Pastel Parfleche Pouch
Use recycled paper bags to simulate leather or bark to create a Native American parfleche for use as an art portfolio.
1. Find out how Native Americans used natural resources to create items for their everyday use, such as cooking utensils, clothing, and storage containers. To make a portfolio for your art or writings, design a parfleche that looks similar to the bark or leather used by Native Americans.
2. Cover your work area with newspaper. Carefully separate four large brown paper grocery bags where they are glued together. Measure and cut out four rectangles approximately 27 by 18 inches (69 by 46 cm) with Crayola® Scissors. Round the rectangle corners.
3. Soak or spray the four sheets of paper with water. Gently crumple to squeeze out excess water. Use a Crayola Paint Brush or sponge to spread Crayola School Glue on each damp sheet. Layer one on top of the other, with print facing inward. Place heavy objects on top to flatten the bags. Dry.
4. Fold the top of the layered bags down about 5 1/2 inches (14 cm). Fold the bottom up until it almost touches the top flap. Fold each side into the center to form two flaps. Place heavy objects on the parfleche to hold its shape.
5. Decorate the outside of the parfleche with Crayola Crayons, using a colorful, authentic Native American design.
6. Punch holes on the top and bottom of each flap. Thread strings or ribbons through the holes to close the parfleche.
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.
Sponges and Foam—Sponges, foam, and other expandable materials should not be used with children 3 years old and younger.
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.
- Research symbols used by different tribes, or a specific nation, of Native Americans. Draw the symbols and describe their meaning.
- Research and create another form of traditional or contemporary Native American artistic work such as pottery or weaving.
- Compare and contrast this type of carrying pouch with those developed in other cultures, past and present. How are the cases similar? Different?
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