Reconciliation Bracelets
Celebrate Reconciliation Week by creating your very own paper bracelets using the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. This paper craft combines creativity, social connection, cultural reflection and fine motor engagement in a gentle, accessible way.
National Reconciliation Week is celebrated between 27 May and 3 June each year. It's a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. (Reconciliation Australia, 2025)
If you're having trouble assembling your bracelets, view our video here.
STEP 1
Choose which colours you are going to use in your bracelet and take a sheet of cover paper for each. Use a ruler and pencil to mark each sheet with strips measuring 19 x 2cm then carefully cut the strips out. Supervision is recommended when using scissors.
STEP 2
Fold each strip in half, open it back out and then fold the ends into the centre crease. Fold the strip in half again so it looks as shown in the bottom image.
STEP 3
Repeat step 2 for all the paper strips. Each folded strip will now become a piece of your bracelet.
STEP 4
Take your first piece and hold it so the open end is facing upwards.
STEP 5
Take a second piece and slide the open ends through the open ends of the first piece, pushing them all the way through so it sticks out the other side as shown.
STEP 6
Take a third piece and push the open ends through the open ends of the second piece, sliding it all the way through from left to right. Repeat this technique again with a fourth piece, sliding from right to left as shown.
STEP 7
Continue in this way to create a bracelet long enough to slide over your hand and fit around your wrist. Make sure the last piece you thread through is parallel to the very first piece of the bracelet.
STEP 8
Take another piece and unfold it so it is only folded in half. Slide the ends of this piece through the open ends of your final piece, pushing it all the way through so there is a long length sticking out the end.
STEP 9
Take the first piece of the bracelet - you will notice a split in the very centre that is half covered by a joined piece. Slide both ends of the long piece through this centre split, pulling it all the way through. Fold one of the ends forward and down, over the first piece and tucking it into the attached paper square. Fold the other end backwards and down and tuck it down as well to hold it all in place.
Your Reconciliation bracelet is now ready to wear or gift to your friends or family!
Your Reconciliation bracelet is now ready to wear or gift to your friends or family!
