Aboriginal Medallion

Give vintage style a whole new meaning with this Aboriginal-inspired medallion! Explore the colorful patterns of Aboriginal art, and design a vibrant necklace.

• 1.

  Aboriginal art is recognized by its distinctive style of combining vividly colored dots and lines into intricate patterns. View some examples of Aboriginal art with your class. Discuss the colors commonly used in the artwork. What patterns do you discover? What other similarities can you identify?

• 2.

  Create a necklace with Aboriginal style! Start by kneading a small amount of Crayola Terra Cotta Air-Dry Clay in your hands a few times to loosen it up and give it a smooth texture. Use the side of a colored pencil or marker to roll out the Air-Dry Clay on a clean, dry surface. It should be about as thick as a pencil when you are done. Press a round cookie-cutter or plastic cup firmly into the clay, forming the shape of the medallion. Store the remaining Air-Dry Clay in an airtight container for future use.

• 3.

  Use the tip of a pencil to make two small holes in the top of the medallion. These will be needed later to add string to your necklace. The tip of the pencil can also be a great tool for carving lines and curves into the medallion! What interesting designs can you create? To change the design, simply smooth out the clay and start over!

• 4.

  While the Air-Dry clay is still wet, use small glass beads and jewels to decorate your medallion with a colorful pattern! You may wish to plan ahead by drawing the pattern on paper with colored pencils or crayons. Arrange the beads on the medallion and press down gently to secure them in place. Tip: if you’re having trouble sticking the beads to the medallion, dip your fingertip in water and rub on clay to restore some moisture.

• 5.

  Place your medallion securely on a flat surface, and allow it to dry for 2-3 days.

• 6.

  When dry, combine Crayola No-Run School glue with water and brush onto the back and edge of the medallion. This will seal the medallion, preventing it from rubbing onto clothing. Weave string or yarn through the holes on the medallion and secure ends with

Benefits

• Students explore Aboriginal art and discuss elements that are unique to this culture’s style.
• Students recognize patterns of shapes and colors.
• Students design patterns using lines, shapes and colors.

Adaptations

• Aboriginal women use items available in their local environments when making jewelry. Thin strings of grass, tree bark and even hair are used to string together dried objects. Challenge older more advanced students to gather natural objects, like seeds, n
• Armbands are very popular in Aboriginal culture and are also decorated with intricate patterns. On a long, thin piece of paper, use Crayola Color Switchers™ Markers to design a colorful pattern of lines, dots and curves. Wrap the paper around your wrist,
• Share your medallion with the class! Can they identify the pattern you created on your necklace? Do you have a variety of colors, dots, and lines? What patterns can you find on your classmates’ medallions?