Joyful Socks Mom: Handicrafts for Homeschool: Up-Cycled Newspaper Basket

2/24/14

Handicrafts for Homeschool: Up-Cycled Newspaper Basket

I do not make any secret of my respect for the teachings and methods of Charlotte Mason. It is also well-circulated, that I love to create and craft with children. There is something indispensable about teaching a child create and make something worth-while. The teaching of handicrafts was a desirable skill that Charlotte Mason suggested for all levels of learning, and I personally feel that this handicrafting (or, learning a trade) is widely neglected in most mainstream academic circles.

We have taken up the challenge, in our homeschool, to create more handicrafts this year & devote time to learning a trade, while honing our craft. I have chosen to use Pinterest as a springboard for our creations.

Here are the handicrafts, or trades we are planning together, and individually:

Creative Writing
Non-fiction Writing
Hand & Drop Spindle Spinning
Loom Weaving
Crochet
Wood Working
Metal Punch
Herb Gardening
Herb Craft
Basket Weaving

This month we chose to begin with the art of basket weaving, as part of our contribution to Pinterest Flips & Flops, from iHomeschool Network. The Bug enjoys loom weaving already, as she learned this fall at the Homestead Heritage Fair, so I felt like this would help strengthen her in a handicraft she already enjoys.

The first "Flips and Flops" Pinterest Project we decided on was a lovely little up-cycled newspaper basket. Here is a link to the tutorial that we began with Basic Newspaper Basket . This first project appeared to be a real "flip" . . . at first.

The directions for this tutorial where simple and easy to follow. Having clear pictures really helped both teacher and student.

We found along the way, as we were preparing our newspaper strips for weaving, that using a ruler to smooth the edges helped considerably.

Another discovery that we made was that the tutorial we were following did not include any measurements for the basket. We had to continually measure as the Bug was working on the bottom portion of her basket. This was a slight nerve wrecker for the Type A personalities at the table, which is both of us by the way. (Note: Potential for "flop" #1)

Now, this is where it got tricky folks. The tutorial we were following began to exclude photos for finishing off the ends of the basket, once we had reached the top. (Note: Potential for "flop" #2)

However, we persevered, and used a little ingenuity, glue & clothespins, and used it as a little lesson in patience. When the glue had dried and the nerves were all settled, we had a lovely little basket and a happy young lady.

Here are a couple of important reminders about handicrafting with children:

One thing to remember when selecting and teaching handicrafts and trades for homeschool: We do not make mistakes. We only have opportunities to learn!
Learning and practicing a handicraft is a skill that builds patience and endurance. Don't let your child give up.
Allow your student to learn by correcting the work that they have performed unsatisfactorily. Patiently teach again to create a love of excellence.

Be sure to stop by the other bloggers from iHomeschool Network's Pinterest Flips & Flops. We will be back next month with more handicrafts for homeschool.