2008 is the Chinese Year of the Rat. Celebrate with these quick and
easy Chinese New Year crafts for kids.
NB You can find more China-inspired crafts in our
China For Kids section.
Rat Craft
Make this cute rat for the Year of the Rat with craft cupboard bits and pieces.
Rat mask
Your kids can have fun making and wearing this rat mask!
Decorate a Paper LanternNEW!
This paper lantern is easy for even young kids to decorate, with supervision,
but it looks very pretty! Perfect for the Lantern Festival on the last day of
Chinese New Year.
Chinese Lion Dance costume A cardboard box, some paper, some fabric and a little imagination and
you could be holding your own Lion Dance parade!
Egg Box Dragon
This magnificent creature is a fantastic addition to your crafty activities this
Chinese New Year.
Chinese Lion puppet
Made with a concertina body, the kids can make this Chinese lion puppet dance up
and down just like a real Lion Dance.
Bowl of oranges collage
Oranges are often displayed at Chinese New Year. Try your hand at this bowl of
oranges collage.
Make a red envelope for Chinese New Year The Chinese give gifts of money to children at Chinese New Year. Make
your own "lucky money envelope" with this simple but effective craft idea.
Chinese firecracker craft
It used to be traditional to set off firecrackers at Chinese New Year, to see
off the old year and welcome in the new. Here is an idea to make your own
Chinese firecracker decorations.
Chinese lantern craft Chinese New Year ends with the beautiful Lantern Festival. Why not
make your own colorful lantern for your Chinese New Year display?
Chinese lantern craft
Here is another idea for a Chinese lantern. We've used black paper for the
frame, but red would be more traditional. This craft adapts well for all ages of
kids.
Chinese New Year bracelet It is traditional to receive new clothing at Chinese New Year, in
cheerful colors - particularly red. Here is a fun way for the kids to dress
themselves up to join in the fun!
Make a wishing tree
There is a very famous, ancient banyan tree in Lam Tsuen in Hong
Kong to which people travel at Chinese New Year and during other festivals to
leave their own special wishes. We have a suggestion for making your own version
of the Wishing Tree with your children ...
Decorate the
house with flowers
The Chinese decorate the house for Chinese New Year with brightly
colored flowers. You and the kids can do the same with paper flowers!
Chinese
blossom activities Blossom is symbolic of the New Year, and
blossom branches are a traditional decoration at Chinese New Year. Here
are some ideas for "blossom" activities you can do with your children.
