Hands On Crafts for Kids

1305-4 Australia
Aboriginal Punched Bolo Tie/Coaster
Designed by Cindy Gorder

Punched paper dots are the paint for this original bolo tie. Learn some of the Aboriginal symbols such as concentric circles for campsites or waterholes: straight lines for routes between places: wavy lines for rain or water; “U” shapes for sitting people, and tracks for animal footprints. Also, animals are shown from above, plants are stylized and dotted backgrounds are traditional.

When you see the “helping hand” symbol on a project, it means you may need adult supervision to do the project. Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like wax paper or plastic. Always use care when using tools or a heat source. Be careful and safe!

Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like
wax paper or plastic.

Age Range: 7 to 12

Grade Range: 1 to 6

Skill Level: Advanced

Appropriate for These Special Events:
Every Day and Rainy Days

Supports Subject Area(s) of:
Social Studies
Language Arts – e.g. step by step instructions
Visual Arts
Math – e.g. measuring

Time Needed for Project:
1 hour

This project features notes or instructions in Adobe Reader format. If you
do not have Adobe Reader, download it for free here.

Main supplies:

Rexlace® plastic lacing
Construction paper – black and assorted colors
Foam sheet – black
Pony beads – assorted colors
Elmer’s® Repositionable Glue Stick
Elmer’s® Galactic Glue Blue

Patterns:

Australia Bolo Tie Pattern (PDF)

Basic Supplies:

Masking tape
Safety pins
Compass
Hole punch
Tweezer
Scissors
Sponge brush
Bolo tips and slide

Instructions:

1. Cut a 4” circle from black construction paper using a pattern or compass.
2. Use the punch and scissors to make lots of colored shapes from the colored construction papers.
3. Apply glue to small areas of the paper circle then carefully apply the punched paper shapes to make the mosaic. Start your mosaic with four yellow ovals to make the dog’s feet, then work up the legs then the body and head. Fill in the ground and sky last.
4. Optional: when your mosaic is complete and the glue has dried, glue the paper circle to the foam circle. Weight with a couple of books until it dries. Brush a coating of Galactic Glue over the finished mosaic to make it a coaster with a sparkling finish.
5. For Bolo Tie: Glue the bolo slide to the back of the circle then thread the plastic lacing through the slide.
6. Slide an equal number of beads onto the ends of the plastic lacing then knot the ends. Add metal tips over the knots at the end of the lacing.

Sponsored by Elmer’s® Products, Inc.
www.elmers.com

Sponsored By Pepperell Crafts
www.pepperell.com

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