4-H Visual Arts is where you can: express yourself, be creative, make an impression. Explore different fiber arts as you learn to use diverse materials and apply principles of design in a variety of finished products.
Exploring 4-H Visual Arts Fiber
Spark Activity: Fiber Arts Frenzy
Visual Arts - Fiber is filled with different techniques, all based on manipulating fiber into an art piece. Fibers are often made from plants or animals, but can also be manmade. Challenge yourself to find examples of art that is made from each of the following techniques:
- Applique
- Basketry
- Braiding
- Crocheting
- Duct-tape artwork
- Embroidery
- Felting
- Hooking
- Knitting
- Macrame and knotting
- Needlepoint
- Paperworking
- Patchwork
- Quilting
- Spinning
- Weaving
The search is on to see how many different examples you can find. You might want to look online for different examples, or visit an art show or a museum and see how many different examples of fiber arts you can find. Capture photos to remember what you’ve seen.
4-H Project Levels and Goals
- Learn about fibers and fabrics
- Discover different techniques that you can learn in Visual Arts - Fiber
- Learn design elements and art principles
- Learn how to read and understand a pattern
- Apply design elements and art principles to create an original item
- Learn how to recognize mistakes and how to correct them
- Compare cost of ready-made vs. homemade items
- Learn advanced techniques
- Apply design elements and art principles to create an original item
- Learn to care for fiber arts items Ready4Life Challenge;
- Learn what it takes to have a career or business product in Visual Arts: Fiber
- Incorporate advanced techniques into your artwork
Put Your Project Into Action
Show Your Skills
- Exhibit at your county fair
- Exhibit at the State Fair
- Participate in a local craft show
- Create a 4-H video demonstrating how to create a visual arts fiber item
Service and Leadership
- Knit scarves for a local school
- Make macramé and donate to nursing home residents or senior centers
- Donate an item you created to a fundraiser
- Make quilts for a local shelter
- Teach another person a skill you have learned
- Give a talk or demonstration about your fiber project at your club
- Plan a 4-H club trip to a craft or fiber arts show
- Work with your Extension office to hold a Fiber workshop
Entrepreneurship
- Sell your items at a local craft show
- Job shadow a local artist or craft store owner
- Ask a local restaurant/business to display your art
Technology Connection
- Incorporate LED lights into your needlepoint pieces for a fun twist
- Create a QR Code and make a hand woven tapestry of the code
- 3-D print your own custom crochet hook or embroidery hoop
- Learn how to convert any picture into an embroidery pattern for a more realistic look
Connecting with a Mentor
- Contact local Art Center
- Visit with your school’s art teacher
- Visit with the owner/ manager of the local craft store
- Contact your local Extension office
Events
- 4-H workshops
- 4-H show / state fair
- Local craft shows
Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements
- Getting Started in Art (Beginner)
- Level 1: Sketchbook Crossroads
- Exploring Fiber Arts
- Duct Tape Crafts PDF utah4h.org/discover/
- 4-H Crochet PDF utah4h.org/discover/
The 4-H Crocheting Handbook PDF
Knitting Made Easy PDF https://www.yarnspirations.com/searchcontent?q=knitting
Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store.
View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.
Careers
- Fine Arts Teacher
- Craft Store Owner
- Quilt Repair
- Creative Arts Coordinator
- Art Museum Director
- Art Therapist
Start a Conversation
Did you get the results you planned for? What would happen if you used a different color or texture? Did you follow a pattern? What would you do differently? What skills did you learn that you need to practice more while working on your project? What are your plans for the next project?
Credits
“4-H Fiber Arts Project Guide” Oregon State University Extension
Authored by: Beth Chatterton, University of Illinois Extension, 4-H Program Coordinator, McDonough County
4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni, and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers!
