Paper Weaving (part 2) - Winter Animals

Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember the paper weavings from last week?

Today we transformed them into winter animals in a snowy landscape!

The kids began by choosing which winter animal they wanted to make. Choices included a fox, a polar bear and a bunny rabbit. We had pre-made stencils of the animals that we used to trace the animals onto their multi-colored weavings. The kids worked with me one on one for the tracing and cutting.

Meanwhile the rest of the class was busy creating their winter landscapes. We began by arranging our papers according to the animal we chose. The bunny was tall and thin, sitting up on it's hind legs, so the kids making a bunny arranged their papers portrait style. Kids who chose the bear and fox arranged their papers landscape style to accommodate their animals.


We began with a simple horizon line then added a little color with oil pastel, blue for the sky and white for the snow. Quickly after we moved into painting, filling the sky with a bright blue and adding texture to the snow with some white paint.

For such simple instructions and materials, it is notable how varied and interesting the landscapes were. Finally we gave these lovely animals a home in a snowy world by gluing them on. I absolutely love these! Even the subtle choices the kids made in composition (how they placed their animals on the page) showed the beautiful range of their personalities. Enjoy!