Folk-Art Fabric

Why

Who hasn't dreamed of seeing the natural beauty of Africa? Designs painted on bark cloth or tapa cloth are some of the most colorful folk art in the world.

Steps

1. Research traditional African art forms, textiles, and designs in library books or on the Internet.

2. Cut a large brown paper bag into a square or other shape with Crayola® Scissors. Soak the paper in water.

3. Cover your work area with newspaper. Wring out the wet bag in a sink. Dry flat by placing a heavy object on top of the bag. When dry, it will look like bark cloth or tapa cloth, a common fabric made with tree pulp.

4. Using Crayola Classic Fine Line Markers, create a design on your tapa cloth with patterns found in nature and in African art.

5. Finish your design by coloring it in with Crayola Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes. Dry.

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Fine Line Markers
  • Markers
  • Watercolor Brushes with Plastic Handle
  • Washable Watercolors
  • Blunt-Tip Scissors
household supplies
  • recycled newspaper
  • brown paper grocery bag
  • paper towels
  • container(s) of water

Where & When

"African Pulp Patterns shows students that many cultures use every bit of trees and do not waste anything."
Tom G., scout leader.

"My son was required to do an authentic art project on Africa. We did this together."
Kathy K., parent of 11-year-old.


Interesting Info

A tree's cambium layer is one cell thick, and is the only place in its trunk where growth takes place.