Multicultural Art Projects: Ecuadorian “Migajón” Clay

Looking for an easy multicultural art projects that don’t require a lot of supplies? Migajón (pronounced “mee-gah-hone) clay has 2 simple ingredients that you probably have at home right now: bread crumbs (migas) and regular glue. Contemporary crafters in Ecuador use it to make miniature figures such as flowers, decorations for weddings, quinceañera parties, or baptisms. You might find some delicate flowers on an invitation, or tied onto a candle, figures as a wedding favor, or even miniature migajón sculptures made into a Christmas tree ornament. This is a sticky craft for kids who don’t mind getting their hands messy.

First, have your child remove the crust from a piece of white bread (either by eating it or tearing it off for the birds).

Next, they can tear their slice into tiny pieces- remember “migas” are crumbs. While you add about 1T of glue onto the pile of crumbs, have them use their hands to mix it together. It will be very sticky at first, but will gradually become clay-like.

Mold the migajón into miniature figures. You can either let the clay air dry (which take a couple of days) or bake in a 200 degree oven for around 1.5 hours until hard. Paint when it is dry. Here is a picture of some migajón figures that I bought in Quito, Ecuador. Notice the tiny details- a bit more intricate and colorful that my four year olds’ candy canes!