How to Make a Kwanzaa Mobile for Children

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

This easy-to-make craft project incorporates the colors and the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Cut candle shapes - about 8 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide - from black, green and red felt. (You'll need one black "candle," three red "candles" and three green "candles.")
Step2
Use 3-D fabric paint to write the Swahili name of the seven Kwanzaa principles on the felt candles. Make sure to use the correct color of candle for each principle (see "Tips," below).
Step3
Turn the felt candles over after the fabric paint has dried and repeat the process, this time using the English names for the principles.
Step4
Cut 14 flame shapes, each about 2 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide, from a piece of yellow felt. (Use the first flame shape as a pattern so all are alike.)Glue two "flames" to the top of each candle, front and back.
Step5
Tie seven 6-inch pieces of fishing line to the bottom of a black coat hanger. Poke small holes through the tops of the felt candles and tie them to the seven fishing lines, making sure they're in the right order. (three red, one black, three green)
Step6
Bend the top hook of the hanger down to form a loop and knot a strand of fishing line around it.
Step7
Hang your mobile.

Tips & Warnings

  • The seven Kwanzaa principles and corresponding candle colors are: Umoja (unity - black), Kujichagulia (self-determination - red), Ujima (collective work and responsibility - green), Ujamaa (cooperative economics - red), Nia (purpose - green), Kuumba (creativity - red), and Imani (faith - green).
  • In the Kinara, the black candle is in the center, with the three red candles on the left and the three green candles on the right.
  • Use Elmer's glue in place of a glue gun if a younger child is making this craft.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Make a Kwanzaa Mobile for Children

eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Related Ads

Make a Kwanzaa Workbook for Children

How to Make a Kwanzaa Workbook for Children
By: eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor


Explain Kwanzaa to Your Child

How to Explain Kwanzaa to Your Child
By: eHow Relationships & Family Editor


Buy Gifts for Kwanzaa

How to Buy Gifts for Kwanzaa
By: eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor


Make a Kwanzaa Promise Book

How to Make a Kwanzaa Promise Book
By: eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor


Make a Kwanzaa Calendar

How to Make a Kwanzaa Calendar
By: eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor