Op-Art Weaving

Why

Use your Crayola Cutter to create eye-popping optical illusions with vibrant weavings!

Steps

1. Follow the directions that came with your Crayola Cutter to cut a large, wavy-sided rectangle out of colorful or wavy-lined paper.

2. Cut several wavy lines across the inside, going in the same direction as the long wavy edges. Leave a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border on all sides. Make your slits at least 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) apart.

3. Cut several 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) strips from contrasting paper. Weave the strips through the slits. Alternate weaving over and then under. Continue weaving until the space is filled with bright designs.

4. Trim off any strips that hang out from your original shape. Use tiny dots of glue to hold your weaving in place. Air-dry the glue before you wow your friends with your optical illusion.

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Glue Sticks
  • Crayola Cutter
  • Construction Paper
  • Reversible Construction Paper
household supplies
  • ruler

Where & When

"We studied human eyes and how they work. The kids enjoyed learning that their new knowledge explains optical illusions."
Ron B., home-school father of ages 9 and 11.

"Our group was amazed at Bridget Riley’s Op-Art paintings. These weavings really brought out their creativity."
Mariann R., Saturday art school teacher.


Interesting Info

Optical illusions are based on how human vision works and how colors and designs are recognized by the brain. Optical illusions, and much Op Art, often feature complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) such as red and green, orange and blue, and yellow and violet.