Objectives:
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To learn about Persian rugs
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To design a rug on graph paper, incorporating typical patterns
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To create a small rug or wall hanging
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To increase in English language proficiency:
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____
To understand and follow directions
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____
To learn propositions- over, under, through
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____
To learn vocabulary relating to color, design, and location (corner, border, center)
Materials, Part A:
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1. graph paper
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2. thin markers or colored pencils
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3. rulers
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4. pencils
Procedure:
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1. Show the students many examples of Persian carpets.
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2. Explain the common design elements of the carpets, allowing students to identify these features in the examples shown.
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3. Students use ruler and pencil to design their carpets on the graph paper.
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4. Students color in their designs, taking care to fill each tiny square of the graph paper with only one color.
The lesson can be concluded at this point, or the graph paper rug design may be used to continue to Part B.
Materials, Part B:
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1. the students’ rug designs on graph paper
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2. counted cross-stitch fabric, cut to the size of the graph paper carpets
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3. embroidery needles
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4. assorted colors of embroidery cottons (thread)
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5. pencils
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6. colored pencils
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7. scissors
Procedure:
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1. Using the graph paper design, sketch the same design on the cross-stitch fabric.
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2. Lightly mark out the design on the fabric with colored pencils.
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3. Cross-stitch the design onto the fabric
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4. Leave one inch at either end of the fabric to tie off and trim to make the fringe.
Conclusions:
Display and share the finished little carpets:
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1. Create a small shop or “bazaar” at a festival or market where the rugs are displayed. Students become “merchants” describing their wares and “customers” with lots of questions.
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2. Use as rugs in a miniature setting.
Notes: There are many good sources of Persian and other types of Oriental rugs. They can sometimes be borrowed from a rug shop or from your own home.
The New York Times
often has advertisements clearly depicting the traditional design elements. Books, particularly illustrated art books such as Falk’s
Treasures of Islam
or
Islam and Muslim Art
by Alexandre Popadopoulo, are good. An on-line resource is www.persian-rugs.org.
