Art is a fun and creative way for children to express themselves while bonding with the adults in their lives. But arts and crafts can offer much more than a good time. Every project helps them develop essential skills — like fine motor coordination, patience, and problem-solving — while engaging their imaginations and giving them a sense of accomplishment.
The arts are also a powerful way to introduce children to different cultures, broadening their understanding of the world through hands-on activities. Today, we’re sharing Mexican craft ideas that your little ones will be excited to create. If your family hosts a Mexican Au Pair, invite them to join the fun! Crafting together creates a memorable bonding experience and an opportunity to celebrate Mexico’s rich culture and traditions as a family.
Traditional Mexican Crafts
In Mexico, crafts are a way to celebrate cultural identity and pass on deeply-rooted ancient traditions. From beaded jewelry to intricate hand-woven rugs and brightly painted wooden figurines, each item showcases the artistry and talent of Mexican people, both past and present.
Bring the beauty of Mexico into your home with these engaging and beautiful craft ideas:
Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye) Craft
The Ojo de Dios, a craft passed down by the Huichol and Tepehuan Indigenous peoples, carries a deep cultural significance in Mexico. Made by weaving colorful pieces of yarn around crossed wooden sticks, each vibrant geometric “eye” is believed to bless its owner.
It’s common for family members to give Ojo de Dios when a baby is born to wish the child good fortune. They’re also placed on altars or near doorways in Mexican homes to symbolize protection and guidance.
Materials Needed:
- Two wooden sticks (craft sticks, dowels, or bamboo skewers)
- Colorful yarn (multiple colors for a vibrant design)
- Scissors (to trim excess yarn)
- Glue (optional) (to secure the sticks in place)
- Beads or feathers (optional, for extra decoration)
Instructions:
- Step 1: Secure two sticks in an “X” shape by wrapping yarn around the center.
- Step 2: Tie your yarn to one of the sticks and then wrap it around each stick in a consistent pattern.
- Step 3: Cut and tie a new yarn color and continue weaving.
- Step 4: Tie off the yarn, trim excess, decorate (optional), and then add a loop for hanging.
Papel Picado (Perforated Paper) Banners
Picture a vibrant banner of delicate, lacy designs swaying in the breeze. That’s papel picado — a stunning Mexican craft that turns simple paper into intricate art pieces.
It’s an ancient practice that originated with the Aztecs. They used a rough kind of paper called amatl, which they made by flattening and drying the bark of mulberry and wild fig trees. Amatl was cut and turned into banners to decorate homes, streets, fields, and temples.
Today, papel picado is a popular decoration for all kinds of celebrations, like the Day of the Dead, weddings, and birthdays. Some people believe that because it is so delicate and moves with the wind, it represents the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, but most simply use it to add color and life to special occasions.
Materials needed:
- Tissue paper (multiple colors for a vibrant look)
- Scissors (for cutting out designs)
- X-Acto knife (for more detailed cut-outs)
- String or ribbon (to hang the finished pieces)
- Glue or tape (to attach the papel picado to the string)
Instructions:
- Step 1: Stack several sheets of tissue paper and fold them.
- Step 2: Cut intricate patterns or shapes in the paper. If needed, you can use stencils to guide your design.
- Step 3: Gently unfold your paper to reveal your beautiful, detailed design.
- Step 4: Use glue or tape to attach the top of each piece of papel picado to a length of string or ribbon.
- Step 5: Hang your creation in a visible place where it can flutter in the breeze!
Mini Piñatas
Piñatas are one of the most widely-known Mexican crafts for kids. These colorful party favorites are a hit at children’s birthdays — even in America!
In Mexico, families often get together to craft their own piñatas using simple materials like paper, glue, and colorful decorations. It’s a fun, hands-on activity where everyone pitches in — whether it’s forming the shape, painting it, or filling it with candies and treats.
The tradition dates back to the Aztecs, who would decorate a clay pot with bright, colorful feathers. During a special ceremony, the pot was hit with a stick or club to break it open and release the treasures inside, which were given as an offering to Huitzilopochtli, patron god of the Aztecs.
Making your own piñata is a wonderful way to honor Mexico’s rich cultural heritage while bonding with loved ones through a fun, shared experience.
Materials needed:
- Balloon or cardboard form (for the base structure)
- Newspaper or tissue paper (for papier-mâché)
- Flour and water (for making the papier-mâché paste)
- Colored tissue paper (for decorating)
- Scissors (for cutting shapes and designs)
- Candy or small toys (to fill the piñata)
Instructions:
- Step 1: Inflate a balloon or use cardboard to form your desired piñata size and shape.
- Step 2: Mix flour and water to make a paste.
- Step 3: Tear newspaper into strips. Dip the strips into the paste and layer them over the balloon or form. Let dry and repeat until it’s sturdy.
- Step 4: Once dry, cut colorful tissue paper into fringed strips and glue them onto the piñata, covering it with vibrant colors.
- Step 5: Pop the balloon (or remove the cardboard form), fill it with candy or toys, seal the opening, and hang your piñata!
Musical Instrument Crafts
Music is a defining feature of Mexican culture. From Mariachi groups performing midnight serenades to the wind instruments of banda, the country’s music scene has a style for every taste.
Let’s explore Mexican craft ideas that honor these deep musical roots!
Homemade Maracas
You’ve probably heard the unmistakable shake of maracas. They’re used to keep the energy and rhythm of a song, setting the pace for dancing and keeping things lively. Turn on your favorite Spanish song, and you’ll likely hear their distinctive, crisp sound.
Making your own maracas is an easy and exciting way to introduce your kids to Mexican culture while getting hands-on with music. And the best part? You probably have the materials sitting around your house!
Materials needed:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Rice, beans, or beads
- Tape or glue
- Rubber bands
- Tissue paper or fabric
- Craft sticks or wooden dowels
Instructions:
- Step 1: Place a piece of fabric over one end of the paper towel roll and secure it with a rubber band.
- Step 2: Add rice, beans, or beads into the roll for the maraca’s sound.
- Step 3: Place fabric over the other end and secure it with a rubber band.
- Step 4: Glue the wooden dowel to one end of the paper towel roll, forming a handle. (A strong adhesive like gorilla glue works best!)
- Step 5: Decorate the outside of your maracas with tissue paper or other materials, as desired.
Paper Plate Castanets
Castanets are small, handheld instruments that are clicked together to create a sharp, crisp sound. They enhance the lively rhythms of Mexican folk music and add an infectious beat that gets everyone’s feet moving.
Making a homemade version of castanets is one of our favorite Mexican crafts for kids because it engages them in creative expression and hands-on learning.
Materials needed:
- Paper plates
- Hole puncher
- String
- Scissors
- Paint, markers, or stickers for decoration
Instructions:
- Step 1: Cut a small notch from the edge of each plate so they fit together and clap when played.
- Step 2: Punch two holes on opposite sides near the notches on each plate.
- Step 3: Thread string through the holes and tie a knot to connect the plates.
- Step 4: Use markers, paint, or stickers to decorate the outside of the plates.
Cultural Symbol Crafts
Certain objects are popular in Mexico and commonly associated with the country’s culture. Examples include votive candles, Talavera tiles, and cast iron tortilla presses. Items like these represent the country’s colorful heritage and spark creativity.
Here are a few DIY projects inspired by iconic Mexican items:
Sombrero Art Project
Sombreros are a special part of Mexican heritage. Originally designed in the 15th century to protect against the harsh sun, they’ve become symbols of pride, tradition, and style. Whether a simple sombrero worn for outdoor work or the elaborate ones donned by mariachi musicians, every stitch, brim, and detail tells a story, making these hats a timeless expression of culture and identity.
Gather your supplies — it’s time to make your own festive sombreros!
Materials needed:
- Plastic cups (for the crown of the hat)
- Paper plates (for the wide brim)
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Paint, markers, or crayons
- Decorative supplies (tissue paper, pom-poms, stickers, or ribbon)
Instructions:
- Step 1: Turn the paper plate upside down and glue or tape the plastic cup in the center. This forms the basic shape of your sombrero. If using glue, let it dry.
- Step 2: Paint your sombrero using bright colors, similar to traditional Mexican designs. Try bold stripes, zigzags, or even polka dots!
- Step 3: Glue pom-poms or tissue paper around the brim to give your sombrero an extra festive touch. Ribbons, stickers, or even glitter can make it stand out!
- Step 4: Once dry, pop it on your head or decorate it for fun.
Mexican Flag Mosaic
Mexico’s flag, with its bold green, white, and red stripes, represents independence, unity, and bravery. Citizens display it with pride, primarily to pay tribute to soldiers who fought for the country’s independence and as a bold tribute to their cultural roots.
Bring a bit of Mexico into your home by creating a mosaic version of the flag. It’s a fun way to teach your child about the values the flag represents and how they come to life in Mexican traditions. Plus, it’s a great bonding activity!
Materials needed:
- Red, white, and green construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- A large sheet of white paper or cardboard
- Markers or colored pencils
- A ruler
Instructions:
- Step 1: Cut a large rectangle from your white construction paper or cardboard. (You can use the ruler to keep the lines straight.) This will serve as your flag’s base.
- Step 2: To create mosaic pieces, cut red, white, and green construction paper into small squares or irregular shapes. Make sure you have enough to fill the flag.
- Step 3: Glue the red paper on the left side, the white in the middle, and the green on the right side of the flag. Arrange and glue the small pieces to cover the sections evenly.
- Step 4: Once the flag is complete, draw or color the eagle and snake in the center of the white section. Use markers or colored pencils to outline the image and add any final touches.
Strengthening Cultural Connections with An Au Pair
Mexican crafts and activities can engage your child’s creativity while exploring new and vibrant cultures. Sharing these moments with an Au Pair from Mexico allows your kids to connect directly with the traditions of an ancient and beautiful culture.
Welcoming an Au Pair into your home opens the door to cultural experiences that are both educational and exciting! Hands-on activities, like cultural crafts, allow your child to explore new traditions while creating special memories with their caregiver. Your family can grow together with flexible, affordable childcare and enriching cultural exchange opportunities.
Ready to find the perfect match for your home? Start your journey with Go Au Pair today.
