Easy Kids Crafts From Around the World
Ready for a change of scenery? Discover a treasure trove of creativity with crafts inspired by cultural traditions from across the globe. Your child's imagination can travel from Japan to Mexico to Sweden and beyond with these unique craft projects from around the world.
1. Austrian Walnut Babies Craft
Children's Books Daily
A walnut baby—or for our German speaking friends, Walnuss Wiegenkinder or Walnussbaby—are a classic German and Austrian craft that looks exactly how it sounds: walnuts made into tiny, adorable baby dolls. Everyone needs a Walnussbaby in their life: Hop on over to Children's Books Daily for step-by-step instructions to create your own.
2. Japanese Koinobori Fish Kite Craft
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In Japan, Children's Day, or Kodomo no Hi, is celebrated each year on May 5, during which families fly carp fish kites — also known as koinobori — to bring good fortune and luck to their children. Carps, which are known for swimming upstream against the current, represent strength and determination in Japanese culture, and it is hoped children will share these same qualities in life when faced with adversity. You can learn how to create your very own fish kite at Kid World Citizen.
3. Swedish Dala Horse Boxes Craft
willowday
Recognized as a national symbol of Sweden and a sign of strength and good luck, the Dala horse is typically hand-carved out of wood. Now you can pay homage to this traditional craft by creating your own version made simply out of cardboard and featuring a festive spin. Dala horse boxes make for a beautiful addition to your holiday decor and a great art project to do together as a family. Go to willowday to learn how to make your very own Dala horse.
4. Panamanian Molas Craft
School Arts Room
Perhaps Panama's best-known handicraft, Molas is an ancient textile technique developed by the Kuna people. Molas is made by layering brightly-colored fabrics that are cut and stitched together to create unique reverse applique designs. You can make similar designs using construction paper for a fun activity to do at home. Go to School Arts Room to find out how!
5. Mexican God's Eye Craft
Crafts by Amanda
God's eyes, also known as Ojo de Dios, are a simple weaving craft rich in spiritual symbolism. Created originally by the Huichol people of western Mexico, God's eyes are made out of colorful yarn and two sticks formed into a cross. The four points represent the elements of nature: earth, fire, air, and water. Create this classic weaving craft dating back to the 1500s and learn about its spiritual significance with the fam. Go to Crafts By Amanda for easy step-by-step instructions to make your own.
6. Korean Lunar New Year Fan and Drum Crafts
Chalk Academy
Korean Lunar New Year begins February 12, 2021, but crafting a festive rattle drum and fan is fun all year round! Serving as a wonderful opportunity to teach the little ones about Lunar New Year, these crafts also introduce the symbolism behind the colors of the tricolor Taeguk to represent earth, heaven, and humanity. Go to Chalk Academy to find out how to make your very own Korean New Year fan and drum!
7. German Saint Martin's Day Lanterns
Our Crafty World
When Saint Martin's Day rolls around in Germany, the streets are illuminated by a procession of children carrying decorated lanterns, bonfires are set ablaze in town squares, and hungry spectators tuck into roast goose, drink mulled wine, and sing songs. The holiday, which takes place November 11, celebrates a compassionate monk called Saint Martin, known to children in all corners of Germany for cutting his cloak in half to save a homeless man in the freezing cold. Saint Martin's Day may come and go, but creating a beautiful lantern in the spirit of the day can be done any day of the year. Go to Our Crafty World to find out how you can make your very own colorful lantern.
Source: https://camp.com/travel/crafts-from-around-the-world