Art Extra
Lydia
Grades 5-6

Purple Magic
Kids make a weaving to remind them that we need to listen to the good news like Lydia did.

Spark Resources:
•    None

Supplies:
•    Large twig, tree branch, or piece of driftwood, one per kid
•    Assorted purple ribbons, yarns, and fabric scraps
•    Scissors
•    Hot glue gun and supplies
•    Tongue depressor or paint stick, one per kid (optional)

Set Up:
Place supplies in a central location.

Instructions:
Today, we read about a very special woman named Lydia. Lydia not only owned her own business but also sold special cloth to some of the richest people around! Lydia also showed how special she was by teaching others about Jesus. When Lydia listened to Paul and learned the good news about Jesus, she urged everyone else to listen to the good news, too. Today's project will help you remember Lydia as you make a weaving on one of these pieces of wood using Lydia's color – purple.

1. Invite each kid to select a piece of wood.
2. Have kids choose pieces of purple ribbon, yarn, and fabric to tie around the piece of wood.
3. Once kids have tied an uneven number of pieces of weaving material round] the wood (at least 9 pieces and up to 15), have them choose other pieces to weave as the cross pieces.
4. With the twig lying on the worktable, show each kid how to weave the new pieces into the ones they've already tied in place using an over-under-over-under pattern.
5. When kids are satisfied with their weavings, use hot glue to secure the ends of each ribbon in place.

Nice job on your weavings! I hope that every time you look at your weaving, you'll remember Lydia and remember that we need to listen to the good news about Jesus like she did.

If you have less time . . .
Have kids use thick purple and white yarn (the kind used for tying packages) to weave around a tongue depressor or paint stick.

If you have more time . . .
Have kids weave a larger product as a group, and create a large wall hanging to share with the congregation.