How to Make Native American Art & Crafts
The native peoples of America have rich and varied cultures. Each has a number of distinctive arts and crafts. Learn how to make a variety of arts and crafts from native peoples.
Things You'll Need
- Dreamcatcher: Grapevine wreath or suitable hoop, about 6 inches across; string or yarn wrapped around a small piece of cardboard used for a bobbin; 2 feathers
- Necklace: Turquoise or turquoise-colored beads, silver or silver-colored beads, cord, necklace findings (optional)
- Corn Husk Dolls: Tried corn husks soaked in water until pliable, then patted dry -- or fresh corn husks; string; decorations as desired
- Arm Band: Strip of leather or imitation leather fabric, ¾ x 9 inches; suede cord, 18 inches; 1/8-inch hand hole punch; ¾-inch jingle bells; turquoise-colored pony beads
- Hawaiian Square: Printed Hawaiian quilt pattern design; two pieces of construction paper, one white and one colored; scissors or craft knife; pencil; spray adhesive
Instructions
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Making Your Crafts
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1
Algonquian Dream Catcher
Tie the string to the top of the wreath, creating a loop for hanging. Next, you will make evenly spaced knots around the wreath. Moving in a clockwise fashion, hold the string to the inside of the wreath, about 2 inches away from the hanging loop. Using your other hand, carry the string to the outside of the wreath, then pass under the wreath, bringing the string up inside the loop you just created (see Resources). Continue around the wreath in 2-inch intervals until you reach the original loop. Continue making loops, but this time, create the loops inside those you made on the previous round. The loops should be snug. Continue until only a small hole remains in the center of the dream catcher. Tie two knots in the last space, and leave enough string to hang down past the edge of the dream catcher. Tie the two feathers onto the end of the string. Hang the dream catcher near your bed. -
2
Navajo Necklace
String the turquoise and silver beads to create a necklace reminiscent of traditional Navajo designs or as desired. Tie the cord ends together and knot securely, or finish the necklace with jewelry findings designed for necklaces. -
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3
Corn Husk Dolls
Gather together several corn husks of the same length, large ends facing in the same direction. Tie a string tightly about two inches above the large end. Separate the corn husks and fold them back over the tied string, covering it. Tie the husks with string just below the previous string; this creates the head of the doll. Fold one corn husk into a rectangle that is a few inches wider than your doll; this rectangle with serve as arms. If you wish, you can tie strings around the "wrists" to delineate hands. Insert the arms below the head of the doll, tying another string below the arms to create a waist. You may leave the doll as is, or split the husks and tie them into legs. Decorate your doll as desired with clothing, a face, etc. -
4
Arm Band for Dancing
Using the hole punch, create holes in the strip of leather or leather fabric every ½ inch, for a total of 11 holes. Weave the suede cord through the holes: Begin at one end of the leather strip. Come up through the hole from the bottom. Place a bead on the cord, then thread the cord down through the next hole. Come up in the next hole, place a bell on the cord, then go down through the same hole. Repeat, alternating beads and bells, and ending with a bead. Adjust the cord as necessary so that the two ends are even and the arm band forms a circle. Thread both pieces of cord through a single bead, then through a bell, then knot the cords together. Thread two beads onto each single cord and knot at the end to keep them in place. Wear on your arm when dancing to Native American music. -
5
Hawaiian Square
Lightly trace the Hawaiian quilt pattern onto the white paper. Using scissors or a craft knife, cut away the inside of the design, leaving a white border. Spray the back of the white paper with adhesive, and place it on top of the colored paper, so that the color shows through as the design. Display as desired. This square is reminiscent of the distinctive quilting style of the Native Hawaiian people.
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