A recycled paper project makes use of pieces of scrap paper that might otherwise be tossed. Start by twisting about eight to ten pieces of 8-by-11 inch paper into long strips. Secure a row of five strips to a rectangular cardboard base with glue or staples on each end, forming the warp, or lengthwise threads. Paint the cardboard and the strips. Use the rest of the strips, or the weft, to weave in and out of the secured strips (warp) for a colorful, creative woven project.
This weaving project might accompany a science lesson on animal habitats or characteristics. Begin by drawing a large animal shape on a piece of white paper. The shape should be wide enough to be used as a weaving warp later in the project. Flip the paper over and decoupage the blank side with pieces from old magazines. Flip the paper back to the animal side and cut vertical strips across the animal with a utility knife. Use colored strips of paper to weave in and out across the animal shape. Cut around the perimeter of the animal shape to reveal the camouflaged beast.
Use brightly colored pieces of paper in various widths for the weft. Weave through a brightly colored warp. Older children can create a warp by folding a piece of paper in half and cutting 1-inch strips across the fold, leaving about a 1-inch margin around the perimeter. Vary the widths of the weft to add interest, or add a thinner piece on top of a wider one. Laminate the mat to use as a place setting or a playdough mat for younger children.
Weave a mat using paper corresponding to any holiday. Possible choices include red and green for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween or pastels for Easter. Create a cut-out to place on top of the woven mat by using the same size piece of paper as the weaving mat. Sketch a large shape on the paper, perhaps a pumpkin, ghost, Christmas tree or rabbit. Cut the shape without cutting into the side of the paper by puncturing the middle of the shape, then cutting carefully along its edges. Glue the cutout to the top of the woven mat. The weaving will show through the cut-out portion of the mat.