Scotland's Perfect Plaids

Bring on the bagpipes! Gather the clan! Create an original tartan plaid, and craft a kilt or scarf with the fabric.

• 1.

  Learn about the country of Scotland, its people, and their culture. Look into the fascinating history and meaning of Scottish clans and their tartan colors and patterns. Select colors for your own personal plaid (or if you are Scot, make your family tartan).

• 2.

  Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Use Crayola® Colored Pencils to sketch your Scottish plaid. Then draw your plaid pattern with Crayola Fabric Crayons on white paper. Draw and color the plaid in reverse so that when ironed it will come out correctly. Use a heavy layer of crayon so the colors are deep and distinct.

• 3.

  On a flat surface, place several blank sheets of white paper over layers of newspaper for ironing. Place white synthetic fabric (not 100% cotton) on the paper, face up. Lay your design face down. Top with white paper. An adult sets an iron on cotton, with no steam, and preheats it. The adult places the iron in one spot, presses down, then lifts and moves the iron to another spot until the entire design is transferred. Cool.

• 4.

  Draw a person on a recycled file folder. Cut it out with Crayola Scissors. Design a kilt or scarf with your Scottish plaid for your figure. <B>Whenever crayons are heated for an art activity, provide adult supervision and conduct melted crayon techniques in a well-ventilated area. If the technique involves the use of an iron, ironing should be done by an adult. Overheating wax crayons during melting or ironing may release irritating fumes.</B>

Benefits

• Children research Scotland to learn about its people, culture, and the clans that have shaped its history.
• Students identify Scotland's leading clans, their tartans, and the meaning of patterns and colors.
• Students create their own tartan plaid design using fabric crayons, and craft a figure wearing the plaid.

Adaptations

• Personalize this project for younger students and those with special needs. Identify familiar family names from Scotland and research their tartans. Invite family members to show samples of their clans' plaids.
• Ask a local musician to play the bagpipe. Sing traditional Scot songs. Learn traditional dances. Collaborate with a music specialist.
• Research Scottish clans to find out specific names and their tartan patterns and colors. Duplicate chosen tartans.
• Investigate the other industries of Scotland. Design posters or museum displays depicting major businesses.