DIY African Inspired Craft for Kids

Crafting is a wonderful way for children to express their creativity while learning about different cultures. African-inspired crafts are particularly special because they offer a colorful and meaningful way to connect with African heritage, explore traditional art forms, and engage in family bonding. These DIY projects—ranging from beaded jewelry to painting masks and creating African-print bookmarks—are not only fun and easy but also serve as a great way to teach children about African symbols, history, and culture.

Here’s a collection of fun and simple African-inspired craft ideas that your family can enjoy together, helping to foster creativity and cultural appreciation.

1. Beaded Bracelets: A Celebration of African Beadwork

Beadwork is an important art form in many African cultures, especially in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. In African societies, beads have been used for centuries to signify wealth, status, and identity. Making beaded bracelets is a great way for kids to learn about the symbolism of beads while crafting their own accessories.

Materials Needed:

• Colorful beads (wooden, glass, or plastic)
• Elastic cord or string
• Scissors
• Optional: small charms or pendants

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Cut the Cord: Start by cutting a piece of elastic cord or string long enough to fit around your child’s wrist with a little extra room for tying.
2. Select Beads: Allow your child to choose a variety of colorful beads. You can also talk to them about the meanings behind different colors or types of beads in African culture—such as red for strength, green for fertility, or blue for peace.
3. String the Beads: Help your child thread the beads onto the cord, arranging them in any pattern they like. They can mix colors and experiment with different shapes and sizes to create a unique bracelet.
4. Tie the Bracelet: Once the bracelet is the desired length, tie a knot to secure the beads. Make sure to double-knot for durability.
5. Personalize: Add charms or pendants for extra flair if desired. These could represent something personal to your child or elements from African culture, such as animals or symbols of protection.

Why It’s Fun: Making beaded bracelets is a relaxing and creative activity, and it offers children the opportunity to create wearable art. Additionally, discussing the cultural significance of beads while crafting helps children connect deeper with African traditions.

2. Painting African Masks: Expressing Identity through Art

African masks are rich in symbolism and are often used in ceremonies, dances, and rituals. They represent various spirits, gods, ancestors, or animals, and their vibrant designs are an important part of African artistic traditions. Painting African masks with your kids allows them to create their own interpretations of these powerful symbols.

Materials Needed:

• Paper plates or cardboard
• Markers, paint, or colored pencils
• Scissors
• String or ribbon
• Glue or tape
• Decorative elements (feathers, beads, fabric scraps)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Mask Base: Start by using a paper plate or cardboard to create the base of the mask. If using a paper plate, cut out the center to create eye holes.
2. Design the Mask: Let your child design their mask by drawing bold patterns and shapes on the plate using markers or paint. Discuss the meaning behind certain shapes (triangles for strength, circles for unity) and colors (yellow for wealth, black for strength).
3. Add Decorative Elements: Encourage your child to use feathers, beads, fabric, or other decorative elements to embellish their mask. They can glue these items on or tape them to the edges for added texture.
4. Make a Strap: Punch holes on either side of the mask and tie a string or ribbon through them, allowing your child to wear their mask as part of a creative costume.
5. Reflect on the Significance: As you work, talk about the role of masks in African culture, including their use in ceremonies, performances, and celebrations.

Why It’s Fun: This craft encourages imagination and teaches kids about African symbolism, while also giving them a tangible way to engage with African culture. The colorful, bold designs also provide a great outlet for self-expression.

3. Creating African-Print Bookmarks: A Blend of Culture and Practicality

African textiles are known for their vibrant, geometric patterns and striking colors. The iconic wax prints, often associated with countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, are popular around the world for their bright, bold designs. Making African-print bookmarks is a simple way for kids to engage with these beautiful fabrics and incorporate them into something functional.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard or thick paper
• African-print fabric or paper (you can find these at craft stores or online)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Cut the Bookmark Base: Start by cutting a piece of cardboard or thick paper into the shape of a bookmark. A standard bookmark is about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.
2. Choose the Fabric: Help your child select an African-print fabric or colorful patterned paper that they like. If you don’t have fabric, you can use paper with African-inspired designs, or simply use bright colored paper to replicate the look.
3. Glue the Fabric: Cut the fabric or paper to fit the bookmark and glue it onto the cardboard base. Press down firmly to ensure it sticks well.
4. Add a Ribbon (Optional): Punch a hole at the top of the bookmark and tie a small piece of ribbon through it to give it a nice finish.
5. Decorate: Allow your child to add small decorations or embellishments, such as beads or glitter, to personalize their bookmark.

Why It’s Fun: This craft not only helps children learn about African patterns and design, but it also results in a practical, beautiful item that can be used every day. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage kids to explore African textiles and their connection to cultural identity.

4. Making African-Inspired Drum Shakers: A Fun Musical Craft

Drums are a vital part of African culture, used in everything from ceremonies to celebrations. African rhythms have influenced music around the world, and making drum shakers is a hands-on way for children to engage with music and African traditions.

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet paper rolls or small cardboard tubes
• Colorful markers, paint, or stickers
• Rice or beans (for filling)
• Tape or glue
• Construction paper or fabric scraps

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Drum Base: Use empty toilet paper rolls or small cardboard tubes to create the drum shape. If desired, cover the tube with construction paper or fabric to give it a colorful finish.
2. Decorate the Drum: Let your child use markers, stickers, or paint to decorate the drum with bright colors and patterns, reflecting African artistic styles.
3. Fill the Drum: Fill the tube with rice, beans, or beads to create the shaker sound. Use tape or glue to seal both ends securely.
4. Shake and Play: Once the drum is assembled, encourage your child to shake it along with music. You can teach them simple rhythms or play along with African drum beats to enhance the experience.

Why It’s Fun: This activity not only engages children in crafting but also introduces them to African music and rhythm. It’s an interactive project that allows kids to connect art and music in a fun, hands-on way.

5. African-Inspired Bead Necklaces: A Family Jewelry-Making Session

Creating jewelry is a fantastic way to explore African design while making something beautiful together. Bead necklaces are particularly significant in African cultures, often used to express personal style, signify social status, or represent community bonds.

Materials Needed:

• Colorful beads (glass, wood, or plastic)
• String or elastic cord
• Scissors
• Optional: charms or pendants

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the String: Cut a piece of string or elastic cord to the desired length for the necklace.
2. Select Beads: Have your child choose a selection of beads, explaining the meanings of colors or shapes in African culture.
3. String the Beads: Help your child string the beads onto the cord, encouraging them to experiment with different patterns and arrangements.
4. Tie the Necklace: Once the necklace is complete, tie a knot to secure the beads in place. Make sure to double-knot for durability.
5. Personalize: Add any charms or pendants to further personalize the necklace.

Why It’s Fun: Jewelry-making is a creative and rewarding activity that lets children experiment with design while learning about the importance of beads in African cultures.

DIY African-inspired crafts are a fantastic way to engage kids in hands-on learning while connecting them to African heritage and culture. These activities, whether making beaded bracelets, painting masks, or creating African-print bookmarks, provide an opportunity for families to bond, share stories, and celebrate traditions. Plus, the crafts themselves serve as lasting reminders of the lessons and values that are passed down through generations. So gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy these fun and meaningful activities with your family!

About the Authors

Ire Ayatunji