Origami

Known as the Japanese art of paper folding, origami actually began in China. Paper was so scarce that only wealthy families could afford to enjoy the art and many exchanged their creations as gifts. When new technology in paper making emerged, paper became much more accessible and more families could learn the art of origami. Origami is now a common pastime, and patterns can be found in books, magazines and on the Internet. All you need to create origami of your own is paper and your imagination . You can use different colors and textures of paper and you can add glitter, googly-eyes or stickers when you’ve finished folding.

Find origami patterns at http://www.origami.com/diagram.html

If you like insects, check out the patterns at http://www.paperfolding.com/insects/

Find easier origami projects for younger children at http://www.tammyyee.com/origami.html

Troll Dolls

Did you know that ancient Norwegians thought trolls with magical powers lived in the forest? Legend had it that they would only come out after sunset. If they got caught in the sunrise they would turned into a rock! They only had four fingers and toes on each limb and many had tails. Today children around the world make troll dolls in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors. You can make their bodies out of a variety of materials including corks, paper and even panty-hose.

Create a paper troll pencil topper using the instructions at http://www.janbrett.com/make_a_pencil_topper.htm

International Hats

Every culture has a history of hats and headwear. Hats have been worn as protective gear, to show rank, to indicate profession and even just for fun. The Capotain hat came from Spain in the early 17 th century, and it was usually black and made out of felt. The Incas were the first to wear Panama hats back in the 16 th century.

Find a pattern for an origami Samurai hat at http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/origami/Samuraihat/

Need a quick craft? Learn to make a 60-second hat at http://www.makingfriends.com/d_60sechats.htm

Celebrate with the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day and make a leprechaun hat using the instructions at http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/stpatrick/Hat.shtml

Learn how to wrap your head, as they do in West Africa, at http://www.tk-designs.com/sankofa/headwrap.htm

String of Flags

The flags of different countries are often very colorful. Copy these flags for a fun international project and bright decoration for your home anytime of the year.

Visit http://www.flags.net to find pictures of flags from around the world. You may find flags from countries you’ve never even heard of! Print them out and hang them up or copy them onto a piece of paper and color them yourself.

Ojo de Dios

If you haven’t made a God’s Eye in a long time (or ever!) you’re definitely missing out. These were started by the Huichol Indians whenever a child was born, and a new row was added each year of the child’s life until he or she turned five.

Gather up your scrap yarn and two popsicle sticks and make one of your own. Find an example to work from at http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/mexico/ojo_de_dios.htm.