Macrame Madness

"Macrame Madness" was the next lesson taught by Karli and Britlyn.  This sixth grade lesson is about the art of macrame, which its Arabic origin means "fringe."  It is "the craft of knotting a diversity of geometric patterns without availing the use of hooks, needles, or hoops."  We were able to experience using this skill to make a keychain or bracelet by using hemp string and the weaving technique that goes with it.  We learned step by step how to complete this project, which I had a lot of fun with!  First we combined all four strands together to form a loop and a knot to begin.  We then taped the very top part of our strand of strings down (mainly the loop) on the table to secure it and be able to do the weaving technique with the long strings.  With the four strands of string we had to work with, we pulled one string tight, and made the letter four with one string, and took the other strings and pulled it through to make the knot.  This process helps very much if you can visually show it, more than sharing it verbally, because the steps are fun, but may get confusing at times!  Karli and Britlyn did a great job of answering any questions we had as we worked on it.  As we worked, we were encouraged and knew to do the best we could, and the more you practiced at it, the more you caught-on to the technique!  As you continue to do weaving technique, you will start to see the natural twist the knots make, making it look like a spiral.  Three beads were added of our choice to make it more colorful and personal!  When you made it to a desirable length, you finished it off with a knot.  It was great to have the choice to make it as a keychain or a bracelet!   

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, we would go more in-depth with the history of macrame, by splitting the class into groups to make a video in relation to macrame history and background.  Each group will have a different topic, and they will research information about it, and shoot a video to present to the class.  I will encourage them to use their creative minds and to have fun with coming up with a unique way to present their information through video!