Working big is so impactful on kids. This weekend we went big and made a geometric weaving loom at the Austin Maker Faire for the kids to add to. It was a great introduction to weaving. They created a shaded “cave” for them to play in and on. I overheard one child saying it was his party house and he was getting it ready for a party. Another was doing laundry inside. Another child was a bear getting ready to hibernate in his cave. No matter what dream they were dreaming up, it was amazing to see kids that had never met, working together on a common goal. “Throw it over here.” “We need more down here.” “Let’s make a window.” Some of the kids came back numerous times over the weekend to see the progression and to work more on the dome.
How we did it:
- I ordered a Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Play Center for $170. Constructed, it measures 10-foot diameter, 5-foot heigh.
- We assembled the climbing dome on site.
- I used twine to create a better weaving surface. I wrapped it back and forth all over like a big spider web, leaving an opening for the door to the “cave”.
- We had tons of fabric scraps donated from Austin Creative Reuse and scarves donated by Josco . We prepped the fabric before hand. We cut the fabric into long strips and rolled them up, making them easy for the kids to handle.
- Then we let the kids take over.
On day two I brought a large outdoor rug to the faire, which I placed inside the dome. This made it super cozy for the kids to work inside, while the parents relaxed in the shade. I have to say, as the gaps became more enclosed and the scarves were added it became less breezy in there. I think it would be amazing to grow vines over one of these domes and use it as a club house. Creating a little outdoor wonderland. Please post photos in comments if you do that. I would love to check it out! This was a fun introduction to weaving. It is freeform, with no right or wrong. It is all about the process and very open ended. Ideal for the very young. There is nothing better than learning through play and giving kids a larger than life experience, to make that memory stick with them.
And this is how day two ended, before Danielle and I took this bear down.
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