15 Traditional African Crafts for Kids: A Creative Journey Through Heritage and Art

There are some crafts that nearly every school child has tried out at least once in their life. You know exactly what I’m talking about—making long paper chains, folding paper boats, and the classic art of paper weaving. For many of us, weaving colorful strips of construction paper into a placemat was a rite of passage in primary school. But little did we know back then that these simple activities were actually steeped in rich history. For instance, while we know paper folding as Origami (the Japanese art form), paper weaving has deep roots in various cultures, including intricate folk arts found in China’s Fujian Province and the woven "Julehjerter" hearts of Denmark. We were getting our first taste of international culture and geometry, and we didn’t even realize it! Today, paper weaving remains one of the most accessible and beneficial activities for children. It requires minimal materials—usually just paper and scissors—but offers maximum developmental benefits. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of this craft and then dive into 15 wonderful paper weaving activities for kids that range from beginner placemats to complex 3D art. The Amazing Benefits of Paper Weaving for Kids Why should you introduce paper weaving to your classroom or home? Beyond being a great "boredom buster," the educational benefits are significant: Fine Motor Development: The pincer grasp required to pull a paper strip over and under is excellent for strengthening the small muscles in the hands and fingers. This directly supports handwriting skills. Pattern Recognition (Math Skills): Weaving is essentially a physical manifestation of patterns (A-B-A-B). Understanding how rows alternate is a foundational math concept. Hand-Eye Coordination: Threading a strip of paper through a tight slit requires the eyes and hands to work together in unison. Patience and Focus: Unlike instant-gratification digital games, weaving requires a rhythmic focus. It is a calming, meditative activity that teaches perseverance. Spatial Awareness: Kids learn how two-dimensional objects interact, understanding concepts like "behind," "in front," "top," and "bottom." Getting Started: Tools of the Trade The beauty of paper weaving is its simplicity. You don't need expensive equipment. Paper: Cardstock is best as it holds its shape, but construction paper works well for beginners. You can also use recycled magazine pages for an eco-friendly twist. Scissors: Good safety scissors for the kids, and perhaps a craft knife (for adults only) to cut internal slits. Glue Stick: To secure the ends of the strips so the weave doesn't unravel. Ruler: Essential for drawing straight lines to cut along. 15 Creative Paper Weaving Projects We have arranged these from "Beginner" to "Advanced" so you can find the perfect challenge for your child’s age group. 1. The Classic Checkerboard Placemat The perfect starting point for preschoolers. How to make it: Fold a large sheet of construction paper in half. Cut slits from the fold line toward the open edge, stopping about an inch before the end. Unfold the paper. Cut strips of a contrasting color. Weave the strips Over-Under-Over-Under. Glue the ends. Laminate it to use it as a real placemat at dinner! 2. Fall Harvest Corn Celebrate the changing seasons with this autumn favorite. How to make it: Cut a corn cob shape out of yellow cardstock. Cut vertical slits through the "kernels" area. Use strips of orange, light yellow, and white paper to weave through the cob. Once woven, glue green paper leaves (husks) to the bottom. This adds a lovely texture that mimics real corn kernels. 3. The "Rainbow Fish" Weave Inspired by the beloved children's book. How to make it: Draw a simple fish outline. Cut vertical slits across the body of the fish (avoiding the head and tail). Have the children weave brightly colored strips, or even shiny foil paper, through the body. The weaving creates the "scales" of the fish. Add a googly eye to finish! 4. Danish Woven Hearts (Julehjerter) A traditional Scandinavian craft often used as Christmas ornaments. How to make it: This requires two pieces of paper (usually Red and White) folded in half. You cut slits into the folded edge of both pieces. Unlike normal weaving where you lay strips over each other, here you weave the loops through each other. When opened, it forms a heart with a checkerboard pattern. It can form a basket to hold candies on a tree. 5. Seahorse "Bony Plate" Weave Did you know seahorses have bony plates arranged in rings? How to make it: Cut a seahorse silhouette. The belly of the seahorse is the perfect place to cut horizontal curved slits. Weave vertical strips of bright colors through the belly. This mimics the segmented, armored look of a real seahorse while allowing kids to play with tropical colors. 6. Woven Christmas Stocking A festive decoration for the holiday season. How to make it: Cut two identical stocking shapes. On the top layer, cut horizontal slits. Weave green and gold paper strips into a red stocking. Once the weaving is done, glue the second stocking shape to the back to hide the messy edges and make the stocking sturdy. Punch holes around the edge and "sew" them together with yarn for extra fine motor practice. 7. Mondrian-Inspired Geometric Art Introduce art history through weaving. How to make it: Piet Mondrian was famous for his grids of primary colors. Use a white paper base with black strips for the "warp" (the vertical lines). Then, weave in strips of red, blue, and yellow of varying widths. The result is a modern art masterpiece that looks great framed on a classroom wall. 8. The Woven Turtle Shell Nature and biology meet art. How to make it: Cut a large oval for a turtle shell. Cut slits across the oval. Weave brown and green strips through it to create the "scutes" of the shell. Cut out a separate head, four legs, and a tail, and glue them to the underside of the woven shell. This creates a slightly 3D effect as the weaving adds bulk to the shell. 9. Paper Plate "Sun" Weaving A variation that moves away from square paper. How to make it: Take a paper plate and cut an odd number of notches around the rim. Wrap yarn or thin paper strips across the plate to create "spokes" like a wheel. Then, starting from the center, weave colored paper or yarn over and under the spokes in a spiral. It looks like a radiant sun or a blooming flower. 10. Recycled Magazine Bookmarks A functional eco-friendly craft. How to make it: Cut glossy magazine pages into thin strips. Weave them tightly into a long, thin rectangle. Because magazine paper is thin, you will need to weave tightly. Once finished, cover both sides with clear packing tape or contact paper. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon tassel. These are durable and waterproof! 11. 3D Paper Lanterns Inspired by Chinese festivals. How to make it: Start with a standard rectangular weave (like the placemat). Once the weaving is secure, roll the rectangle into a cylinder and staple the edges. Attach a paper handle to the top. The woven texture allows light to filter through beautifully if you place a battery-operated tea light inside. 12. "Pixel Art" Characters For the older kids who love video games. How to make it: Use a tight weave with thin strips (like graph paper). By carefully choosing which color strip goes over or under, or by using strips that have different colors colored onto them beforehand, kids can create "8-bit" images like a smiley face or a heart within the weave. This requires planning and advanced pattern skills. 13. Woven Hot Air Balloon A whimsical project that explores color gradients. How to make it: The balloon shape is ideal for weaving. Cut the balloon shape and add vertical slits. Encourage kids to weave using a gradient of colors (e.g., dark blue, medium blue, light blue) to mimic the sky or a rainbow. Glue a small brown square at the bottom for the basket. 14. The Chevron Weave (Advanced) Taking the pattern to the next level. How to make it: Instead of straight vertical and horizontal lines, cut the "warp" slits in zigzag lines. When you weave straight strips through zigzag slits, it creates a dazzling optical illusion and a chevron arrow pattern. This is great for older children (ages 8+) who want a challenge. 15. Woven Paper Basket Moving from 2D to 3D. How to make it: This uses a "tic-tac-toe" board layout. Lay out three long strips vertically and three horizontally, woven in the center. Fold up the loose ends to form the "walls" of the basket. Weave a new, long strip continuously around the walls to build the basket up. Secure with glue at the top rim. Tips for Success with Kids If you are doing these activities with a group, here are three "teacher tips" to keep the frustration levels low and the fun levels high: The "Stop Line": When kids cut the slits for the loom, they often accidentally cut the paper in half. Draw a bold line about an inch from the edge and tell them, "Stop your scissors at the stop line!" Tape is Your Friend: For younger children, tape the "loom" (the main paper) to the desk so it doesn't slide around while they are trying to manipulate the strips. Variety of Textures: Don't stop at construction paper. Try weaving with ribbon, strips of fabric, aluminum foil, or even dried grass for nature crafts. Final Thoughts Paper weaving is a testament to the idea that you don't need expensive gadgets or messy supplies to create something beautiful. It connects us to a history of craftsmanship that spans the globe—from the baskets of Africa to the paper screens of Japan.

For many of us who grew up in the 90s, our first introduction to the majesty of the African continent was through the screen. I was 10 when The Lion King was released, and I was instantly hooked. I don’t remember how many times I rewatched it, but I know I could belt out “The Circle of Life” without missing a beat.

Beyond the catchy tunes and the lovable “bros”—Timon and Pumbaa—the movie introduced me to a gorgeous landscape that felt both magical and real. While my Swahili might still be limited to Hakuna Matata, my fascination with Africa has only grown deeper with age.

Now, as we introduce a new generation to these stories, it is the perfect time to go beyond the movies. Africa is a massive continent comprised of 54 countries, thousands of languages, and incredibly diverse cultures. The best way to teach children about this rich heritage is through hands-on learning: books and crafts.

Below, we have curated 15 traditional African crafts for kids that act as a gateway to learning about the people, art, and traditions of this vibrant continent. These projects are designed to be budget-friendly, educational, and, most importantly, fun!

Why Teach African Art to Kids?

Before we dive into the glue and scissors, it is important to understand the why. African art isn’t just about decoration; it is functional, spiritual, and deeply rooted in community.

  • Cultural Appreciation: It helps children understand diversity and global cultures.
  • Symbolism: Many African crafts communicate proverbs, history, or social status.
  • STEAM Learning: These crafts often involve geometry, physics (sound waves in instruments), and engineering.

15 African Crafts to Make at Home or School

1. The Paper Cone Village Hut

In many rural parts of Africa, traditional round houses (often called Rondavels) are built using local materials like mud and thatched grass. Their round shape is aerodynamic and keeps the interior cool.

  • What You Need: Cardstock or stiff paper, markers/crayons, glue, scissors.
  • How to Make It: Cut a large circle for the roof and a wide rectangle for the walls. Decorate the walls with geometric patterns (simulating mud designs) and the roof with lines (simulating straw). Roll the rectangle into a cylinder and the circle into a shallow cone. Glue them together to create a village scene!

2. Tribal Ritual Masks

Masks are perhaps the most famous form of African art. Used in rituals in West and Central Africa, they represent ancestors, spirits, or animals. They are rarely used just for decoration; they are active tools for storytelling.

  • What You Need: Cardboard or paper plates, paint, raffia (or yarn), scissors, glue.
  • How to Make It: Cut an oval shape from cardboard. Cut out eye and mouth holes. Use earthy tones (browns, reds, ochre) to paint the base. Add distinct markings using white or black paint to represent scarification or tribal patterns. Attach raffia or yarn to the sides to simulate hair or a beard.

3. DIY Thumb Piano (Mbira)

Originating from the Shona people of Zimbabwe, the Mbira (often called a thumb piano) creates beautiful, bell-like tones. This is a fantastic physics lesson on vibration!

  • What You Need: A small wooden board or sturdy cardboard box, bobby pins, duct tape.
  • How to Make It: Secure the bobby pins to the board using strong tape. Pull the open ends of the pins up slightly so they can vibrate when plucked. Experiment by pulling the pins further out or pushing them in to change the pitch.

4. Kente Cloth Paper Weaving

Kente cloth, originating from the Ashanti people of Ghana, is a royal fabric known for its vibrant colors and complex patterns. Each color has a meaning (e.g., Gold = wealth, Green = growth).

  • What You Need: Construction paper (Yellow, Green, Red, Black), scissors, glue.
  • How to Make It: Cut a sheet of black paper into strips, leaving one end attached (creating a loom). Cut strips of red, yellow, and green paper. Teach kids to weave the colored strips “over and under” the black strips. This is excellent for fine motor skills!

5. Maasai Color Wheel Necklaces

The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania are world-renowned for their intricate beadwork. The stiff, flat collar necklaces are worn by women, and the color combinations tell a story about the wearer.

  • What You Need: Paper plates, pasta shells or beads, bright paint, ribbon.
  • How to Make It: Cut the center out of a paper plate to create a ring. Cut a slit in the back so it can be put around a neck. Have the children paint distinct rings of color (Red, Blue, Yellow, White) or glue colored pasta in concentric circles to mimic the beadwork.

6. Adinkra Potato Stamping

Adinkra symbols come from the Akan people of Ghana. These symbols represent concepts or aphorisms (like “Gye Nyame” which means “except for God”).

  • What You Need: Potatoes (cut in half), carving tools (plastic knives), fabric paint, plain t-shirt or paper.
  • How to Make It: Carve simple geometric shapes into the flat side of a potato. Dip the potato into fabric paint and stamp it onto the material to create a repeated pattern, just like traditional block printing.

7. Egyptian Cartouche Bookmarks

Moving to North Africa, we look at Ancient Egypt. A Cartouche is an oval with a horizontal line at one end, indicating that the text enclosed is a royal name.

  • What You Need: Gold cardstock, black markers, a printout of the Hieroglyphic alphabet.
  • How to Make It: Cut the cardstock into a long oval. Have the child translate their name into Hieroglyphics and draw it in the center. Punch a hole at the top and add a tassel.

8. Recycled Rain Sticks

Rain sticks are traditionally made from dried cactus and used in ceremonies to encourage rainfall. They are common in various indigenous cultures, including parts of Africa and South America.

  • What You Need: Long cardboard tube (paper towel roll), aluminum foil, rice or dried beans, tape.
  • How to Make It: Coil a long piece of aluminum foil into a spring and insert it into the tube. Seal one end of the tube with paper and tape. Pour in a handful of rice. Seal the other end. Decorate the outside with tribal designs. When tilted, the rice hits the foil, sounding like falling rain.

9. Ndebele Dolls

The Ndebele people of South Africa are famous for their colorful homes and doll-making. Traditional dolls are made to mark varied stages in a woman’s life.

  • What You Need: Wooden clothespins or empty water bottles, colorful pipe cleaners, beads, fabric scraps.
  • How to Make It: Wrap the “body” (bottle or clothespin) in colorful fabric. Use pipe cleaners to create the distinct golden neck rings often worn by Ndebele women. Use black beads for eyes.

10. Tinga Tinga Art

Named after Edward Saidi Tingatinga, this painting style from Tanzania uses brilliant, highly saturated colors and often features surreal animals.

  • What You Need: Black paper, bright neon paints (acrylic works best).
  • How to Make It: On the black background, have children paint African animals (giraffes, birds, leopards) using dots and spots. The key is to use the brightest colors possible to make them “pop” against the dark background.

11. Mancala Game Board

Mancala is one of the oldest board games in the world, with evidence of it being played in Aksumite Ethiopia thousands of years ago. It is a game of strategy and counting.

  • What You Need: An empty egg carton (12 holes), two small bowls, dried beans or pebbles.
  • How to Make It: Cut the lid off the egg carton. The 12 cups are the playing field. Place a bowl at each end (these are the “stores”). Paint the carton in earthy tones. You now have a fully functional game board to play the classic game of “sowing seeds.”

12. Safari Binoculars

While not a “traditional” craft, this is a rite of passage for any child learning about the African Savannah and its wildlife.

  • What You Need: Two toilet paper rolls, tape/glue, yarn, stickers/paint.
  • How to Make It: Glue the two rolls together side-by-side. Punch holes on the outside edges to attach the yarn (neck strap). Decorate with animal prints (leopard spots or zebra stripes). Take them outside and look for birds!

13. African Djembe Drum

Music is the heartbeat of Africa. The Djembe is a goblet-shaped drum from West Africa meant to be played with bare hands.

  • What You Need: Two styrofoam cups or a plastic planter, duct tape, heavy paper.
  • How to Make It: Cut the bottom out of one cup and tape it to the bottom of the other cup (creating an hourglass shape). Cover the top opening with heavy paper or a stretched balloon and secure tightly with tape. Decorate the body of the drum.

14. Batik Crayon Resist Art

Batik is a method of dyeing cloth using wax-resist techniques, popular in many African countries like Nigeria. We can simulate this safely with crayons.

  • What You Need: White paper or white cotton fabric, white crayons, watercolor paints.
  • How to Make It: Draw a design firmly using the white crayon. It will be invisible at first. Then, paint over the entire paper with watercolors. The paint will soak into the paper but “resist” the wax crayon, revealing the white design magically.

15. Handmade Paper Beads

In Uganda, artists create stunning jewelry from recycled magazines. This is a perfect “trash to treasure” craft.

  • What You Need: Old magazines (glossy pages), glue, toothpicks, clear nail polish (optional).
  • How to Make It: Cut long, thin triangles from the magazine pages. Start at the wide end of the triangle and roll it tightly around a toothpick. Glue the tip down. Once dry, slide it off the toothpick. You can varnish it with clear nail polish for shine. String them together for a bracelet!

Further Reading: Books About Africa for Kids

Crafts are wonderful, but pairing them with a story creates a lasting memory. Here are some incredible books to read while your glue dries:

  1. Too Small Tola by Atinuke – A delightful collection of stories about a small girl with a big heart living in Lagos, Nigeria.
  2. Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country by Atinuke – A non-fiction celebration of the distinct cultures, geography, and wildlife of the continent.
  3. The Water Princess by Susan Verde – A beautiful story based on the childhood of model Georgie Badiel in Burkina Faso.
  4. Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane – A poetic look at the culture and clothing of Mauritania.
  5. Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora by Ain Heath Drew – A journey that connects African heritage with the wider world.

Final Thoughts: The Circle of Learning

Engaging in these African crafts for kids is about more than just keeping little hands busy. It is an opportunity to open a dialogue about a continent that is often misunderstood or generalized.

Whether you are building a village hut, weaving a Kente pattern, or playing a rhythm on a homemade drum, you are participating in a celebration of human ingenuity and culture. So, gather your materials, put on the Lion King soundtrack, and get ready to make something beautiful!

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