Mexican Yarn Card

Follow a folk tradition of the Huichol people of Mexico. This crafty card is a stand-out with yarn and Crayola® Crayons!

1. Many countries today include several cultures who share traditions, language, and beliefs. Find out about some of the peoples who live in the Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States).

2. The Huichol people live in west-central Mexico. They are famous for creating designs with yarn. Called Nearika, this artwork was originally made for religious purposes. Often the yarn represented a legend important to the Huichol people, such as the origin of maize. Now artists also make yarn paintings as folk art. Their motifs include animals, people, and symbols of Huichol history.

3. Study authentic yarn paintings by the Huichol people. A special wax holds the yarn on the wood. Your Mexican Yarn Card will look similar to this style of art.

4. Fold construction paper in half to make a card. With Crayola Crayons, draw a Huichol-style picture or design on the card. To make the color even more shiny, polish it with a bit of paper towel.

5. Use Crayola School Glue to attach a long piece of yarn around the edge of the card. Wrap it around the outside several times to make a border. Dry.

6. If you like, glue more yarn along the inside edges of your design. Dry.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

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.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

Crafts

 

crayola supplies

• Crayons
• No-Run School Glue
• Blunt-Tip Scissors
• Construction Paper

household supplies

• yarn
• paper towels (optional)

"We're making Cinco de Mayo cards for several family members. My kids really enjoy folk art."
Mercedes C. mom of 4- and 7-year-olds.

"My students with special needs got a feel for the traditional art form. They made beautiful cards for their parents."
Dunyako A., school volunteer.

There is no word for god in the Huichol language. These people call their divine beings by kinship terms such as "Our Grandfather" or "Our Mother Eagle Girl."