DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Ojo de Dios

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.

In Mexico, The central eye was made when a child was born.  Each year, a bit of yarn was added until the child turned five at which point the Ojo was complete.

In Bolivia, "God's Eyes" were made to be placed on an altar so that the gods could watch over the praying people and protect them.

Materials:

• two popsicle sticks.
• wool in different colors.  I like red, green and white as they are the colors of the Mexican flag.
• scissors.
• glue

Alternative:  You can also make small ones with toothpicks and thread.

Instructions:

• Glue the sticks together in the shape of a cross and let dry (this isn't necessary, but makes it easier for the kids to do the rest).
• always going in the same order around the sticks (you can mark the popsicle sticks with 1, 2, 3, 4 ...  The numbers will be covered up in the end, but may make it easier for the kids to keep track of what they're doing).
• Wrap the wool once around 1, once around 2, once around 3, once around 4.
• Continue on...  Once around 1, once around 2, etc until you're happy with the first layer of the eye.
• Snip the first color of yarn and tie on a second color.  Continue on with the second color and then a third, fourth and fifth as desired.