Painted Gift Jars
Hand painted and decorated jars clockwise from
top left: painted daisy ribbon jar with chocolate
chip cookie ingredients, “stained glass” look with
liquid lead and glass painted candle holder, jar
with handmade lable, glass and wire-topped
instant coffee container with polymer clay lid,
stencilled jar with cake mix ingredients.
What if the container were the best part of the gift? These decorated jars, originally intended to
hold preserved foods, can be transformed into art objects as enjoyable as their contents. Not
only is the gift inside an example of your creativity, the glass jar container reflects your unique,
personal artistic expression as well.
To begin any jar project, select your jar from a variety of styles. Mason-style glass canning jars
are available in half-pint, pint, quart and half gallon sizes with standard or wide mouth (top)
openings. You may also find jars made from plastic, decorative jars, recycled and antique jars.
Select the jar with a lid that suits your project. Typical
canning jar lids have two metal parts, and some older
varieties have glass and metal. Glass tops with bail wire
clamps make attractive coverings. Cork and wood are
materials that make unique, stylized lids. If you are
making a candle or lamp, look in local craft stores for
specially made lids that fit your jar.
A variety of jars and lids
Always begin with a clean jar. Glass jars can be
sterilized in the dish washer or by soaking in hot, soapy
water. Recycled jars can be soaked to remove old
labels. If you are planning to put food items in the jar,
be sure the jar you select has no rust, chips or cracks.
B. What things should you consider before making a jar and lid purchase?__________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 5
How to Paint on a Jar
Several varieties of paints are suitable for use on glass jars. Some offer transparent or opaque
coverage and come in a wide range of colors. Check the label of the paint to make sure it is
washable. Also, water-based paints make clean-up much easier.
Acrylic high gloss paints are durable, opaque and come in convenient squeeze bottles. While
they are wet they clean up with water. Once dried, they are permanent and the jar can be hand
washed without losing the design. These types of paints can also be baked in an oven to make
them more durable and washable.
Air-dry enamel paints and paint pens in a variety of tip sizes are also used on glass. They dry to
a high-gloss, waterproof finish. Choose a brand that is water-based acrylic and non-toxic.
Special brush-on paints for plastic that dry to a durable, waterproof finish are also available.
Fig. 1
Using a brush to apply high-gloss paint on glass
jar is easier if the outline of the object is sketched
first with a fine-tipped paint pen. To make the
object easier to see, first stuff the jar with a paper
towel. (See photo on left.)
Fig. 2
Using a brush to apply paint
Dimensional fabric paint squeezes directly from the
bottle to the surface, is easy to hold, and makes a
raised line for a special effect. (See photo on right.)
Using fabric paint makes a raised line
C. Why should you stuff the jar you are painting
with a paper towel?
________________________________________
________________________________________
Is this craft useful, decorative or both? Why?
________________________________________
________________________________________
Decorated jars
These painted jars have been finished with tied
ribbons and decorative buttons.
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 6
Decorative Food Containers
These jars need only lid decorations to make delightful gifts from your kitchen. The colorful
ingredients are layered in the glass jar and a label of instructions is tied on. For the most eye
appeal, layer the ingredients in dark-light-dark layers so that the colors create a dramatic stripe.
You may layer the ingredients for cakes, cookies, blended teas and coffees or even soups.
Trail Bean Soup Mix
Layer in a quart-size jar:
½
½
½
½
½
½
½
½
½
cup
cup
cup
cup
cup
cup
cup
cup
cup
pearl barley
red beans
baby lima beans
split peas
pinto beans
black-eyed peas
yellow split peas
navy beans
green or brown lentils
Trail Bean Soup Mix with decorated
lid and instruction card
To make the lid, you will need:
Directions:
a quart size two-part metal lid
1 “fat quarter” of bandanna-print fabric or 1
bandanna scarf, cut into a 7” circle
½ - 1 yard thin gold rope
1 button for top decoration
Place the circle of fabric over the lid after
the jar has been filled. Secure by wrapping
the gold rope several times around the lid,
fixing the instructions to the rope. Glue a
button to the top center.
Use construction or heavy paper to write instructions, fold and decorate:
1 jar Trail Bean Soup Mix
2 quarts water
1 ham hock
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic glove, minced
Understanding America Through Art
Place bean soup mix in a bowl. Add
2 quarts water and soak overnight.
Drain. Bring 2 quarts water to boil in
a soup pot. Add ham hock and
simmer 20 minutes. Remove ham
hock. Add drained, soaked bean
soup mix and remaining ingredients.
Bring to boil, reduce heat, and
simmer 1 hr. hour.
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 7
Working Leather
Our Stone Age ancestors probably made garments and
tools of animal hides and skins at least 25,000 years ago.
A process for tanning (preserving) leather was developed
by North American Indians, using vegetables or wood.
Eskimos relied on oil tanning because of the availability of
fish oils. Today we enjoy a long list of personal items,
clothing and tools made sturdy, long-lasting and luxurious
due to the leather tanning processes handed down
through centuries.
Leather is sold in sizes and thicknesses varying by project.
Belts, briefcases, journal books and bottom soles of
sandals are usually made of thick leather. Handbags and
wallets are made from lighter weight split cowhide.
Upholstery may be made from suede (lambskin), and most
garment leather is buckskin, suede or lightweight pigskin.
Tooled leather journal
Leather workers use a diagram like the one at left to
identify parts of the hide. Hide sections may be purchased
for small projects by weight. Many craft stores sell small
bits of leather scrap.
D. What are some other names for leather?___________
______________________________________________
Tools
When working with leather, you’ll need an organized space with adequate storage for materials,
supplies, and tools. The work surface should be clean and free of all dirt and oil. Make sure that
your space is well-ventilated as some of the glues and other substances may be toxic.
Basic tools that are necessary for any project include cutting, punching, and finishing tools.
Chisels, punches, rotary
punch, awl, mallet with
perforated leather piece
Understanding America Through Art
Leather shears, craft knife,
rulers and rotary cutters
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 8
This belt features holes cut with a rotary punch, finished with grommets that are applied with a
special tool.
Grommets are applied with a special tool to create holes in leather like those in this belt.
Sewing machine appliqué techniques can be used on suede. Be
sure to consult your sewing machine manual for special
instructions. Craft stores sell special leather needles for most
sewing machines.
Check this website for more leather sewing instructions using a
standard sewing machine:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2038402_sew-leather-standardsewing-machine.html
Machine stitched suede appliqué with
cut-out design, painted.
The design on this leather wallet was scored using a swivel knife, painted with leather stain, then
stitched.
E. To work leather, you
may use which of the
following techniques?
Cutting design with a swivel knife
Whipstitch using leather needle and lacings





stitch
score
appliqué
punch
stain
Cut, stained and stitched
leather wallet
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 9
Rag Crafts
Finding a creative, decorative use for old
fabric rags, remnants, bedding or
clothing is both economical and fun, and
encourages recycling. The projects that
follow are charming in the use of brightly
colored or themed fabrics. They offer
nostalgic reminders of how the fabrics
spent their earlier days, and are
appealing to those with limited sewing
and crafting skills.
Collage Cards
Fabric remnants invite many creative projects
Using a piece of heavy paper or card stock, make a large collage using fabric scraps, ribbons,
trims and other embellishments. Cut it into squares or rectangles, mount the cut rectangles
onto blank cards, and you have created a handmade one-of-a-kind set of beautiful greetings to
give.
Materials
 Blank cards of medium to heavy weight, matching
envelopes
 11” X 17” sheet of card stock; poster board is also
suitable, sold in larger sizes
 dry glue stick or latex adhesive
 fabric scraps, ribbons, trims and other fanciful items
found in craft stores (buttons, decorative paper cutouts, etc.)
 gold glitter glue or gold acrylic paint
Fabric collage on folded card
Directions
1. Measure your blank cards and decide on the size and placement of your finished cut
collage.
Blank cards
Size and placement of finished collage
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 10
Directions, continued
2. To make the collage, completely cover the large sheet of card stock by gluing on an
assortment of fabrics, trims and other decorations. Where edges overlap, use additional
glue. Choose your fabrics with a color scheme suitable for the cards you will be making.
Holiday motifs of reds and greens (December), oranges and blacks (fall, October), or light
spring florals (April, May) blend well and suggest a theme for your card greetings.
Fabrics in crazy colors and designs for all-season
cards are glued onto a sheet of card stock.
3. When the sheet of card stock is completely covered in fabric scraps, let the glue dry for a
few hours, then turn it over. Divide the back into equal sections with a pencil and ruler,
following the dimensions you measured in step 1 (Fig. 1).
4. Cut out the individual collages carefully, following the
lines. Use glitter or gold acrylic paint to liven up your
design.
Fig. 1
5. Cut out the individual collages carefully, following the
lines. Use glitter glue or gold acrylic paint to liven up the
front of your design.
6. Glue the individual collages to the readymade cards,
add your greeting and admire your work.
Cutting lines are indicated on
back of fabric-covered card stock.
A collection of holiday cards in fabric collage on
card stock
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 11
Make a Braided Rag Rug
Colonial style braided rag rug
Rag rugs were popular in early American homes because of their practicality and creative use of
old clothing and other textiles. These floor coverings had a distinctly regional make up. Where
woolen mills were prevalent in the north east, many New England homes had rugs made from
woolen scraps. On the prairie farther west, rugs were typically made from recycled worn clothing
of cotton or any available fabric. As railroads expanded west, so did textiles, and rag rugs
became a blend of many fabrics. Today, rag rugs are called by many different names – plaited
(braided), crocheted, wrapped rug or woven – and the word “rags” has been upgraded to
“scraps” or “remnants.” The result is the same, a beautiful hand-crafted article of practicality
that can become a warm focal point of the room where it is displayed.
Materials


long fabric strips; select fabrics by choosing colors that
will weave together into a color scheme to fit the room
where the rug will be placed
safety pins, upholstery needles and heavy duty or carpet
thread
Reds, greens and blue fabrics with
tans in braided pattern
Method
Fig. 1
Cut fabric strips
Understanding America Through Art
1. To make long fabric strips for braiding, cut or tear fabric into
2” strips (Fig. 1). Sew the strips together end to end so
that you have a nice long strip of at least 3’ to work with
when you begin making the rug. Iron the strips in half
lengthwise. Make a basket full of these strips in all the
fabrics you plan to use in your rug.
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 12
2. Place three strips in a T-bar, as shown (Fig. 2). Pin and
stitch together at the intersection of the three fabrics.
Fig. 2
3. Using a large safety pin, attach the joined trips to a chair
back or a hook for stability.
T-bar with 3 fabric strips, stitched
4. Braid by taking the right strip over the middle length,
then bringing the left strip over the new middle length,
and continue (Fig. 3). Keep a firm and even tension,
making sure the fabric strips lie so the open side of the
fold is always on the right. This raw edge will be hidden
to the inside of the rug when the braid is coiled. Pin the
end of the braid to secure it temporarily.
Fig. 3
3 fabric strips, braided
5. Working on a flat surface, insert a strong, knotted thread into one end of the braid. Run the
thread through the bottom loop of the next braid, stitching it back to the starting point and
pulling tight (Fig. 4). Catch the next few lower loops, bringing each stitch back to the center
to create a firm coil.
Fig. 4
Coiled, stitched braids
form the center of the rug
6. Continue adding strips and coiling until the rug
is the desired size. To join new braids, simply
sew on three new fabric strips and braid before
stitching onto the coil.
7. To finish the rug, trim the three strips into a
taper. Braid the tapered end, fold under and
secure with stitching.
F. What materials can you use to make a braided
rag rug?_________________________________
________________________________________
Colors in this rug blend warm reds and yellows
with cool purple for a lively, warm result
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 13
The Art of Scrapbooking
One of the most creative ways to keep and display
photos, poems, journal writings, drawings and
mementos is in an album made with your own
handiwork. Albums in the mid 1800s began
appearing with brightly colored, die-cut papers and
scraps of advertising clippings, greeting cards, ticket
stubs and stamping, leading to the term scrapbook.
Homemakers clipped labels from consumer products
while college students documented their school
years.
Decorated scrapbook album cover
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, (published author Mark
Twain), was an enthusiastic scrapbook maker, reserving
Sundays to pursue his hobby. In 1872 he began
marketing self-pasting scrapbooks with water-activated
adhesive, a process that made scrapbooking easier and
neater than pasting methods of the past.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain
As photography gained popularity the photograph became an essential part of the American
culture. The Kodak camera revolutionized scrapbook trends, and the amateur photo became the
central item of interest. The rise of interest in genealogy helped scrapbooking gain even more
popularity as a place to compile information on family roots and photos.
In 1980 a company called Creative Memories brought scrapbooking to the masses by offering
home parties where neighbors and friends could work on projects, gaining ideas and sharing
materials. The company has a website full of opportunities, including a project center where
hobbyists can enjoy tips from others. Visit Creative Memories at:
http://www.creativememories.com.
In the 21st Century, scrapbook albums have begun looking more professional with the use of
digital tools. Computers that hold digital photos, clip art, fancy fonts and photo enhancing
software add to the professional look of scrapbooks. Try this website for information on digital
scrapbooking:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 14
Make A Plan
Before you invest any money in materials, make a plan for what you want the finished album to
look like. Remember that the best scrapbook ideas are the ones that you have the most photos
to support, so take inventory, and try these ideas to get you started:






my family
school years
Angela’s 6th birthday
my first visit in the U.S.
Bob’s Military Service
summer memories






Our wedding
the family reunion
graduation collage
my favorite sports team
walking with my dogs
remembering Aunt Mary
Choose a photo from your collection at home, or use a magazine photo for the next
parts of this unit. You will not need to purchase a scrapbook.
Select Materials

You will need a scrapbook or notebook, ring binder or
page-protected post-bound album. If you want to invest a
bit of money in materials that will last the longest, select
albums with acid-free archival quality paper that will not
deteriorate over time.
A selection of scrapbooks






photos, grouped by subject in chronological order
scissors, craft knife, straight trimmer
punches and plastic templates for decorative shapes
adhesive tapes, glue sticks, sprays, double-sided foam
stickies
decorative, colored papers, stickers, paper charms
letter templates, lined paper and fine-tipped pens for
journal entries
Crop the Photos
Cropping, or cutting, is a simple skill to master. Cropping refers to eliminating unnecessary
background images, in order to emphasize the subject of the photo. Cropping produces a more
interesting image.
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 15
Original photo; problem:
too much background
dwarfs the subject.
Photo is marked with crop
lines (shown in green)
centering on subject.
Cropped photo eliminates
most of the background,
emphasizing the subject.
Choose A Layout
A good rule to follow in planning your layout is, “Less is more,” meaning that an uncluttered,
neatly designed page gives readers more enjoyment than a very busy one. Here are three page
layout options to consider.
Three layouts with space for title, photos, decorations and journal notes
Design the Page
You may want to select a color scheme based on the subject. For example, school memory
albums, holidays and special events often have color schemes associated with them. Sometimes
less color is better, depending on the photos you have.
Christmas color scheme of bright,
seasonal contrasts
Muted color scheme of earth tones
emphasizes photos
Use the photograph selected from your collection or from a magazine. Imagine using the photo
as the main focal point of the scrapbook page. What colors will you choose for the design of your
page?___________________________________________________________________
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 16
Add Journaling
Photo pages should be labeled with names, titles, comments or dates, depending on your
preference. An interesting story about the photo is a good memory jogger as time goes by.
If you are working with your own photo, write the names, title of the photo and approximate date
it was taken. Write a few sentences about what was happening at the time the photo was taken.
If you have selected a magazine picture, invent the names, title, dates and story about it.
(your photo)
Names______________________________
Title of photo_________________________
Date________________________________
Comments____________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Select hand lettering stencils, or rub-on letters for bold titles. You may want to try your hand at
calligraphy using specially designed pens and inks. Digital journaling offers a wide variety of
fonts in a rainbow of colors and sizes. Here are some favorite journal examples:
Hand-lettered calligraphy
Understanding America Through Art
Rub-on lettering
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Digital lettering (paragraphs)
Unit X, page 17
Special Enhancements
R
S
U
T
B
A
B
M
E
P
R
S
Whether you are an artist or an artistically challenged
scrapbook novice, rubber stamps can enhance the
character and interest of your scrapbook page.
Rubber stamps take the worry out of creating interest
to your display, or to adding a professional touch with
a background image.
They can be applied to the page directly in color by
stamping into colored inks, or colored over using any
paints, pencils or inks you have on hand. With the
array of rubber stamps available at craft stores, you
can find a stamp to complement any layout. You can
even create your own rubber stamp from any
drawing, some craft foam or thin rubber, and a wood
block.
Fig. 1
Rubber stamps come in a wide variety of sizes, styles
and shapes. Some have foam backing, are sold in
groups, and can be cut into individual stamps (Fig. 1).
The balloon stamp (A) was applied to a scrapbook page with black ink,
then colored with an ink pen (B). A photo was inserted into the balloons
by slitting the paper with a craft knife for a custom look (C).
A.
B.
C.
This interesting page uses a photo mounted
over a white background, stamped with repeat
patterns of trees and snowflakes that have
been cut from colored papers and applied with
glue.
You can add phrases using rubber-stamped
thought bubbles or speech balloon images.
Add extra interest with collages that include
ticket stubs, maps, brochure fragments, dried
flowers or scraps of fabric.
Repeated pattern stamps
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 18
Working with Wire
Wire is sold in many shapes and colors, in single
bendable strands that can be fashioned into unlimited
shapes. Copper-colored epoxy-coated wire, ranging in
gauges as small as 24 and as large as 16, is available at
most craft stores. Add found objects and dress up
embellishments with a sparkle of sophisticated color.
Wire spells out a message.
Combine several elements to create a
unique embellished page. The artist used
all these techniques to create the page at
left:
 matted and cropped photo
 red and white card stock
 cut outs for hearts and circles
 digital journaling
 rubber stamped alphabet
 ribbon
 wire
 elastic-wrapped package labels
A Valentine’s Day page using many techniques
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 19
It’s your turn! Design a scrapbook page using the following steps explained in this unit:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Select and crop a photo to use as your focal point.
Decide on a layout.
Design the color scheme.
Add journaling notes.
Add special enhancements.
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 20
Beads
Some crafty artists define beads as “any item with a hole in it,
worn for purely decorative purposes.” Even buttons can count
as beads when they are sewn on for visual effect. Sequins,
metal washers and lock-nuts fit the category as well.
Natural materials found abundantly all over the continent of
North America were the traditional bead making materials of the
Native American tribes. The Pueblo and Navajo peoples made
jewelry with turquoise and silvers, producing a distinctive
regional style. Modern turquoise jewelry today commands a
high price, and retains the traditional styling.
Beads and woven floss combine to
form background for necklace
featuring clay figure by Tory
Hughes, Mendocino, California
G. What are beads?_____________________
_____________________________________
This Navajo woman wears a silver and
turquoise necklace fashioned in traditional
Native American style.
Mussel shell beads, called wampum, were used by Native
Americans, particularly the Iroquois, as a means of
communication, with information based on the order and
color of arrangements. Messengers would deliver
wampum from one tribe to another. White beads typically
carried benign messages of peace and friendship, while
purple signified hostile intentions such as a declaration of
war.
Purple and white mussel shells, ground and
strung on cord to form wampum
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 21
Beads come in unlimited designs, shapes, sizes and styles.
Some common substances that beads are made of include
machine and handmade glass beads. These shiny beads may be
called seeds, tubes, bugles, plain rounds, cat’s eyes, crystals or
cut pearls.
A decorative glass bead forms the
focal point of this do-it-yourself
keychain. Beads are strung on a
leather cord and tied to a key ring.
Tiny seed beads and larger bugles were
applied to muslin, then stitched to the
back of this denim shirt.
Semiprecious stones, known as gemstones, include jasper, agate, amethyst, freshwater and
cultured pearls, onyx, amber, garnet, lapis, jade, quartz, aquamarine and turquoise.
Semiprecious stones are affordable, unlike precious stones such as emeralds, rubies and
diamonds.
Beads may be made of precious metals, gold, silver and platinum. Base metals such as brass,
copper, or aluminum, and other alloys (mixtures) such as pewter are also sold as metals.
Wooden beads are popular in fashion jewelry, and may be found in examples from delicate, finely
decorated beads to larger bulky styles. Other natural materials such as bones, seeds and nuts,
rolled paper and felt can make interesting bead selections.
Wooden beads are stained, oiled or painted , then strung on cord to make colorful bracelets, by Brockman Woodworks.
H. What materials can be used as beads?____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 22
How to Make Paper Mâché Beads
Beads made from paper and glue can be surprisingly
beautiful. The method described here turns a simple sheet
of gift-wrapping paper into colorful barrel-shaped beads,
strung into necklaces along with other metal or pearl beads
shown in the photo at left.
Materials
1 sheet of porous gift-wrapping paper, (no plastics or cellophane)
Paper Mâché powder
plain wooden cocktail sticks or bamboo skewers
large scissors
sandpaper, coarse and fine grains
felt-tip pen in color to match the gift-wrap
clear varnish or nail polish
fine bristle brush for applying varnish
large household tray
large potato
Directions:
1. Follow directions on the package to make up two cups
of the Paper Mâché.
2. Cut the gift-wrapping paper into strips approximately
1 X 27 in.
3. Take one of the strips of paper and immerse it in the
paste.
4. When thoroughly soaked, wind the strip of paper tightly
on to one of the cocktail sticks to form a firm barrel
shape (Fig. 1).
5. To make a neat and undetectable finish, tear across the end of the strip of paper before
smoothing it on to the finished surface (Fig. 2).
6. Push one end of the cocktail stick into the potato, to hold the unfinished bead in a position
where it can dry without touching anything else.
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 23
Directions, continued
7. After making up all the beads you want, put your potato, which looks a little like a
porcupine, in a warm place for about 48 hours or until completely dry.
8. Remove the beads from the cocktail sticks by twisting them in the opposite direction to
that in which the paper was wound. This prevents any unraveling of the paper.
9. Smooth the ends of the beads by rubbing them first on the coarse and then on the fine
sandpaper (Fig. 3).
10. Disguise the sandpapered ends by coloring with a felt tip pen (Fig. 4).
11. Put the beads back onto the cocktail sticks and give them a light coating of varnish. Be
careful not to get varnish on the cocktail stick as this may make removal difficult after
drying. Support the beads in the potato as in Step 7 and allow ample drying time.
12. When the varnish is dry, remove the beads from the cocktail sticks. They are now ready
for threading.
Beads may be strung for jewelry using any type of elastic, leather, string or wire cord. The size
of the bead hole must be larger than the circumference, weight or width of the stringing material.
If the bead hole is too large to prevent wobbling, use smaller beads strung inside the larger one
for stability.
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 24
REFERENCES
Banes, Helen. Fiber & Bead Jewelry.
Boyd, Heidi. Simply Beautiful Beading.
Browning, Marie. Jazzy Jars.
Case, Barbara. A World of Beads.
Coles, Janet, and Budwig, Robert. Beads.
Geary, Theresa Flores. Ph.D. The Bead Bible.
Green, Gail. The Ultimate Rubber Stamping Technique Book.
Lauria, Jo. Craft in America.
Lee, Kari. Gorgeous Leather Crafts.
Lindsay, Alison. The Complete Practical Guide to Scrapbooking.
Mann, Elise. The Bead Directory.
Pickering Rothamel, Susan. The Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking Tools & Techniques.
Rebecca Carter, V., Genovese, S., Furgeson, L., Taylor, S. The Ultimate Scrapbooking Book.
Reeves, Sue. Country Rag Crafts
Rothamel, Susan Pickering. The Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking Tools & Techniques.
Speicher, John. Reader’s Digest Crafts & Hobbies.
Walters, Lilly. Cobblestone Cottages: Decorative Faux Painting on Glass Jars Decorative Project
Book.
http://projectcenter.creativememories.com/
Understanding America Through Art
SACSCE HS Subj 9-09
Unit X, page 25