Arts and Crafts

[shadowrider]

This section is for all your arts and craft ideas pertaining to Native American culture.

[Vampiress]

Honestly, this is the only section giving me trouble in sharing. I will need to take some time to think about it. Most of the arts and crafts I've seen are not culturally sensitive and rely too much on stereotyping or do not seem to honor the importance or tradition behind the craft. If I think of something I'll post it! Before anyone posts any arts and crafts I will post some information on some of what may be culturally insensitive:

• Paper feather headdresses, because they are culturally significant and often require permission from the tribal leaders to wear one 
• Jingle Dress, sometimes called a prayer dress, which is often part of a ceremony that brings healing and honors the power of women
• Any crafts that trivialize native dress (like paper bag dresses)
• Arts and crafts that minimize the importance of Native American ceremonies
• “Eskimo” crafts
• Pilgrim and Indian costumes or Cowboys and Indians costumes

Or really anything else you can think of that might go along these lines.

A good resource for some of the Do's and Don'ts of representing Native American culture:
https://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/race/2009/11/some-dos-and-donts-in-representing-native-american-culture.html 

[Vampiress]

I cannot think of any specific Native American crafts that would not potentially be cultural appropriation just because of the sacred and traditional meaning behind so many things people might think of wanting to craft, so I have decided I think it would be best to find crafts that honor things that are important in various indigenous traditions such as nature and animals!

So I will start with the Turtle which is important in some Creation stories!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtle_Island_(Native_American_folklore)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_depictions_of_turtles#North_America

http://www.native-languages.org/legends-turtle.htm

 

Paper Loops Turtle Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-loops-turtle-craft/

 

Paper Weaving Turtle Craft

I thought this one would be fun because basket weaving is a common skill found in many indigenous communities and there is a bit of weaving involved in this turtle craft!

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-weaving-turtle-craft/

 

Seashell Turtle Craft

The use of shells is also very commonly found in Native American culture, especially for coastal tribes!

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/seashell-turtle-craft/

 

Rock Turtle Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/rock-turtle-craft/

 

Paper Plate Turtle Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-plate-turtle-craft/

Edited November 3, 2022 by Vampiress

[Vampiress]

Now for rabbits! They also hold a special role in some Native American mythologies

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiibayaabooz

http://www.native-languages.org/legends-rabbit.htm#:~:text=In many Mexican and Central,and with drunkenness and promiscuity.&text=Rabbits are used as clan animals in some Native American cultures.

 

Movable Bunny Paper Toy

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/movable-bunny-paper-toy/

 

Movable Easter Bunny Paper Doll

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/movable-easter-bunny-paper-doll/

 

Easy Paper Bunny Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/easy-paper-bunny-craft/

 

Bunny Corner Bookmark

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/easter-bunny-corner-bookmark/

 

Peek a Boo Bunny in Carrot Paper Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/peek-a-boo-bunny-in-carrot-paper-craft/

[Vampiress]

Frogs are near and dear to my heart because my clan is the frog clan!

About it: https://www.akherpsociety.org/kiks_adi-history

It is also included here along with some other frog legends: http://www.native-languages.org/legends-frog.htm

 

Paper Lantern Frog

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-lantern-frog/

 

Frog Craft Made with Paper Strips

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/frog-craft-made-with-paper-strips/

 

3D Frog Life Cycle Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/3d-frog-life-cycle-craft/

 

Paper Strips Frog Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-strips-frog-craft/

 

Construction Paper Frog Craft – Sitting on A Water Lily Leaf

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-frog-craft/

 

Pom Pom Frog

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/pom-pom-frog/

 

 

Frog Corner Bookmarks

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/frog-corner-bookmarks/

 

Frog Corner Bookmarks With Template

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/frog-corner-bookmarks-with-template/

 

[Vampiress]

Next is the Fox who is very important as well! Even a part of some Creation stories! Sometimes also a trickster.

http://www.native-languages.org/legends-fox.htm

 

Paper Plate Fox

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-plate-fox/

 

Paper Plate Arctic Fox Craft

https://iheartcraftythings.com/paper-plate-arctic-fox-craft-for-kids.html

 

Origami Fox

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/origami-fox/

 

Toilet Paper Roll Fox Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/toilet-paper-roll-fox-craft/

 

Cupcake Liner Fox Craft

https://iheartcraftythings.com/cupcake-liner-fox-craft.html

 

Leaf Fox Craft

I bet you can find or make fabric leaves if you want to keep the craft long-term!

https://www.craftymorning.com/leaf-fox-craft-kids-make/

 

DIY FELT FOX HAIR CLIPS

https://kraftmint.com/blog/2014/10/08/diy-fox-clippies-tutorial/

[Vampiress]

The Salmon is very important especially for coastal tribes, and is a big staple in many diets. I know especially for the Pacific Northwest tribes that salmon is a crucial part of the culture.

http://www.native-languages.org/legends-salmon.htm

Build a Salmon Kite

Instructions: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cde88eee918140001e5339e/t/5e8db89fc74f165b20af3236/1586346328379/SOS_Salmon_Kite.pdf

Template: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cde88eee918140001e5339e/t/5e8db82544ca42619694fb91/1586346025184/Salmon_Kite.pdf

 

Salmon Art

https://ourcreativeday.blogspot.com/2011/10/salmon-art.html

 

Salmon Magnets

https://www.nwf.org/-/media/Documents/PDFs/Eco-Schools/Activities/Craft-ActivitySchooled-on-SalmonM-Parks.ashx?la=en&hash=04ED1B5175F87137F7F03DF36F8716E266228AAB

 

Scale Print Foil Fish Craft

(scroll down the page for instructions)
https://thesilvanreverie.com/2020/09/20/salmon-nature-study/

[Andriel_Isilien]

These are fantastic @Vampiress! Thank you for sharing and the research. I really like the symbolism/meaning behind the animals here.

[Vampiress]

11 minutes ago, Andriel_Isilien said:

These are fantastic @Vampiress! Thank you for sharing and the research. I really like the symbolism/meaning behind the animals here.

Thank you! I felt it was a good way to celebrate these animals who are so important to Native American culture and mythologies while being sensitive to the culture.

[Vampiress]

Here are some interesting myths and legends involving butterflies

http://www.native-languages.org/legends-butterfly.htm

 

Movable Butterfly Paper Doll

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/movable-butterfly-paper-doll/

 

3D Butterfly Life Cycle Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/3d-butterfly-life-cycle-craft/

 

Butterfly Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/butterfly-windsock-toilet-paper-roll-craft/

 

How to Paint a Butterfly – Acrylic Painting For Beginners

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/how-to-paint-a-butterfly/

 

Galaxy Butterfly Pom Pom Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/galaxy-pom-pom-butterfly-craft/

 

 

Butterfly Life Cycle Paper Toy Craft 

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/butterfly-life-cycle-paper-toy/

 

[Vampiress]

Bears are very prominent in Native American culture and mythology, and there are so many cool legends about them!

http://www.native-languages.org/legends-bear.htm

 

Paper Plate Bear Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/paper-plate-bear-craft/

 

Simple Pom Pom Bear Craft

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/simple-pom-pom-bear-craft/

 

Teddy Bear Cootie Catcher

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/fun-teddy-bear-cootie-catcher/

 

Bear Paper Finger Puppet

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/bear-paper-finger-puppet/

 

Heart Bear Craft 

https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/heart-bear-craft/

[Vampiress]

Ravens are also near and dear to my heart. For my own tribe the Raven is part of the Creation story and is the moiety I am a part of. Raven also plays a big role for other tribes and their traditions and mythologies.

http://www.native-languages.org/legends-raven.htm

 

Handprint Raven Craft
https://iheartcraftythings.com/handprint-raven-craft.html

 

Origami Raven

 

Raven Printable Craft

http://learncreatelove.com/raven-printable-craft/

[Skeezix]

I love these animal crafts. Thank you for sharing. Can you share one for porcupines? We have one that lives in our yard and I think it would be cool to honour him with a craft.

[Vampiress]

@Skeezix Absolutely, I'd love to! Happy to take any requests for specific animals if I can find some legends about them. Sounds like a cute idea! I hope your little friend in the yard likes it!

Porcupine legends: http://www.native-languages.org/legends-porcupine.htm

I know some tribes used quillwork in their art, this is an interesting read: http://www.native-languages.org/quillwork.htm

 

 

Porcupine Template Craft

https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Porcupine-Craft-Final.pdf

 

Easy Porcupine Nature Craft

https://littlepinelearners.com/easy-porcupine-nature-craft/

 

Q-Tip Porcupine

https://thepinterestedparent.com/2015/07/q-tip-porcupine/

You could also use other things like golf tees, sticks, or whatever you want for the quills.

 

Simple Porcupine Craft

https://inthebagkidscrafts.com/simple-porcupine-craft-for-kids/

[Skeezix]

@Vampiress Thanks!

[PrincessMuhree]

OH EM GEEEEE 😱🤯😆

these are ALLL soOo amazing 🤩 

- 🙏🏼 thank yew so much for thinking of and creating this !

 

[Vampiress]

It's Indigenous History Month in Canada so posting this to further educate on Appropriation vs Appreciation

https://www.shopslaughterhawk.com/journal/sv3zx5vvg20fst9xvq3m9hp44h4avm