The ojo de Dios (Spanish for “eye of God”) is a folk toy with origins among the Huichol Indians of the Sierra Madre. The four points of the crossed sticks are said to represent the elements of earth, air, water, and fire; the finished eye, replete with alternating stripes of yarn, is meant to offer health, fortune, and long life.
Extremely simple to put together, this bright, festive craft from our friends at Crafting Community forms the base for a great crib mobile—something for an older sibling to make for the new baby in the house. It’s also a super entry point for talking to kids about American history—and for parents to learn a little something, too.
What you’ll need:
- Two sticks of equal length
- Brightly colored yarn in 3 or 4 color
- Scissors
1. Grab two sticks and tie them together in the middle with the end of your ball of yarn. Twist the sticks to form a ‘+’.
2. Wrapping in a clockwise direction, wind your yarn over and around 1, then 2, then 3, then 4. (See image at right for technique).
3. To switch up your colors, simply snip the yarn you’re working with and tie on a new color. Trim the excess and continue wrapping.
4. To finish your god’s eye, top knot your yarn around your final stick twice. Trim the excess yarn and you’re done!
To add tassels:
1. Loop yarn around your fingers 15x
2. Thread another piece of yarn through your loop and make a knot with long tails. Cut the end of your yarn loop to create fringe.
3. Tie your tassel on, knotting it to your gods eye on the back side.
4. Wrap one side of the tails around the arm of your gods eye several times, then knot it to the other tail to finish.
