Hands On Crafts for Kids

1310-1 Mexico
Huichol Art
Designed by Melony Bradley

Huichol or beaded works are a new type of art for a group of people from central Mexico. The usual way to create the huichol is to press glass, plastic or metal beads into beeswax inside a wood form. There are special patterns and symbols. We’re using seed beads and a clay saucer.

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: Moderate

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 plus drying time

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

Use photo for reference to help with
placement of the beads.

Main supplies:

8” clay saucer
Pebble beads- size 6/0 seed beads in red, blue and yellow
Activa® Scenic Sand- Blue
Elmer’s® Craft Bond™ Tacky Glue

Patterns:

Mexico Huicho Art Pattern (PDF)

Basic Supplies:

Pencil
Cardstock
Foam brush
Water
Scissors

Instructions:

Transfer pattern to cardstock and cut out with scissors. Using pencil, trace pattern in center of plate.
Use tacky glue to fill in center of design. Carefully pour red beads into glue. Press down with fingers and to shape beads into pattern.
Use tacky glue to fill in area around red beads and pour yellow beads into glue. Repeat steps for diamond shapes in background of design.
Use tacky glue to fill in area of design for blue beads.
Use tacky glue for remaining area of design at bottom of clay saucer. Use red beads for remainder of design. Dilute glue with water in a 2:1 ratio. Spread mixture on rim of saucer with foam brush. Sprinkle sand on glue and allow to dry.

Sponsored by ACTIVA
www.activaproducts.com

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

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