Make an Eye of God

A primitive form of star weaving, reminiscent of a dreamcatcher, Ojo de Dios, or God's Eyes (Tzicuri) are still woven today by the Huichol Indians of Mexico. The idea is to use bright colors to serve as an eye to watch over others (especially babies) and to bring good luck. Quick and easy, (it can be as simple or as complex as you wish), these are attractive as a single dramatic wall accent or as a mobile for a child's room.

Steps

  1. Select the base sticks. The sticks should be thin but strong, such as craft sticks or bamboo skewers.
  2. Place the sticks in a cross shape. Using embroidery thread or yarn, tie a noose knot (slipknot) in the first yarn and tighten it around the intersection of the sticks. Wind the thread or yarn in a figure eight around the intersection (this technique works on bamboo skewers but not on craft sticks), or alternatively wind the thread or yarn several times, first from right to left diagonally, then from left to right. You want to cover the center of the sticks. Do not cut off the thread or yarn; you will continue weaving with it.
  3. Begin weaving your first round. Work counter-clockwise, moving the thread or yarn behind the top stick, back over the top stick, behind the left stick, over the left stick, behind the bottom stick, over the bottom stick, and behind and over the right stick to complete one round.
  4. Continue in the same way to complete as many recessed rows as you like. Many Ojo de Dios are done completely in recessed rows, which show the shape of the sticks. However, you can alternate recessed and raised rows. To do this, you need to reverse direction. Basically, you reverse, and turn the work over, so that you're working on the back. This creates a raised row on the front.
  5. Change colors by knotting the new color to the old one. This way, the knot forms on the back of the sticks. Do not clip off the old color until you've worked over it for a few rows and you're confident that the knot is secure enough.
  6. Reverse again with a new color any time you want.
  7. Finish the ends with pom-poms, tassels, or bows, tied or glued on. Wrap the final thread or yarn all the way down the handle and knot the ends to keep in place.



Tips

  • You can glue the sticks together to get started if you want.
  • These are easy enough to make a good kid's craft or group activity, with inexpensive materials and satisfying results.

Warnings

  • Use age appropriate stick-like material. Do not use sharp sticks like bamboo skewers around young children. Use round-ended craft sticks, instead.

Things You'll Need

  • Several colors of embroidery thread or yarn; scraps will do nicely
  • 2 straight sticks for each God's Eye; craft sticks, bamboo skewers, or twigs are good choices

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