Siesta Pillow
Explore daily life in Mexico, particularly the practice of the midday siesta. Use Crayola® Fabric Crayons to design a siesta pillow with traditional Mexican images.
1. Research the origins of siestas in hot climates, as well as traditional and contemporary Mexican images. Choose authentic symbols that could represent a dream theme for your Siesta Pillow.
2. Cut an 8-inch (20 by 20 cm) square of white paper with Crayola Scissors. Use Crayola Fabric Crayons to draw dream symbols on the square. Draw in reverse so it will transfer right side up to siesta pillow fabric. Press hard for intense crayon colors.
3. Cut white synthetic fabric (not 100% cotton) into a 9- by 18-inch (23 by 46 cm)piece.
4. On a flat surface, place several blank sheets of white paper over layers of newspaper for ironing. Place fabric on the paper, face up. Lay design face down near one end of fabric. Top with white paper.
5. An adult sets an iron on cotton, with no steam, and preheats it. The adult places the iron in one spot, presses down, then lifts and moves the iron to another spot until the entire design is transferred to the Siesta Pillow. Carefully remove the paper.
6. Fold fabric in half with the image inside. Glue pillow sides together with Crayola School Glue. Dry completely, then stuff. Glue open side closed. Dry.
7. Write a dream story that includes your pillow images. Write with Crayola Colored Pencils, in Spanish or another language of Mexico if possible.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.
Fabric Crayons or Melting Crayons—Melt crayons in a well-ventilated area. Overheating wax crayons during melting or ironing may release irritating fumes. Ironing should be done by an adult.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
- Discuss why midday siestas or long lunches are common in countries with hot climates. Imagine things people might dream about during their siestas.
- Continue this writing prompt: "I closed the shutters on the hot midday sun and lay down. With my head on my siesta pillow, I dreamed...." Share story drafts. Continue writing, incorporating ideas inspired by peers.
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