Mummy Art Project for Kids: 9 Fun and Easy Ideas

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Fascinating History Behind the Mummy
3. Why Hands-On Art and STEM Matter
4. Project 1: The Classic Athletic Tape Mummy Canvas
5. Project 2: The Sarcophagus and Clay Mummy
6. Project 3: Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Mummies
7. Project 4: The Sticky Wall Mummy (Toddler-Friendly)
8. Project 5: Oil Pastel "Spooky Eyes" Mummy
9. Project 6: Upcycled Toilet Paper Roll Mummies
10. Project 7: The Gingerbread Stencil Mummy
11. Project 8: Interactive Moving-Eye Paper Plate Mummy
12. Project 9: Edible Mummy Art (The STEM Kitchen Connection)
13. Integrating STEM and History into Your Craft Session
14. Tips for a Successful (and Stress-Free) Art Session
15. The Long-Term Benefits of Creative Learning
16. Frequently Asked Questions
17. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how an ancient civilization managed to preserve someone so perfectly that we can still see them thousands of years later? It’s a question that has sparked the curiosity of children for generations. Whether it’s the mystery of the pyramids, the golden masks of pharaohs, or the iconic bandages of a mummy, Ancient Egypt offers a world of discovery. At I'm the Chef Too!, we believe that the best way to learn about history and science is through hands-on, tangible experiences. We love taking complex subjects—like the 70-day mummification process—and turning them into a fun, creative, and delicious adventure for the whole family.

In this post, we are going to dive deep into the world of mummies. We’ll explore nine different ways your little learners can create their own mummy art project for kids, ranging from simple masking tape creations to detailed clay sculptures and even interactive paper plates. We will also touch upon the fascinating history of why mummies were made and the STEM principles that allowed them to last for millennia. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive resource that fosters a love for learning, builds confidence, and creates joyful family memories without a screen in sight.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to turn your kitchen table into an archaeological workshop. Whether you are looking for a quick afternoon craft or a deep dive into historical STEM, these mummy art projects are designed to spark creativity and facilitate family bonding. Let’s get started on this "edutainment" journey!

The Fascinating History Behind the Mummy

Before we roll up our sleeves and start crafting, it’s helpful to understand what we are making. Why did the Ancient Egyptians make mummies? It wasn’t just about making spooky decorations; it was a deeply spiritual process. They believed in the afterlife and felt that for a person's soul to live forever, their physical body needed to be preserved.

This preservation process, known as mummification, was quite a feat of early engineering and chemistry. It wasn't just a matter of wrapping someone in cloth. It took seventy days from start to finish! The body had to be dried out using a special type of salt called natron. This is where the STEM connection comes in. By removing moisture, they prevented the bacteria that cause decay from growing. Once the body was completely dry, it was treated with oils and resins, and finally wrapped in hundreds of yards of linen.

When you sit down with your child to start a mummy art project for kids, you can talk about these steps. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of "desiccants" (things that dry other things out) and the importance of chemical reactions in preservation. If your child is fascinated by how things change and react, they might also love exploring chemistry through food. For example, you can see a different kind of chemical reaction that makes our Erupting Volcano Cakes kit bubble over with deliciousness.

Why Hands-On Art and STEM Matter

At I'm the Chef Too!, our mission is to blend food, STEM, and the arts into one-of-a-kind experiences. Why do we focus so heavily on hands-on activities? Because when a child uses their hands to build, wrap, or bake, they aren't just following instructions—they are engaging their brain in multiple ways.

1. Fine Motor Development: Ripping tape, wrapping yarn, and painting small details all strengthen the muscles in a child’s hands, which is essential for writing and other school tasks.
2. Confidence Building: Completing a project from start to finish gives a child a sense of accomplishment. They can look at their mummy and say, "I made that!"
3. Critical Thinking: When a piece of tape won't stick or the yarn gets tangled, children learn to problem-solve and try new approaches.
4. Family Connection: Working on a project together provides a natural space for conversation and shared laughter.

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Project 1: The Classic Athletic Tape Mummy Canvas

This project is a fantastic starting point because it creates a high-contrast piece of art that looks impressive on any wall. It uses everyday items to mimic the layered look of ancient bandages.

Materials Needed:

• 8x10 Canvas (or a sturdy piece of cardboard)
• Black acrylic paint
• Paintbrush
• White athletic tape (the kind found in the first-aid aisle)
• Large googly eyes (3-inch eyes work great for a "silly" look)
• White glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Paint the Base: Start by painting the entire canvas black. Encourage your child to paint the front and all four sides. To avoid the canvas sticking to the table, prop it up on four upside-down paper cups. This allows the air to circulate and the paint to dry evenly.
2. Place the Eyes: Once the black paint is completely dry, use a generous dab of glue to attach the large googly eyes. We suggest placing them near the top third of the canvas.
3. The Wrapping Process: This is the fun part! Cut or tear strips of white athletic tape. Start wrapping them across the canvas at different angles. Overlap some strips while leaving gaps in others so the black paint peeks through. This creates dimension and makes it look like the mummy is peering out from its wraps.
4. Finishing Touches: Ensure the tape ends are pressed firmly onto the sides or back of the canvas so they don't peel off later.

This project is excellent for preschoolers and elementary-aged kids alike because there is no "wrong" way to wrap the tape!

Project 2: The Sarcophagus and Clay Mummy

If you want to take your mummy art project for kids to the next level, try creating a 3D version complete with a burial box, known as a sarcophagus. This project leans heavily into the historical aspect of Ancient Egypt.

Materials Needed:

• Air-drying clay
• Small rectangular box (like a jewelry box or a small cardboard shipping box)
• Gold paint and black paint
• Paintbrushes
• White masking tape or strips of white cloth
• Colored markers (gold, silver, and bright primary colors)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sculpt the Mummy: Take a ball of clay about the size of a small apple. Roll it into a cylinder and then gently pinch one end to form a head and the other end to signify feet. Make sure it is small enough to fit inside your box! Let the clay dry overnight.
2. Decorate the Sarcophagus: Paint the inside of your box black to represent the tomb. Paint the outside of the lid and the base gold. Once the gold paint is dry, use markers or paint to draw Egyptian patterns like hieroglyphics, scarab beetles, or zig-zags.
3. Wrap the Clay: Once your clay mummy is hard, apply a little glue to the surface. Wrap it in thin strips of masking tape or white cloth. Wind the tape diagonally, just like a real mummy!
4. The Final Reveal: Place your wrapped mummy inside the decorated sarcophagus.

This activity is perfect for a classroom setting or a homeschool lesson. If you are an educator looking for more ways to bring science and history to life, you can learn more about our versatile programs for schools and groups, available with or without food components.

Project 3: Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Mummies

For a soft, tactile experience that’s great for fine motor skills, yarn-wrapped mummies are a winner. This project is low-mess and very portable, making it a great "quiet time" activity.

Materials Needed:

• Sturdy cardboard (recycled shipping boxes are perfect)
• White or cream-colored yarn
• Scissors
• Googly eyes
• Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create the Shape: Draw a simple human outline on the cardboard. You can use a gingerbread man cookie cutter as a stencil if you want a consistent shape! Cut the shape out.
2. Start the Wrap: Tape the beginning of the yarn to the back of the cardboard shape.
3. The Winding Game: Show your child how to wind the yarn around the cardboard. They can go up, down, and across. The goal is to cover most of the brown cardboard with the white "bandages."
4. Add the Eyes: Once the wrapping is done, tuck the end of the yarn under a previous loop and secure it with a drop of glue. Glue two googly eyes onto the yarn.

This activity is incredibly satisfying for children who enjoy repetitive motions. It’s a great way to practice hand-eye coordination. If you find your child loves these types of themes, you can explore our full library of adventure kits for even more hands-on fun.

Project 4: The Sticky Wall Mummy (Toddler-Friendly)

If you have a toddler or a preschooler who isn't quite ready for scissors or glue, a sticky wall mummy is a mess-free way to participate in the fun.

Materials Needed:

• Clear contact paper (shelf liner)
• Painter's tape
• White tissue paper strips, white paper scraps, and cotton balls
• Black construction paper (cut into two circles for eyes)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wall: Tape a large piece of contact paper to the wall with the sticky side facing out. Use painter's tape on the corners so it doesn't damage your paint.
2. Draw an Outline: Use a permanent marker to draw a large mummy shape on the non-sticky side (the backing) before you peel it, or just let the kids fill the whole space.
3. Get Decorating: Give your child a basket of white materials—tissue paper, cotton balls, and paper strips. They can press these items onto the sticky surface to build their mummy.
4. Add Eyes: Press the black circles on at the very end.

The best part about this project is that children can pull the pieces off and start over again, providing hours of sensory play.

Project 5: Oil Pastel "Spooky Eyes" Mummy

This project focuses on the "peeking" aspect of mummies. It’s a wonderful way to introduce color blending and artistic composition to older children (Grade 2 and up).

Materials Needed:

• Black construction paper
• White or beige construction paper
• Oil pastels (various colors including black and brown)
• Scissors
• Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. The Eyes: On a small piece of white paper, draw two large circles. Use oil pastels to create a "glowing" effect. Start with a black pupil, then draw rings of color around it (like green, yellow, or orange). Blend the colors together with your finger.
2. The Face Base: Glue these eyes onto the center of a horizontal piece of black construction paper.
3. The Ripped Bandages: Instead of cutting paper, have your child rip strips of white or beige paper. The ragged edges look more like ancient, worn-out cloth.
4. Aging the Paper: Use a brown oil pastel to lightly smudge the edges of the white strips. This makes the "bandages" look thousands of years old.
5. The Wrap: Glue the strips around the eyes, overlapping them at different angles. Leave just a small gap so the glowing eyes are peeking through the darkness.

This mummy art project for kids is a great lesson in "layering" in art. It encourages children to think about what is in the foreground and what is in the background.

Project 6: Upcycled Toilet Paper Roll Mummies

We love a good upcycling project! This is a quick and easy way to turn household trash into a "mummy" family.

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet paper rolls
• White crepe paper, gauze, or even toilet paper
• Googly eyes
• Glue or tape

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Roll: If you want a darker background, you can paint the tube black first, but it's not strictly necessary.
2. Apply the Eyes: Glue two googly eyes onto the top half of the tube.
3. The Wrap: Start at the bottom of the tube and wrap the crepe paper or gauze around and around. Make sure to go around the eyes so they are still visible.
4. Secure: Use a small piece of tape or a dab of glue to hold the end of the wrap in place.

These little mummies can be used as puppets or even as festive decorations for a Halloween party. Give the gift of learning that lasts all year with a 12-month subscription to our STEM cooking adventures and keep the creativity flowing every month.

Project 7: The Gingerbread Stencil Mummy

Using a kitchen tool for art is a classic I'm the Chef Too! move. If you have a gingerbread man cookie cutter, you have the perfect mummy template.

Materials Needed:

• Gingerbread man cookie cutter
• Dark colored paper (purple, navy, or black)
• White-out pen, white chalk marker, or white paint pen
• Pencil
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Trace: Place the cookie cutter on the dark paper and trace it with a pencil.
2. Cut: Cut out the person shape.
3. Draw the Wraps: Instead of using physical tape, use a white-out pen or paint pen to draw messy, crisscrossed lines all over the shape. This is great for kids who might be overwhelmed by glue but love to draw.
4. Add Detail: Draw two tiny eyes or glue on small googly eyes.

This project is very low-profile and perfect for making custom Halloween cards or decorations for a bedroom door. It shows kids that tools in the kitchen can have many different uses!

Project 8: Interactive Moving-Eye Paper Plate Mummy

Interactive art is always a hit. This project allows the mummy to "look" around the room, which adds a layer of play to the craft.

Materials Needed:

• Paper plate
• White paper strips
• Black marker
• A strip of sturdy cardstock
• Craft knife (Adult Use Only!) or scissors
• Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut Eye Holes: (Adult Step) Cut two oval eye holes in the center of the paper plate.
2. The Eye Strip: On a long, thin strip of cardstock, draw two bright eyes that align with the holes in the plate.
3. Slotting: (Adult Step) Cut two small slits on either side of the eye holes so the strip can slide through.
4. Wrapping: Glue white paper strips all over the front of the plate, being careful not to cover the eye holes.
5. Play: Slide the strip back and forth to make the mummy's eyes move!

This is a great way to talk about mechanics and how simple machines (like a sliding lever) can create movement.

Project 9: Edible Mummy Art (The STEM Kitchen Connection)

Since we are I'm the Chef Too!, we couldn't leave out a way to make mummies in the kitchen! This is a "delicious adventure" that teaches kids about patterns and structures.

Materials Needed:

• English muffins or flatbread
• Pizza sauce
• String cheese
• Sliced black olives

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. The Base: Spread a little pizza sauce on your English muffin. This represents the "darkness" of the tomb.
2. The Bandages: Peel the string cheese into long, thin strips. Lay them across the muffin in a crisscross pattern, leaving a small space for the eyes.
3. The Eyes: Place two olive slices in the gap you left.
4. Bake: Toast them in the oven until the cheese is slightly melted but still holds its "bandage" shape.

While you wait for your snacks to bake, you can talk about how heat changes the structure of the cheese. This is a simple introduction to food science! If your child loves animals as much as history, they might also enjoy seeing how kids make Wild Turtle Whoopie Pies, another one of our favorite hands-on kitchen adventures.

Integrating STEM and History into Your Craft Session

When you are working on a mummy art project for kids, the conversation is just as important as the creation. Here are some prompts to keep the learning going:

• Ask "What if?": "What if the Egyptians didn't have salt? How else could they have dried the bodies?" This leads to a discussion about evaporation and moisture.
• Discuss Patterns: Look at pictures of real Egyptian art. Notice the symmetry and the specific colors they used (like gold, turquoise, and lapis lazuli). Ask your child to try and replicate those patterns on their sarcophagus.
• The Science of "Natron": You can even do a mini-experiment. Take two apple slices. Put one in a bowl of salt and baking soda (a homemade natron) and leave the other on a plate. Check them after a few days. Which one looks like a mummy? This is the core of our educational philosophy: making complex subjects tangible.

If your child is fascinated by the stars and the ancient world, they might also want to explore astronomy by creating their own edible solar system with our Galaxy Donut Kit. It's another way we combine STEM and art into a delicious experience.

Tips for a Successful (and Stress-Free) Art Session

We know that "painting with kids is always an adventure," and sometimes that adventure can be messy! Here are a few tips from our educators and mothers to help you manage the chaos:

• Protect Your Surfaces: Use a cheap plastic tablecloth or even old newspapers. If you are painting a canvas, remember the "paper cup" trick to keep the canvas from gluing itself to the table!
• The "Tray" Method: Using a baking sheet or a cafeteria tray for each child helps contain the glue, glitter, and scraps of paper. It also makes it easy to move the project if you need the table for dinner.
• Embrace the Imperfect: Mummies are supposed to look old, ragged, and a bit messy! If the tape is crooked or the yarn is lumpy, it just adds to the character of the piece. Our goal is to foster a love for learning, not to produce a perfect product.
• Supervision is Key: Always ensure an adult is present, especially when using scissors, craft knives, or the oven.

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The Long-Term Benefits of Creative Learning

When children participate in a mummy art project for kids, they aren't just making a decoration for the fridge. They are developing skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

• Historical Empathy: By learning about the afterlife and the care put into mummification, kids begin to understand that people in the past had different beliefs and values than we do today.
• Scientific Inquiry: Asking why something works (like why salt dries things out) is the first step toward becoming a scientist.
• Artistic Expression: Learning that art doesn't have to be "pretty" but can be "spooky," "historical," or "textured" expands their creative horizons.

We are committed to sparking curiosity and creativity in children. Whether through our subscription boxes or a simple afternoon craft, we want to provide a screen-free educational alternative that brings the whole family together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age is a mummy art project for kids appropriate for? The beauty of these projects is that they can be adapted for any age! The Sticky Wall is great for toddlers, the Yarn-Wrapped Mummy is perfect for preschoolers, and the Clay Sarcophagus or Oil Pastel Eyes are challenging enough for elementary-aged children.

What is the easiest material to use for mummy bandages? White masking tape or athletic tape is the easiest for kids because it has its own adhesive. You don't have to worry about messy glue drying at the wrong time. If you don't have tape, ripped-up strips of old white t-shirts or even toilet paper can work in a pinch!

How long does it take for air-dry clay to dry? Typically, air-dry clay takes about 24 hours to be firm enough to paint or wrap. If the mummy is very thick, it might take up to 48 hours. It's a great lesson in patience for young learners!

Can we use these projects for a classroom? Absolutely! Most of these projects use affordable or recycled materials, making them perfect for large groups. Our school and group programs also offer structured ways to bring these STEM-based adventures to your students.

Why is it important to learn about mummies? Mummies are a gateway to understanding one of the most influential civilizations in human history. It combines chemistry (preservation), engineering (pyramid building), and art (hieroglyphs and sarcophagi) into one fascinating topic.

Conclusion

Creating a mummy art project for kids is more than just a fun way to spend an afternoon; it’s an opportunity to travel back in time and explore the intersection of history, science, and art. From the 3D clay sarcophagus to the interactive moving-eye plate, each activity we’ve discussed today helps build fine motor skills, encourages critical thinking, and sparks a genuine curiosity about the world.

At I'm the Chef Too!, we believe that every child is a natural scientist and artist. Our mission is to nurture that innate wonder by providing hands-on "edutainment" that families can enjoy together. Whether you are wrapping a cardboard shape in yarn or baking a mummy-themed pizza, you are creating memories and building a foundation for lifelong learning.

We hope these nine ideas have inspired you to start your own archaeological adventure at home. Remember, it’s not about the perfect finished product; it’s about the joy of the process and the questions sparked along the way.

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