16 Yarn Painting

JESSICA LOGAN / BRANCH MANAGER, HAMILTON MILL BRANCH

Gwinnett County Public Library

Type of Library Best Suited for: Any

Cost Estimate: Under $50

Makerspace Necessary? No

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Hamilton Mill Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library hosts a regularly scheduled event for young children to explore their artistic ability. Held once per month, our Little Leonardos program offers a new craft or project that introduces a specific art skill or style at each meeting.

The project presented and explored here is yarn painting, a popular program that is recommended for children ages 4–8 and which can take place at any time of the school year. Each event lasts approximately one hour, and we make sure to schedule the program during times when the students are not scheduled to be at school. Because this program is known to get a bit messy, we always encourage participants to dress in clothing they do not mind getting paint or glue on . . . and we also make sure to provide a supply of freshly washed, oversized T-shirts for anyone who forgot or would like an extra layer of protection.

OVERVIEW

Yarn Painting is a project that works well for young children (ages 4–8) with parental participation. To begin the event, you may want to explore the history of the Huichol—an indigenous people of Mexico who originated this art form. Be sure to present images of traditional yarn painting and discuss the purpose of this art form within the Huichol community and culture. Next, it is helpful to present images of modern yarn paintings and then review the materials needed and demonstrate the technique to your participants.

MATERIALS LIST

◦ Samples of traditional yarn painting
◦ Samples of how yarn painting is used today
◦ Picture templates
◦ Cardstock
◦ Construction paper (assorted colors)
◦ Glue (both glue sticks and liquid variety)
◦ Skeins of yarn (assorted colors)
◦ Pencils
◦ Crayons

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

◦ Scissors
◦ Camera or other device to take pictures (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Once you are ready to introduce your yarn painting project, begin by sharing facts and information about the Huichol (pronounced Wettchol) people of Mexico. For example, the Huichol did not have a written language and used stories and symbols heavily within their society. Next, explore some information and images of Nierika (pronounced Near-eeka), or the traditional style of yarn painting. Nierika was created using natural glue from tree resin or beeswax, and wooden boards. The yarn was then pressed onto the board in a pattern or to create a particular image, using the glue to secure it. It is helpful to highlight (using various examples and images) the technique of using both long and short strands of yarn to create different effects.

Using one of the templates that will be provided to the children, give a quick technique demonstration to the group and then answer any questions they—or the parents—may have. Once everyone is prepared to begin you may distribute the materials, including pictures or templates of various objects and animals that they can use for guidance, glue/glue sticks, crayons, pencils, and yarn.

Yarn painting is a simple technique that can produce vibrant and fanciful works of art. Begin by selecting a background material for your painting. Some options include colored construction paper or cardstock. Strong paper or some other material is recommended to support the weight of the yarn and glue. You may also work from a guiding template printed or drawn on the material. Next cut your first strand of yarn. When first familiarizing yourself with the technique, it may be useful to start with shorter strands because they can be easier to manage. Once your first strand is ready, begin by laying down glue on your background material precisely where you wish to attach the yarn. Press the yarn firmly into the glue until it is secure. Try not to lay down too much glue at a time so that it does not begin to dry, or get in your way and become a sticky mess. Repeat this process of laying down glue and yarn until you have completed your very own yarn painting. A helpful tip is to use a pencil or toothpick to press the yarn into the glue so that it does not get on your fingertips; this can make the yarn increasingly difficult to work with. You may wish to adjust the lengths, colors, and/or textures of yarn throughout the piece to create various effects.

Allow your participants ample time to create their works of art and be sure to remain available to answer questions or to provide assistance. In our experience, many of the parents also wish to create a yarn painting alongside their child, and this is an activity that we certainly encourage. Yarn painting is truly fun for all ages and makes for excellent quality time spent working together. With an age group of young children, be sure to offer plenty of encouragement and praise throughout. Nothing makes the children light up quite like knowing they’ve impressed the adults with their skill and imagination.

Once your participants have completed their yarn paintings, you may wish to ask permission to create an art display of the pieces until your next art program. While some participants are eager to take their work home (and that is totally okay), many are excited at the prospect of having their art on display at the library. We regularly display works of art in our branch, and the children’s displays are always highly appreciated. They add a special energy and pop of color to the space . . . and serve as excellent advertising for your maker/art projects. The displays also give the children a reason to come back; many return not just to pick up their art but to show off their work to friends and family.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

◦ Learn and practice a new art technique.
◦ Explore different cultures both around the world and throughout history.
◦ Adapt and repurpose art techniques of the past.

RECOMMENDED NEXT PROJECTS

As mentioned, this project is one that has been appreciated at our library by individuals of all ages. Consider using yarn painting as a multi-generational project with both seniors and children collaborating on a yarn painting.

Other Little Leonardos projects with a similar feel have included dot painting from the aboriginal people of Australia and shaving cream painting. Shaving cream painting is an easy-to-produce mixture of shaving cream, liquid glue, and food coloring (optional) to create a thick, puffy paint that dries with volume intact and with a “foamy” feel. We have used this style of painting successfully in both Little Leonardos and as a component of one of our recent Sensory Storytimes.