{Alora}

Alora

 

{Ailyn}

Ailyn

 

{Dawson}

Dawson

 

{Gretchen}

Gretchen

 

 

Paper Molas

Step by Step

 

{1}

Draw the shape of an animal or other creature on

a folded 9" x 12" paper. Make it fill the space.

Cut out the folded paper to make two symmetrical

pieces.

 

{2}

Glue both pieces to another colored paper. Cut

them out, leaving a thick border of the second color.

Repeat this process two more times, using different

colors each time.

 

{3}

Glue the completed shapes to a black or other

color piece of paper, leaving some space between

between the shapes.

 

{4}

Add stacked shapes and details inside the main

shapes and in the background.

 

Fourth Grade Examples

 

{5}

Elida

 

{6}

Marinna

 

Molas

 

Molas are unique colorful panels of cloth sewn with applique and reverse applique by the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands of Panama. Originally, molas were made by women as front and back panels of the blouses they wear everyday. Now they are also sold to collectors and framed and exhibited. The market for molas has provided an economic benefit for the Cuna Indians.

 

Molas are made with from two to seven layers of contrasting colors of cloth stitched together. Pieces of the top layers are cut out and folded back to expose the underlying colors. The edges are folded back and handstitched down. An intricate mola may require 40 to 70 hours to complete.

 

Though traditional mola subjects included animals, birds, and other living creatures of the San Blas Islands environment, global culture has inspired designs based on movie posters, comic books, and other modern images.

 

{mola}