# Paper Crafts

## Overview
In this chapter, “Paper Crafts,” students explore paper as a versatile and creative material through hands-on activities such as folding, cutting, and weaving. They learn about traditional and global art forms like **Origami** from Japan and **Sanjhi paper cutting** from India. The chapter encourages experimentation and self-expression, connecting artistic practices to history, culture, and symbolism—like the use of paper cranes as symbols of peace.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Paper Folding (Origami)
- **What is Origami?**
- Origami is the art of folding paper to create shapes and forms. It started in Japan and is now practiced around the world.
- **Historical Story – Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes**:
- Sadako, a young Japanese girl who was affected by the Hiroshima bombing, tried to fold 1000 cranes in hope of recovering from her illness.
- Though she passed away after completing 644 cranes, her story made paper cranes a global **symbol of peace**.
- The Children’s Peace Monument in Japan receives thousands of paper cranes from people around the world.
- **Creative Practice**:
- Students are encouraged to learn how to fold different forms by observing others and following folding steps, like how to make a **paper crane**.

### 2. Paper Cutting (Sanjhi Art)
- **Traditional Art from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh**:
- Sanjhi is a local Indian craft where paper is intricately cut to create beautiful designs.
- Originally used to make **rangoli stencils**, these designs are now also used for decoration.
- **Creative Application**:
- Students can plan and cut their own designs to make stencils, lanterns, and decorative items.
- The chapter encourages idea sharing and experimentation within the class.
- **Safety Tips**:
- Emphasis is given on safe handling of scissors and sharp tools during paper cutting.
- **Fun Fact**:
- Colourful decorative items made from paper or cloth and hung on strings during festivals are called **buntings**.

### 3. Paper Weaving
- **What is Paper Weaving?**
- A technique that mimics the pattern of woven cloth, using the **criss-cross** method called **warp and weft**.
- Helps students understand the structure of woven materials like cotton, wool, jute, bamboo, etc.
- **Creative Practice**:
- Students try weaving paper strips into mats by cutting one paper and weaving another through it.
- Encouragement to use natural and recycled materials like palm leaves, fabric strips, and jute for weaving projects.


## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Definition |
|----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Origami | The Japanese art of folding paper into shapes and figures |
| Crane | A long-necked bird; in origami, a paper crane is a symbol of peace |
| Peace Monument | A structure in Japan where people send paper cranes to honor Sadako |
| Sanjhi | A traditional paper-cutting art form from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh |
| Stencil | A cut-out design used to paint or decorate surfaces |
| Buntings | Festival decorations made by hanging strings with shapes or colours |
| Weaving | A method of interlacing strips or threads to make fabric or mats |
| Warp and Weft | The two directions of threads in weaving; warp is vertical, weft is horizontal |
| Intricate | Very detailed and carefully designed |
| Decorative | Something that is used to make a place or object look more beautiful |

---

## Practice Questions

### 🟢 Easy (3 Questions)

1. **What is the art of folding paper called?**
**Answer**: Origami
**Explanation**: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding.

2. **Where did Sanjhi art originate?**
**Answer**: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
**Explanation**: Sanjhi is a traditional art from the Mathura region.

3. **What does a paper crane symbolize?**
**Answer**: Peace
**Explanation**: After Sadako’s story, the paper crane became a symbol of peace.

---

### 🟡 Medium (2 Questions)

4. **Why are safety instructions important while doing paper cutting?**
**Answer**: To avoid injuries from scissors or sharp tools.
**Explanation**: Paper cutting involves sharp instruments which can hurt if not handled properly.

5. **What is the purpose of a stencil in Sanjhi art?**
**Answer**: It is used to create designs for decorations like rangolis.
**Explanation**: Stencils allow repeated patterns to be traced or used in art.

---

### 🔴 Difficult (3 Questions)

6. **Explain the term "warp and weft" in your own words.**
**Answer**: Warp is the vertical thread, and weft is the horizontal thread used in weaving.
**Explanation**: They are the two directions that create a woven pattern.

7. **How can paper crafts connect us to both global and local cultures?**
**Answer**: Origami connects us to Japanese traditions, while Sanjhi connects us to Indian art heritage.
**Explanation**: These crafts represent different traditions and histories from around the world.

8. **What are some natural or recycled materials mentioned for weaving?**
**Answer**: Cotton, wool, jute, palm, bamboo, and fabric strips.
**Explanation**: The chapter encourages using eco-friendly and creative materials for weaving.

---

### 🔵 Very Difficult (2 Questions)

9. **Describe how Sadako’s story turned into a symbol of world peace using art.**
**Answer**: Sadako folded 1000 paper cranes while suffering from illness caused by war. Her hope and perseverance inspired people to use paper cranes as a peace symbol globally.
**Explanation**: Her story shows how personal creativity and hope can influence global symbols and actions.

10. **Why is it important for students to experiment with their own paper craft designs?**
**Answer**: It helps develop creativity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of materials and cultural expression.
**Explanation**: Experimentation fosters learning through discovery and personal connection to art.

---