In this clip discover how to create a rock wrap with a basic technique. As with most crafts this technique has it’s roots well planted in history, however exact history, is a little more difficult to unravel with certainty. It is clear though that most rock wrapping techniques are in some way or another from marine knots, lashings, Japanese basketry knots and other basketry techniques. Although it may look rather complicated, the design is actually based on a simple repetitive technique, that with time & patience, combines to create an object of beauty that can feel so special when held (especially if you can get it to fit your palm) and can be used as a point of focus for quiet mindful contemplation or given as a special gift.
This activity is possible to do with all members of your family whatever their age, even younger ones can enjoy this technique with some help and support. If you take your needle and yarn with you, you could find a smooth rock or large pebble out on your walks to use and set about making it whilst sitting outdoors. This activity can help develop: fine motor skills; concentration span; and develop a deep love of making beautiful objects by hand. You can make these for yourselves, friends or family members or choose to leave them as anonymous gifts for people to discover.
Items Required:
Smooth rock: from large size to small palm sized pebble, Some oddments of yarns - if you intend leaving them out to be found in nature please use natural yarns so that over time they can biodegrade (acrylic yarn won’t) so thick cotton yarn, natural string, twine or 100% wool yarn.
Scissors
Needle - embroidery or darning needle - blunt ended if using with young children
Whilst using this resource to inspire learning, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing by:
1) Get Active - Get out on a walk with your family to find your perfect smooth rock to use and your wrap your rock outdoors somewhere.
2) Keep Learning - use this session to learn a crafting technique to create a simple object of beauty with your family. Once you know and understand the basic technique why not challenge your development and discover more techniques.
3) Be Mindful- When we use objects that are originally from nature (eg the rock), consider the idea of leaving it there too. Not all things need to be made to be kept. Also remember that if your intention is to leave the rock wrap out in nature for another person to discover, ONLY use natural materials to weave with so as not to litter or spoil out wonderful countryside. Consider how you might feel if you discovered a stunningly wrapped rock whilst out on a walk? Learning a craft as a process is known to settle our minds, because it requires a type of focus that can help shut other things out while we are doing it, giving the mind a 'break'. Over time if we develop this craft, the settled mind can fall into the state of flow.
4) Practice Kindness- Depending on your family, know that you may need to prepare materials beforehand and give patient help if you have younger children, aim to respond with kindness to their needs.
5) Think Community - Is this object being made for you or for a stranger to find? Forewarn if the intention is to leave the objects made so that it is not a shock to anyone when the time comes. Make someone happy and leave your creation to be found, or leave on family members doorsteps, or those of neighbours, share the love. Post your beautiful outcomes and share any tips in the comments below.
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