Flow – Garden hangings

An activity that really encourages the sense of flow for the resident. Weaving can be therapeutic due the rhythm and repetition. It also encourages a low level of concentration. A great sense of fulfilment can be achieved by the participant as they see their creation grow before their eyes.

Materials Required:

• Sticks (from nature ideally)
• String or very thin wire
• Pliers for cutting wire 
• Beads/buttons to thread to add to the hanging part (Optional)

Step by Step Guide:

1. Cross 2 sticks together (cross shape)
2. Tie firmly with string (By activity coordinator) 
3. From the middle tie the string or wire to one of the sticks
4. Weave the wire/string between the sticks, going over and under
5. Add different colours along the way by attaching the existing wire to new
6. Continue as far you like 
7. Add string to the top end for hanging 
8. Add beads, feathers etc if you like

There is no rush with this activity. It may take some time for the resident to get going and to learn but once in the flow they will relax into it.

Ideas for Further Activities With This Idea:

Using old cutlery, use the prongs to weave in and out of. Again add a string to hang from and add any other elements you can find. Experiment with what you have. Find items that you can use to weave. 

You can hang these in the garden or in a communal place inside the home.

Adaptability

Ways to adapt for less able residents:

Hold the cross while the residents weave. Guide them but don’t worry too much about getting it perfect. Imperfections can be just as exciting and you often create something more unique.

Ways to adapt from group to individual and vice versa: 

This could be done as a group or as an individual. You can do this at different times. If you are doing it as a larger group it might be good to be organised and have the sticks already tied, so you can give the cross to the resident to work with. You could even turn these into mobiles or simply hang them from trees.