Colorful projects are ideal for Aloha-themed Hawaiian crafts for children.
"Aloha" is a single greeting used in Hawaii to mean both "Hello" and "Goodbye." For Hawaiian-themed parties and celebrations, children can make one-of-a-kind craft projects to enjoy. These crafts can be given away as party favors, or created during the celebration as part of the fun. Colorful mementos are made using inexpensive materials that can be catered to any budget. Does this Spark an idea?
Floral Leis
Leis are colorful, floral necklace worn around the neck in Hawaii. You can use real flowers, but for a more durable and kid-friendly project, it is best to use synthetic materials. Artificial flowers can be purchased from most art and hobby stores. Tropical-inspired buds such as hibiscus are ideal for this project. If synthetic flowers are not ideal, try using crepe paper or construction paper shaped into individual flowers. Simply string the flowers onto a long strand of thread or yarn. Your lei should hang loosely around the neck, so your yarn should be approximately two feet in length. Once the flowers are tied or strung on the yarn, tie the ends together to make a necklace.
Decorative Candle Shells
Adult supervision is suggested for this project. Collect several small shells from a beach or purchase from an art and hobby store. To personalize the shells, the kids can paint them, or cover with glitter, sequins, pom poms, synthetic flowers, ribbon or jute twine. These shells can even be pointed with messages, such as "aloha." Fill a cleaned, empty ice cream container or thick paper cup with ice cubes and set on a hard surface. Once they have dried, place your decorated shells around the edges of your container. Place a wick in the center of the container and stand straight up. Adults can then pour melted paraffin wax into the container up to the brim. Once the wax has dried, turn the candle out of the container.
Colorful Sand Art
Sand is a symbol of the tropical paradise that is Hawaii. For this craft, colorful sand is used. This sand can be found at art and hobby shops, or dyed at home with food coloring under adult supervision. Children can use ordinary school glue to draw pictures on sheets of construction paper. Before the glue dries fully, sprinkle handfuls of colored sand onto the paper. As the glue dries, shake off any excess sand and reserve. Sand can also be poured into a clear mason jar for another colorful art project. Try alternating different layers of color sand. Use a toothpick or long skewer to make shapes along the edges of the jar. Add decorated shells in the sand if desired.
Tags: around neck, construction paper, decorated shells, glue dries, synthetic flowers, this project