Art and craft are very important for children and playing while learning about the world’s most valuable resource can be a great deal of fun!  Preschoolers and early elementary kids love to get messy and do crafts, and they are a great way to fine tune those fine motor skills and let your kid’s creativity shine while learning something along the way.

These traditional African crafts for your grandkids teach them about the rich and colourful heritage of the continent. Play games, create and have fun!

African paper plate mask

African masks may be treated as decor elements in many places, but in Africa, specific masks are used for special occasions and rituals and are an important part of tribal culture.
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You’ll Need:

• Paper Plate – 8.5 or 10 inch/ 22 or 25.5cms
• Scissors
• Glue (PVA or hot glue)
• Newspapers
• Paint (tempera or poster paint) and brushes
• Crepe Paper
• Decorative items: Yarn, feathers, sequins, coloured paper strips
• Popsicle stick or string (optional, for holding/wearing) 

​Here's how:
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1. Cut Eye Holes: Start out with your chosen plate size. Draw and cut out a pair of eye holes.
2. Make the Nose and Mouth: Take some strips of newspaper. Twist and form them into a mouth and nose shape. Glue them onto the plate.
3.  Paint the Mask: Paint the mask with a base colour, which is typically brown, black or white. Use a water-based paint like tempera or poster paint. Let the paint dry completely.
4. Paint the Details: Paint dots, lines and patterns according to the South African tribal mask you have in mind. You can go with a single colour such as white or make the mask as colourful as you wish.
5. Add some Hair: Some South African tribal masks have hair. Use colourful strips of crepe paper by slightly ‘crumpling up’ before glueing to the paper plate.
6. Decorate: In addition to – or instead of – you can glue raffia, yarns or feathers around the edge.
7. Finish: Attach a popsicle stick to the back to hold it, or punch holes and add string to wear it. 

African necklace

A traditional style inspired by the beaded necklaces of the Samburu Tribe.

You’ll Need:

• Paper plate – best to choose a large size
• Paint (tempera or poster paint) in at least three colours and brushes
• Clothes pegs
• Glue (PVA is ideal)
• Hole Punch
• String or coloured twine
• Buttons, beads, feathers
• Scissors

Here's how:

1. Cut a ‘v’ shape out of the top of the plate. Cut out the centre circle of the plate. Try to cut it carefully so that you can use the centre for decoration.
2. Paint the base of the outer circle and the centrepiece in a number of ‘tribal’ colours and allow to dry.
3. Once completely dry, cut the inner circle into smaller shapes roll them, then glue them. Use some clothes pegs to allow the glue to set.
4. Use the hole punch to make holes in the bottom of one necklace and repeat in the glued strips. Attach the strips to the necklace with string.
5. On another necklace, glue, buttons, beads to enhance – your design choice!

African thumb piano

This is the ‘Mbira’, an African instrument where the metal tines are played using the thumbs. We are going to make a mini version of this piano by using bobby (hair) pins! It’s also a great way to teach younger children rhythm using both hands.
 
You’ll Need:

• Empty craft box – a shoe box is also fine
• Tape (should be a sturdy variety)
• Knife or scissors
• Bobby (hair) pins
• Paints and paint brush, markers or stickers

Here's how:

1. Prepare the Box: Make sure the box is sealed shut using the tape. If using a thin cardboard box, cut a 1-inch (2.5cm) sound hole in the top centre to help the sound resonate.
2. Decorate: Help the children decorate the box with paint, markers and/or stickers to personalise their instrument.
3. Prepare the Tines (keys): Open the bobby pins slightly to create a ‘V’ shape. You can vary the length of the opening to create different notes – longer pins make lower sounds, shorter pins make higher sounds.
4. Attach the Tines: Lay a long strip of sturdy tape across the top of the box. Stick the bobby pins onto the tape, positioning them so the closed end of the pin hangs over the hole (or the centre) and the open is secured firmly to the box.
5. Secure and Tune: Add another layer of tape over the pins to hold them firmly in place. Ensure the pins vibrate freely when plucked. Adjust the length of the pins overhanging the edge to change the pitch.
6. Play: Place the thumb piano on a lap or table and use thumbs to pluck the bobby pins.

 
Tips:

• Bridge Technique: For a better sound, place a pencil or popsicle stick under the bobby pins near the edge of the box to act as a bridge, lifting them slightly.
• Sturdy Base: A firmer box (like wood or thick cardboard) produces better sound than a flimsy one.