CleverPatch™ recommends educators, teachers and event organisers work in consultation with their local Aboriginal Communities (start locally and extend out geographically) when planning activities & learning experiences. Any creative or art making activity that mirrors or replicates Aboriginal cultural experiences should always be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate owners of that cultural property.

Some materials and products may contain terms that reflect authors' views, both current or past. These views may not be considered appropriate today and are provided in a historical context. These views are not necessarily the views of CleverPatch.

Step 1Paint both sides of your message stick using your choice of acrylic paint. Don’t forget to paint the edges! Allow to dry.
Step 2Cut a 2m length of jute ribbon. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors. Wrap one end around the bottom third of the narrow end of your message stick. Overlap the ribbon and glue together. Allow to dry.
Step 3Fold the ribbon towards the wide end of the message stick. Flip the message stick over and wrap the ribbon around the centre of the long edge so it overlaps the first short wrap. Flip it back over and weave the ribbon under the first short wrap as shown.
Step 4Fold the ribbon down to be next to the first short wrap. Flip the message stick over and wrap the ribbon around the short edge, overlapping the first long wrap. Flip back over and thread the ribbon under the section where the second short wrap started.
Step 5Bring the ribbon towards the narrow end and flip the message stick over. Weave the ribbon under the first then over the second short wrap, next to the first long wrap. Flip the message stick over and weave the ribbon under a short wrap at the back. Continue the ribbon down next to the long wraps. Flip the message stick over and weave over the first then under the second short wrap to make a third row of ribbons on the long edge.
Step 6Flip the message stick over to the back and weave the ribbon through the short wraps. Fold the ribbon towards the short edge, next to the short wraps. Flip the message stick over and weave the ribbon over and under through the long wraps to add a third short wrap. You should now have three rows of ribbons weaved together along each edge!
Step 7Tie the tail end of the ribbon to some of the wrapped ribbon at the back of the message stick. Trim any excess.
Step 8Your Woven Message Stick is now ready to display!