Ojo de Dios Mexican Christmas Decoration Craft

The "Ojo de Dios" or “God's Eye” is an ancient symbol made by the Huichol Indians of Mexico and the Aymara Indians of Bolivia. I remember making "Ojos", as my grandmother called them, as a child. She told me that when you made one for someone as a gift, you wished them protection and a watchful eye.

This project is a great opportunity to get crafty and immerse your family in a different culture at the same time. Make up a bunch of these yarn creations and hang them on your Christmas tree or string them up as bunting. You could even host a Mexico themed party and use your Ojo de Dios as décor or party favors.

Get creative with your color combos, the options are limitless. You could use 2 large sticks instead of popsicle sticks to make a larger Ojo de Dios. Hang your giant Ojos from the ceiling in place of lanterns or pom poms for unique décor.

Supplies:

Yarn

Popsicle Sticks

Scissors

Glue

Directions:

Step 1: Glue 2 popsicle sticks together, forming an X. Tie the end of a yarn skein to the X, trim down excess yarn.

Step 2: Starting in the center, tightly wrap a piece of yarn around one of the sticks and continue wrapping in a clockwise pattern. You will be crossing over to the next stick and wrapping, forming a woven pattern in the front. If you want to change colors, cut the piece of yarn you are currently working with and tie a different colored yarn to that piece with the knot at the back. 

Step 3: Once the yarn reaches the end of the popsicle sticks, tie the end to the stick. You can add a loop if you intend to use them as ornaments.

More Christmas Crafts for Kids:

Turn old party hats into Christmas hats that double as decorations, too.

Make a holiday wreath out of peppermint candies.