Here is one of my favorites on Instagram (although not cardboard weaving, but an example of a more traditional weaving) Fantastic color choices, techniques and yarns...

Healthy, happy life= crafting

Yep, that's right! Crafting is not only fun, relaxing and a great way to connect socially, but also very therapeutic. When I crochet for example, it is a very peaceful, meditative state for me. I like the repetitive motions, touching the hook and yarns and creating a piece of art. Here's some more info on the topic:

http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/03/crafting-keeps-you-healthy/.

An example of weaving

I took a class at a local craft store learning how to weave, not on cardboard, but on an embroidery loom. It was relatively easy once I got the hang of it. As you can see and maybe some of you who enjoy crafting, part of the fun is learning the craft... I have a plethora of unfinished crafts.. Perhaps, I lose interest... I haven't really examined why, but I know some of my fellow crafters can relate. I really enjoyed jewelry making as I enjoyed the tangible and wearable result (i.e. Making earrings to wear w/ my outfits). However, one craft, that I especially enjoy is crocheting (I used to really like embroidery but I like making things I can wear (I know I can embroider clothing also). I actually started learning knitting first, but it was a bit complicated. I think I need to take a class or just go to old faithful: YouTube! Any crafters out there have any suggestions?

A different type of weaving...

As a person who is passionate about the arts, especially as a healing modality and social justice , I find Shiloh Sophia interesting, eclectic and a strong advocate for women. A couple of weeks ago, I sat with my cuppa tea on the Fall Moon Equinox and enjoyed these videos on weaving, albeit a different typing of weaving. She is joined in conversation with artist Christine Arylo as they discuss the topic of weaving different aspects of our life as a women.
Here's the link if you are so inclined to expand your thinking:
https://vimeo.com/shilohsophiastudios

Examples of cardboard weaving

So, cardboard weaving didn't go exactly as I planned due to some serious family situation. So with that, here ae some cool links to learn how to carve on cardboard weaving:


http://www.craftstylish.com/item/2546/how-to-weave-on-a-cardboard-loom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbtKnvc_9No
http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-weave-on-a-cardboard-loom/

Supplies, Part 2

Supplies, Part 1

Ok, as with any project, in order to begin,  it is necessary to gather all of the necessary supplies. Here are some basics about getting started as well as terminology to familiarize you with weaving.

1. Loom: Since this blog is about cardboard weaving, a piece of sturdy cardboard, which will be used as a loom, a tool used to weave all sorts of materials, including yarn, ribbon and fabric. (This is just a side note, but did any of you ever play with those children's plastic looms to make potholders? I did! I made so many on our road trip (i.e. My family moved from MO to CA many moons ago. I loved crafting as a child and still do, but I digress. I am a huge advocate of arts education for children, but, more on that later.)

2. Yarn: Spun thread of either natural or synthetic fiber used in a variety of crafts, including sewing, crocheting (my favorite!), knitting and of course, weaving. I am using a variety of different textures of to experiment, but as you can see, will be a mixture of colors. Purple is my favorite color and sometimes, just sometimes, I am a bit obsessive with it as I have tons of different shades of purple yarn, but the shade heliotrope is my absolute favorite!)

3. Warp: The foundation yarn (in my case, I will be using a white cotton yarn) that goes vertically across the pegs or (slits, since I am using cardboard) of your loom. 

4. Weft: Think of this yarn as your actual weaving, your actual artwork. This yarn is the actual yarn that is woven back and forth, over and under the warp.

5. Tapestry needle: A blunt tipped handsewing needle used in needlework, such as knitting, crocheting and weaving. A tapestry needle is used, to help weave your weft more easily through the warp strands.

(NOTE: A bobby pin or a safety pin also works as well).

6. Scissors: to cut yarn

OPTIONAL:

7. Plastic fork: Nice to use to press/push the yarn down on the loom, so it your weft stays neat and doesn't lose its shape. (NOTE: you can also use your fingers.)

A little hiatus

Hi all!

Just a quick note regarding my absence.i have been dealing with a serious family matter for the last year and a half, that was finally resolved last Thursday. With that, I plan to post more frequently and finally introduce cardboard weaving to you all.