The craftsmanship of the ancient Mediterranean Islands was an important economic activity for the group. There were artisans of different social strata, and they developed crafts from windmills and musical instruments to exquisite lacemaking, pottery, weaving and glass-making.
Here’s a selection of special craft activities from some of those islands for your grandchildren!
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Paper lace-making

Lace is seen throughout the islands, each with a specialty, from lace curtains in the windows of Mykonos and Rhodes to lace-adorned clothing on Santorini. For its more personal and historic feel, artisanal quality and lace-making authenticity, visit the island of Burano in the Venice lagoon.
 
For children to discover the art of lacemaking, crafting paper is a great way to start and stimulating fine motor control and eye-hand co-ordination. This fun activity can be used for a purpose, such as making ‘lace’ place mats for the dinner table tonight or to decorate gift tags or cards. It can also just be a doodling activity enjoyed by young and old alike. And, if a special someone lives out of town, why not let your child post his / her creation as a gift.

YOU'LL NEED:

• A4 paper (white or coloured)
• Scissors (blunt-nosed is best for preschoolers)

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HERE'S HOW:

1. Fold the A4 piece of paper in half
2. Fold in half again to make ‘quarters’
3. Using the scissors, cut triangular notches out of the folded sides of the paper. Vary the size of the cuts so that it will create a different design

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Notes:

1. Let older children experiment with cutting round shapes
2. The full A4-sized piece of paper is easier for younger children to use. Older children may wish to use smaller pieces of paper
3. Glueing coloured lace work onto a white or black piece of paper will create and even more artistic design
4. You can also buy a range of special craft scissors to enhance designs

Mosaics

Mosaics are seen throughout the Mediterranean, created from glass blown by local artisans to ceramic and a range of other materials. These simple paper mosaics are a wonderful introduction to the craft and designs are limitless!

YOU'LL NEED:

• Various colours of construction paper
• Thick carboard for hanging (optional)
• Pencil, pen or favourite drawing implement
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Glue stick  

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HERE'S HOW:
Step 1: Lightly draw a picture on a piece of paper but keep it to an outline - do not shade it or put in any details.

Step 2: Using another piece of paper in a different colour, cut or shred the paper into small pieces. These can be squares, triangles or irregular and random – it’s up to you!

Step 3: Glue the pieces over the sketch you’ve made. It’s best to start from the outside, outlining the drawing and then working inward. Leave a small gap between each piece for a tiled effect or place them close together or overlapping for a different look.

Step 4: Let it dry completely. If you want to hang it, glue onto the thick cardboard to keep it sturdy.

Notes:

• Research books and magazines to find tile floors and tile mosaics for inspiration
• You can easily adapt the idea to include animals, make a picture of family or simply make interesting patterns
• Don’t be afraid to use different sized and shaped pieces

Basket weaving

For centuries, Mediterranean communities were keen to weave baskets and sustain the handicraft for many generations as part of their living heritage. Today, basket weavers, with the help of experts in the field, are developing modern designs and techniques, having a positive impact on tourism, commercial activity and sustainable development. In many islands, baskets are now used mostly for shopping and a much treasured in families, each featuring their own special adornments, from paper or fabric flowers to dolls and animal toys.
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These baskets aren’t quite like the artisan baskets of the Mediterranean, but a fun way to introduce age-old crafts with your grandchildren.

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YOU'LL NEED:

• Sheets of cardstock in at least three colours – ideally at least 18”/ 45.72cm long
• Glue (a glue gun is best)
• Scissors
• Pencil and ruler for measuring

HERE'S HOW:
​Step 1: Cut the paper into 1”/24mm strips. It’s easy to measure the first one, then use it as a pattern and trace it to create others. You will need:

•  four x 14”/ 35.56cm long strips for the first colour
•  four x 14”/35.56cm long strips of the second colour
• five x 18”/45.72cm long strips of the third colour

Set one aside to use as the handle for the basket. If you don’t have paper that is long enough, you can tape two pieces together.

Step 2: Arrange the first two colours (14”/35.56 pieces) in the pattern as shown.
​Step 3: Weave in four pieces (14”/35.56) horizontally, as in the picture.
Step 4: Adjust the pieces so the inner square is around 4”x4”/10.16cm and the outer pieces are at least 4”/10.16cm.
Step 5: Glue down each corner.
Step 6: Fold each piece inwards towards the centre.
Step 7: Take four of the 18”/ 45.72cm pieces, then measure and mark every 4”/10.16cm. Then fold the paper on each mark. Once folded, glue the ends together on each piece.
Step 8: Weave in each of these pieces to form the basket. Follow an under/over pattern with the outside pieces. That is, if the first piece goes under, the next piece should go over.
From here, the leftover paper at the top can be folded over (if it’s long enough), or just trimmed and glued to the side.
Step 9: Almost finished… glue each side of the handle to the inside of the basket, and you’ve made a fabulous paper basket!