Christmas Craft 2024
I am the first person to tell you that I am not an artist. While I am creative, painting has never been one of my talents - although the ‘art’ I find at mum’s house suggests I have given it many attempts over the years!
Inspired by Aunty Cindy and the sessions we run in workplaces sharing knowledge about Aboriginal art and visual storytelling, as well as following the lead of my children who are enthusiastic artists, I have found myself many times throughout the year with paint brush in hand or exploring some digital art tools. And while I am still not ready to wear the label of artist and most of my creations will remain unseen by the world, I have enjoyed exploring story and sharing my story in this way.
When the team first suggested I do the artwork for this year’s Christmas craft I was hesitant but looking at what we have created I am glad that I leaned into the encouragement of the Aunties and gave it a go. My boys and I have talked a lot about Christmas and what it means - and if it does in fact involve a jolly lad in a red suit. It is these conversations that have inspired this year's artworks and I am proud to share them with you for your classrooms.
This year we have created 6 ‘baubles’ and a gift box centered around what Christmas means to me. The artworks feature symbols of people, meeting circles, camp/home and water because I am lucky enough to head to the ever beautiful Gumbaynggirr Country each year and its healing offerings of both freshwater and saltwater are a feature of the festive season for me and my mob. My artwork also includes kangaroo tracks to symbolise my family heading home - because kangaroo is one of our clan totems.
Subscribers can download all of these crafts from their Wingaru Teacher Dashboard.
Non-Subscribers can download the bauble activity for free from the Wingaru Store.
The last few weeks of term are always busy but they are amongst my favourite of the year. As things wind down I hope you find some time to sit with your class and yarn over some colouring - hearing about the excitement of the break, the potential family gatherings and the aspirations for the next school year are the best part of end-of-year craft!
Whatever you have planned for the summer break, I hope it includes some self-care and you find some time to connect to Country.
