Making Paper Lace - Deafhomeschool

Paper lace makes a lovely decoration.

Making it is a bit complex, so younger kids may need help with the folding and cutting.

Start with a square of paper. The larger the square, the longer the lace will be. I've used squares as small as 2 inches on a side.
Fold the square in half to form a triangle.
Fold the triangle in half to form a smaller triangle. The open edge should have 4 layers.
This is the complex part. Refer to the pattern for help. Feel free to draw the lines on your triangle if it makes things easier.

You need to leave a 1/4 inch margin on each side, or the lace will fall apart.

Try to leave the triangle lying on the table as you cut, otherwise it'll start to droop and tangle.
Start on the left side of the base of the triangle. Cut a 1/4 inch wide strip across the base of the triangle. Do not cut it all the way off. Stop 1/4 inch from the right side fold.
Begin on the right side of the triangle. Cut 1/4 inch wide strip across the triangle. This cut runs in the opposite direction of the first cut and corresponds with the red line on the pattern.
Work your way up the triangle towards the tip, alternating the direction of the cut. Left then right, then left, as shown by the blue and red lines on the pattern.
Carefully open the triangle. You'll have to separate each strip individually.
Continue unfolding until the paper is completely open.
Pinch the very center of the square between two fingers and lift up. The square will cascade down into lace. You may want to gently tug on the very last strip to fully expand the lace.