Tapa-Inspired Art

Supplies

• Brown kraft paper or cut-open paper bags (to resemble tapa cloth).

• Black markers or black paint with brushes.

• Sponges (optional, for stamping effect).

• White crayons or chalk (optional, for contrast).

• Rulers (for straight lines).

• Scissors (to cut paper into squares/rectangles).

Steps

1. Prepare the Base

   • Cut brown paper into squares or rectangles (approx A4 size or smaller).

   • Lightly crumple the paper, then flatten it again to give it a “fabric” look.

2. Draw the Borders

   • Using a ruler and marker, draw a bold border around the edge of the paper.

3. Add Patterns

   • Inside the border, create repeating Pacific-inspired patterns such as triangles, diamonds, swirls, or floral/leaf shapes.

   • Encourage children to use symmetry and repetition (key features of tapa design).

4. Stamping (Optional)

   • Dip sponges into black paint and press onto the paper for a block-printing effect.

5. Final Touches

   • Use white crayon/chalk to add highlights or contrast.

   • Let the art dry (if paint is used).

Other Information

• Emphasise that tapa designs tell stories – encourage children to choose symbols (waves, flowers, stars, animals) that mean something to them.

• Works well as an individual project, or you can tape all the pieces together to create a large “community tapa cloth” for display.