5 arts and crafts from around the World
One of the best things about travelling is the opportunity to experience new cultures and learn more about traditions and crafts from around the world.
If you’re looking for some fun, creative ways for your children to get involved in arts and crafts whilst we’re all at home, here’s a few of our favourites from around the world. And the best thing about these? They can all easily be replicated at home with items you can find lying around the house!
Whilst having a go at the below, you can use the time to educate your children on the different cultures and traditions from each of the locations to help them learn more about the world we live in.
1. Origami, Japan
Origami doesn’t have to be difficult – there are lots of figures that are easy and fun to make! There are plenty of tutorials online that show you how to have a go at creating your own shapes from butterflies to dinosaurs. And best of all, all you need is paper, and maybe a bit of patience!
2. Paper lanterns, China
You can’t go to China without seeing pretty, decorative lanterns and it’s easy to have a go at making these classic paper lanterns yourself. You can find templates online to cut them to the right shape and the kids will love decorating these with sequins, beads, paints and enjoy hanging them up around the home.
3. Piñatas, Mexico
A party classic! Perfect for if you’re having to celebrate a birthday whilst still in lockdown. Why not have a go at making your own Mexican papier-mâché Piñata. Simply make the paste with flour, water, and salt, then, cut out some strips of old newspapers and start layering onto an inflated balloon. Don’t forget to fill with treats or toys!
4. Aboriginal art and instruments, Australia
Make your own aboriginal instruments like rhythm sticks or didgeridoos! Any type of plumbing pipe or an old wrapping paper tube can be transformed into a musical instrument with a few holes carefully cut in the right places! Sticks from the garden can make ‘rhythm sticks’ too and old coffee pots / crisp tubes can make excellent hand drums. Why not get the kids to decorate them using aboriginal form of dot painting all over their new instruments too?
5. Calligraphy, Greece
Calligraphy is thought to have originated in Greece and is the design of lettering with a broad-tipped brush or other writing instrument. There are plenty of different kits and tutorials online that allow you to have a go and learn the art form – all you need is a suitable pen or brush, and off you go!