Native American Pendant

Why

Children naturally tell stories with their art. This activity borrows from the rich cultural history of the Lenni Lenape to help children tell stories with Native American symbols and designs.

Steps

1. Cut construction paper to make a diamond-shaped pendant.

2. Punch a hole in one of your pendant's points. Thread yarn through the hole and secure ends with clear adhesive tape.

3. Draw Native American symbols and designs on the pendant. Tell a story or describe yourself or the person for whom you are making the pendant with Crayola Crayons.

4. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Brush Crayola Watercolors on the pendant. Notice how the crayon resists the paint and the paint color shows only where there isn't any crayon. Air-dry the paint before you wear your pendant.

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.

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.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Crayons
  • Washable Watercolors
  • Watercolor Brushes with Plastic Handle
  • Construction Paper
household supplies
  • recycled newspaper
  • yarn
  • hole punch
  • paper towels
  • container(s) of water
  • clear adhesive tape

Where & When

"Our daughter created pictographs for her pendant using authentic symbols she found on the Internet."
Teonda S., mom of 7-year-old.

"A wonderful project to learn about other cultures and encourage children's self-esteem."
Lucas A., youth group leader.


Interesting Info

Line is an important element of design. Vertical lines make people think of strength while thin lines convey fragility. Curving lines promote harmony and rhythm while zigzag and diagonal lines express energy.