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Last updated 18/7/2024

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This sample book is a personal record of paperfolds, papercuts, weaving patterns and embroidery patterns made by Laura B Thompson (later Berton) in 1895, presumably as an aide memoire to assist her in her profession as a kindergarten teacher.

She was born in 1878 and so would have been 17 when the album was made. More information about her life can be found here.

The work contains sections on Folding, Paper Interlacing, Mat Weaving, Sewing and Cutting (out and Mounting).

The paperfolding seems to be largely derived from Part Two of 'The Kindergarten Guide' by Maria Kraus Boelte and John Kraus.

A full copy of the work can be found online here.

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Analysis

Folding - Folds of Life

The King's Crown

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The Queen's Crown

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The Cross

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The Lantern

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The Pig

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The Cigar-Case

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The Boat with Sail

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The Vase

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The Cocotte / Pajarita

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The Windmill

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The Double Boat

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The Boat with Fishbox

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Folding - Folds of Beauty

The Sample Book contains a few fairly standard Folds of Beauty designs pasted onto the pages in various combinations. In some cases parts of the finished designs have been cut away to create crosses and stars (as suggested in Part Two of 'The Kindergarten Guide' - see above).

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Paper Interlacing

The designs on these pages are the only folded examples of Paper Interlacing (Verschnuren) designs that are known to have survived from the 19th or early 20th century.

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Cutting (out and Mounting)

Only one example of this technique is given here. For others consult the link above. It is noteworthy that the majority of the designs in the work reflect Froebel's original intention that the cut out pieces should be used when the pattern was mounted so that no part of the paper should be wasted.

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