Mexican Arts and Crafts for Children

Introducing children to the Mexican arts and crafts activities early, is a perfect way to acquaint them with the Mexican culture and traditions since, these kid craft activities are rich in culture and tradition of Mexico. These activities are old and traditional, that have been used from long. Here are a few Mexican arts and crafts for children.

Mexican Fiesta Flags

Fiesta flags are used in many occasions for decoration in Mexico. The occasion may be a birthday or a wedding. Here is how to make fiesta flags to decorate your school or home.

Things Required

• Tissue papers of multiple colors
• Scissors
• Tape
• String or yarn

Preparation

• Take the tissue paper and cut it into 12 x 12 inch squares.
• Fold each squared tissue paper again in half twice so that you are again left with a smaller square.
• Make or cut small designs along the folds.
• Cut a piece of string of yarn (it should be quite long).
• Unfold the tissue paper and line them along the string.
• Tape top of each fiesta flag, hang and enjoy.

Mexican Clay Pottery

One of the oldest traditions in Mexico, pottery, is still practiced in most parts of the country. You can make some Mexican pottery easily, at home. Here’s the recipe.

Things Required

• 4 cups salt
• Approximately 1¾ cups water
• 1 cup salt
• Paints and brush
• Optional food coloring

Preparation

• Mix flour and salt.
• While mixing, keep adding a little amount of water.
• If you wish, add food coloring.
• Morph clay into a shape of a ball and thrust down for the bottom of the pot. Sculpt sides by pushing the clay up, making the clay thinner.
• Make a flat circle with the clay. Then, make long coils of clay and curl them up on top of one another around the edge of the flat circle piece.
• At 200 degree Fahrenheit, bake pinch pot for about 10-15 minutes and coil pot for 20 minutes.
• Let them cool and paint after cooling.
• If any clay is left over, freeze it in a plastic wrap.

Pinata

One of the most popular art activity of Mexico, pinata is a paper container, hung from a tree branch, that is used to store candy or toys to celebrate birthdays. Children are blindfolded and given a stick to try to break it open and amass the treasure inside! Make pinata in any shape you want.

Things Required

• Water
• Flour
• Balloon
• Newspaper
• Tin Can
• Tissue paper and things required for decoration, such as glitter, sequins, paint, etc
• Tape
• String

Preparation

• Inflate the balloon and tape it to the tin can to keep it upright.
• Make strips of approximately 1 inch by 4-6 inches by cutting newspapers.
• Form a paste by mixing flour and water.
• Stick the newspaper strips covering the balloon in several layers.
• Let the paper mache dry, separate the balloon from the tin can and turn over to coat rest of the balloon.
• Let it dry completely.
• Decorate and paint using anything you like, anyway you want.
• By using a knife, with the help of an elder person, cut a small flap in the side, fill in the toys and candies and tape shut it.
• Make two small holes and string it. The Mexican Pinata is ready.

The above mentioned Mexican arts and crafts activities are the ones that children enjoy the most, especially the pinata. Make them at home instead of buying from the market, keeping your children involved, so that they become aware of the Mexican culture and tradition.