Children are inspired by the colours and patterns of Anglo-Saxon polychromatic (multi-coloured) beads (including those found in graves at the Dover Hill Anglo-Saxon cemetery and at Sarre) and experiment to see if they can re-create similar designs using different colours of Fimo clay.
Bring up some colour images of the Dover Hill Cemetery beads on the Whiteboard for children to look at for inspiration while making them.
There are also lots of other incredible Anglo-Saxon beads found in cemeteries elsewhere in Kent.
Above are two wonderful Victorian drawings of ones found at Sarre, Kent in 1868, which could be printed out in colour and used for inspiration.
Materials required:
- Fimo clay (available from major educational suppliers)
- plastic modelling tools
- modelling boards
- small nails to make holes in the beads
- string or strong cotton to thread them on
Please note: When finished the beads need to be baked in an oven to harden. Instructions for timing and temperature can be found on the Fimo packaging. Once dry, the beads can then be strung as necklaces or bracelets and worn.
Learn with Objects links
Use Learn with Objects Anglo-Saxons 3: beads for information and images.
