Nettie Young (American, 1916–2010), Stacked Bricks quilt, 1928, Cotton and corduroy, 82 1/4 x 67 3/4 in., Museum purchase and gift of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation from the William S. Arnett Collection, 2017.167, © Estate of Nettie Young/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, Photograph by Stephen Pitkin/Pitkin Studio/Art Resource, NY
INTRODUCTION
Quilting is an activity that can be done individually or together, or independently in a group. In Gee’s Bend, Alabama, friends and family members from four generations have worked side by side to create fabric quilts that are celebrated for their bold designs. Their handmade quilts have made their community well-known and provide the inspiration for this activity.
Create a paper quilt square and ask your family members, friends, or neighbors to contribute to it.
MATERIALS
- Variety of colored paper including recycled magazines or book covers.
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Glue
- Ribbon
DIRECTIONS
- Cut a sheet of construction paper into a square.
2. Cut shapes from other colored paper and recycled materials.
3. Arrange the shapes and objects on your paper square. When you are happy with the design, glue everything down.
Share these directions and perhaps your materials with a family member, friend or neighbor and ask them to make a square too. See how many squares you can add to your quilt!
EXTENSION
Weave paper for your quilt! Cut a thick strip of paper and then fold it in half lengthwise. Next cut thin slits in the paper, you will want an odd number of slits. Cut a thin piece of paper in another color and weave it through the slits in the wider paper.
Ready for another art-making activity? Create a positive word poster.