Almost-Beaded Headband

Almost-Beaded Headband craft

This style of elaborate, colorful beadwork originated with Zulu women in South Africa. These paper look-alike accessories are easy to make with Crayola Twistables® Crayons.

  • 1.

    Find out about an African tradition. Zulu women in South Africa use vivid color combinations and geometric designs to communicate through their beadwork. The patterns tell whether they are single or married, what area of the country they are from, and may reveal their feelings or behaviors. Mothers and grandmothers teach their daughters the symbols and meanings of this intricate beadwork.

  • 2.

    Choose your colors. Seven colors are used in Zulu beadwork: black, blue, yellow, green, pink, red, and white. Each color has two meanings, except for white, which always means purity and love.

  • 3.

    Decorate your headband. With Crayola Scissors, cut a long, narrow strip of paper to fit around your head, plus a little extra. Use Crayola Twistables Crayons and your imagination to form patterns and geometric designs much like Zulu beadwork. Make tiny, dark circles and fill them with color.

  • 4.

    Fit the headband. Overlap paper ends to fit your head. Glue ends together with a Crayola Glue Stick.