Discovering Paper Sloyd: The Art of Paper Modeling
**Scroll down for a FREE instructional guide on how to make the mini booklet pictured above.
“Miss Mason always says she believes Sloyd to be the most valuable and most educative of all the handicrafts” (Pennethorne, 1906, p. 3)
What is Paper Sloyd?
Originating in Sweden in the late 19th century, the term "sloyd" refers to a type of manual training that emphasizes the development of practical skills through hands-on activities or "handicraft". Initially, sloyd included woodworking skills, but over time, it evolved to include paper as a medium as well as knitting, sewing, metal, and cardboard. Charlotte Mason favored paper and cardboard. The purpose of sloyd in the classroom was not vocational (or work related) training, but rather education of the whole person.
Paper sloyd involves creating functional and artistic objects from paper. The primary goal of paper sloyd is to create useful items, such as boxes, envelopes, and even toys, using simple techniques. It emphasizes problem-solving, measuring, accuracy, attention to detail and creativity within geometric limits. It is engaging the mind, the eyes, and the hands for a purpose.
Why Paper Sloyd?
+ Engaging in paper sloyd offers numerous benefits:
1. Develops Fine Motor Skills: The precise movements required for cutting, folding, and gluing help improve dexterity.
2. Encourages Creativity: With endless possibilities for designs and creations, paper sloyd allows for personal expression and artistic exploration.
3. Promotes Patience and Focus: The meticulous nature of crafting with paper fosters patience and concentration, valuable skills in today’s world. It also calls for the habit of attention and the art of following direction.
4. Earth-Friendly Crafting: Utilizing recycled paper and materials not only reduces waste but also promotes environmental consciousness. We all need to lean into less throw away crafts.
5. Accessible and Affordable: Paper is an inexpensive and widely available medium, making it easy for anyone to get started. The supplies needed for paper sloyd are minimal and long lasting.
6. Purposeful Making : Children create objects that can be used in their everyday life or to give away as gifts. This creates a sense of satisfaction and pride in one's work.
Getting Started with Paper Sloyd
Ready to dive into the world of paper sloyd? Here’s some simple tips to help you get started:
1. Gather Your Materials
+ Supplies Needed:
- Paper: To begin you can use most any type of paper you have on hand—recycled, printer paper, colored construction paper. You'll just need to be able to clearly see pencil marks on it. Once your child as progressed in skill, you can move onto more quality paper : 60lb Manila Drawing Paper, Kraft Paper (our favorite) and eventually, Chipboard. There are also some cases in which you'll need " Paraffin paper" which just means wax paper.
- Ruler + Pencil : A 12" ruler and a sharpened pencil for measuring and marking.
- Cutting Tools. Scissors and an exacto knife
- Adhesives : Glue stick, 1" round stickers, 1" square stickers, double sided tape
- Twine or String : Silk Floss, Bakers twine or colorful 6 strand embroidery floss
- Hole Punch : Single, size 1/8"
2. Choose a Project
The books used by many Charlotte Mason educators are Paper Sloyd: A Handbook for Promary Grades by Ednah Anne Rich and Paper Modelling by Mildred Swannell. While these are wonderful resources, they were written in the early 1900s and lack in detailed instruction and photos of the end products. We've spent a lot of time working through the projects to understand them.
If you'd like to try your hand at making a Mini Book - follow this link for our FREE tutorial!
Conclusion
Paper sloyd is more than just a craft; it’s a journey into the world of creativity, mindfulness, and skill-building. So gather your kids, your materials, your creativity, and start crafting your own paper wonders today!
As always, make sure to tag us on Instagram with your creations! We love to see what you're up to with your kids. @growcreative.studio
And if you'd like more paper craft, look out for Hands + Heart Volume 2 : Origami that's coming in October 2024!