Matariki is a great time of year to celebrate and learn more about Maori culture. One way we’re doing this in our family is through story books. My Daughter and I read The Seven Kites of Matariki by Calico McClintock and this inspired us to create a night sky art project with the 7 kites of Matariki in it.
Matariki is the Maori name for a group of seven stars known as the Pleiades star cluster. Some people think of Matariki as a mother star with six daughters, and it is often referred to as the Seven Sisters. In this story seven sisters, create seven kites, which become the seven stars of Matariki.
Things you will need:
Thick paper
Glue
Water colour paint
Salt
Glitter
Glitter stars
Paint brush
Ribbon
Scissors
Method
- Using thick paper start by painting the sky with two to three shades of blue
- While the paint is still wet sprinkle salt onto the paint. This will make a great effect that kids love to experiment with. Set this aside and let it dry while you make the little kites.
- Cut out 7 triangles for the kites. Glue glitter to all of them and glue 2 lengths of ribbon onto the back.
- Your water paint should be dry by now. Dust off the salt and glue some extra blue glitter, and glitter stars, to the background before gluing on your triangle kites.
Check out Matariki crafts for kids or more great Matariki craft ideas.
