One way to learn about Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is to do an art lesson and project together as a family, group of friends, class or scout group. Here we learn about tapa cloths, an important part of Pacific Islander culture, and how to make them out of brown paper bags. There is lots of room for creativity, so have fun with this art project!
What is Tapa Cloth?
Tapa cloth, typically made from the inner bark of a mulberry or fig tree, are found throughout the Pacific Islands (Hawaii, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and more). Used for both functional and ceremonial purposes, tapa cloth is decorated with organic and geometric shapes using natural dyes made from plants. It can be painted or stamped. For large tapa cloths, artists often use a stencil under the cloth and dab ink over the template, sort of like a crayon rubbing. Tapa cloth is often made for special occasions such as weddings, given as gifts to special guests, or used as decoration. While “tapa” is the universally known term, it has different names on different islands:
SUPPLIES
Brown paper grocery bag
Tempera or acrylic paint in earth tones or bright colors
DIRECTIONS
Learn more about tapa cloths from Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA.
Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County. She is the contributor to San Diego Family Magazine’s award-winning column, “Art with Alyssa.”
Alebrijes, familiar to those who have seen the movie “Coco,” are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures—mythical creatures with body parts from varying animals. Making them is a fun way . . .
Don’t you miss hugging people? Here’s a clever DIY hug craft that lets loved ones know they are missed! Whether it’s Mother's Day, Father’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, a birthday or some othe . . .
Get excited for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (or any French-themed celebration) by painting the Eiffel Tower! This painting project is inspired by artwork from the famous French artist, Georges S . . .
Create a fun Comic-Con-inspired photo backdrop or play zone similar to those at San Diego's most visually exciting celebration! Our Superhero Skyline is . . .
May the "fourth" be with you (the force, that is)! Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4 or hosting a Star Wars-themed birthday party, these easy DIY lightsabers are a hit with ki . . .
These fun Star Wars-inspired art projects require just paint, cardboard, egg cartons and a little imagination to create three-dimensional portraits of Baby Yoda, Boba Fett and BB-8. They serve as wh . . .
This fun, do-it-yourself kiddie car wash keeps kids and their ride-on toys cool and clean. Add a spray hose, mild dish detergent and a bubble gun for hours of outdoor playtime. Total cost of materia . . .
Get creative and have a festive backyard parade with these beautiful homemade musical instruments! Local artist Emily Dolton shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a Melon Maraca, Citrus Dr . . .
Nothing says camping like a gooey s’mores goodness, so it’s only fitting that kings and queens of the campfire wear s’mores-themed crowns. Here are instructions to make campfire crowns for you . . .
Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .
Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .
Creating art with frozen paint cubes (ice painting) is a super fun summertime or warm-weather activity. It’s also a great party activity for a Frozen-themed birthday party (or any winter-themed ce . . .
Surprise Mom with this colorful art project that will light up her special day and make a cool piece of wall art for your home. Since the look is achieved from paint drips, each finished product is . . .
Celebrate the season by making fall leaves with a DIY printing plate made from Styrofoam. Print leaves onto paper just for fun or get creative and use the printing plate to make thank you cards, place . . .
