One of the most beautiful and lively countries in the world, Australia, has quickly become the focus of tourists, owing to its rich heritage and beautiful sights.
While not a lot is known about Australian history, it is interesting to learn about the culture of this beautiful nation. Australian crafts are an amazing tool to teach students about Australia and are used primarily on Australia Day to make kids aware of Australian culture and history.
It is a well-known fact that kids learn quicker when they are having fun, and what could be more fun than engaging them in crafts designed for kids?
Australian crafts help them to learn about the flora and fauna of the country, the various animals native to this land, and the rich cultural significance of Aboriginal arts and crafts.
Australia Day, celebrated on January 26 every year, is when a lot of schools and parents teach their children about Australia by using creative craft ideas to aid in the learning process.
After reading these interesting facts about Australian crafts that will tell you more about the humans of the country, do check out our Argentina crafts and Viking arts and crafts articles too.
Handicraft For Kids
There are tons of handicrafts items and Australian crafts which celebrate Australia. For example, the boomerang was created in Australia and is a creation of Aboriginal art.
Initially, boomerangs were made in two sizes by Aboriginal Australians; there was a small one meant for sport and entertainment and a bigger one made for hunting. Aboriginal boomerangs were made and decorated by hand by Aboriginal people and can now be used as a fun craft activity for kids around the world.
They can be made using simple household items and are a wonderful addition to family time. Instructions for the making of these can be found on the web.
Another example of Australian crafts is Aboriginal dot art. This art form is becoming more popular now in the social media age, where artists are trying their hand at this Aboriginal art form. This is another fun craft idea that kids can learn and form a new skill.
Australian dot art is a beautiful form of painting in which an object, rock, or canvas can be painted. For kids, it is a simple form of art where you just need some paints, a pencil or pen with a round end, and some paper.
Simply dip the pencil or pen in paint and make little dots on your paper in any shape you wish.
The Arts And Crafts Movement
The Arts and Crafts movement of Australia started towards the end of the 19th century. Originating in England, this movement quickly spread worldwide. This movement was started in retaliation to mass-produced goods and with the aim to celebrate handicrafts and handmade products.
The Australian population found out about it through magazines they got from England and America, inspiring them to celebrate their art forms.
Today the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement can be seen in the furniture and architecture of Australia. Some iconic Australian tourist spots such as the Red House and The Blackwood House have been built in Arts and Crafts style.
There are several Arts and Crafts style houses and even neighborhoods that can still be seen in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne. These houses were made using Arts and Crafts style designing, keeping in mind the weather, flora, and fauna of the region.
Furniture built in this style was simple, with some fixings and joints being large and exposed as the only form of ornamentation and decoration.
While the movement did not become as big as expected in Australia, it's still alive, with measures being taken constantly to promote handicraft artisans, by displaying their works in galleries.
Studio Crafts For Kids
A very unique studio craft for kids to try on Australia Day is the Australian animal finger puppets. These are so fun to make and are even available as a printable.
They enable children not only to learn about Australian animals and wildlife but also to make up fun stories. Safe to say, this craft also enhances storytelling skills.
Another very important craft idea that perhaps any Australian crafts list would be incomplete without would be a representation of the Great Barrier Reef. Australia is the home of the biggest coral reef in the world.
The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is a very distinctive feature of this continent in the world.
This craft idea is also very creative and flexible, allowing kids to celebrate Australia and express their creative side. It can be a simple drawing, a diorama, or an elaborate raft made from simple household items like egg cartons and sponges.
School Project Crafts
There are many great ideas for Australian activities for a crafty classroom that can be used to impart education about Australia Day and be used all over the world.
A fun and cool school project idea for kids to celebrate Australia Day or Australian culture is to make paper folded koala art or kangaroo art. These animals, native Australian wildlife, are what a lot of people, especially children, identify and associate Australia with when they think of Australia's flora and fauna.
They can make bookmarks in the shape of these animals, or perhaps make a paper sheep mask, with the face cut out to fit their own heads.
Another creative and super Australian craft idea is to make a Sydney Harbour Bridge Craft. As a very simple craft, this is a great means to teach kids about one very important Australian Landmark. A very simple Australia Day crafts idea, especially for younger children, is to make the Australian flag.
Not only is it inherently informative, but it is also very flexible. Children can use any material or fabric and let their creativity flow. Want to add sequins? Go ahead.
Want to make the stars out of glitter? You sure can. These crafts from Australia are extremely fun and creative.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our Australian crafts for kids, then why not take a look at our ancient Greek art facts or facts about Pablo Picasso?
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Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.
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