Chapter Notes: Paper Crafts

Introduction

This chapter introduces students to paper as a versatile artistic medium. It covers three hands-on activities - paper folding, paper cutting, and paper weaving - while connecting these techniques to cultural traditions from Japan and India.

Activity 1: Paper Folding (Origami)

What is Origami? 
​Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. It originated in Japan and has since spread worldwide.
The Story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper CranesThis is an important story that connects art with history and peace. Sadako Sasaki was an 11-year-old Japanese girl who fell ill due to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. During her hospital stay, she attempted to fold 1,000 paper cranes, inspired by a legend that doing so would grant a wish. She managed 644 cranes before she passed away. Today, people from around the world send paper cranes to the Children's Peace Monument in Japan, making the paper crane a universal symbol of peace.
Key Takeaway: Origami is not just a craft - it carries cultural, historical, and emotional significance.

Activity 2: Paper Cutting (Sanjhi)

What is Sanjhi? 
​Sanjhi is a traditional Indian paper-cutting art form practiced in Mathura and surrounding areas of Uttar Pradesh. It was originally used to create stencils for rangoli. Today, artists make intricate paper cut-outs in elaborate designs, which are also used to make lanterns and decorations.
Did You Know? 
​Decorations made of paper, cloth, or plastic hung on strings during festivals are called buntings. These can be made more creative by cutting various shapes and patterns into them.
Safety Reminder: Always handle scissors and sharp tools carefully during paper cutting activities.

Activity 3: Paper Weaving

The Concept of Weaving If you look closely at any piece of cloth, you'll notice it is made of threads that criss-cross each other tightly. This criss-cross pattern is known as warp and weft  the warp runs vertically and the weft runs horizontally. Paper weaving recreates this technique using strips of paper instead of thread.
How to Do It: Cut a sheet of paper into vertical strips (leaving the top edge intact), then weave horizontal strips of a different colour paper through them in an over-under pattern to create a woven mat.
Extension Activity: Students are encouraged to explore weaving using other natural materials such as cotton, wool, bamboo, jute, palm leaves, or discarded fabric strips.

Summary of Key Terms

Discussion Questions for Class

1. What does the story of Sadako teach us about the meaning behind a craft?
2. How is Sanjhi connected to Indian culture and festivals?
3. Can you think of other everyday materials that could be used for weaving?

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this chapter, students should be able to understand the cultural origins of origami and Sanjhi, attempt basic paper folding, cutting, and weaving, and appreciate how simple materials like paper can be transformed into meaningful art.