3 Chinese new year crafts for kids

Is it just me, or does January seem to have a knack for being a bit, well, drab? The holiday sparkle has faded, the weather is chilly, and we're all in need of a pick-me-up. But fear not, because I've found a delightful way to infuse some joy into this dreary month – by celebrating Chinese New Year with my kiddos!

The Drab January Dilemma: January is like that awkward middle child of the calendar – not quite the excitement of December, and still a long way from the blossoms of spring. But who says we can't shake off the January blues and turn it into a month of anticipation and creativity?

Chinese new year crafts for kids: In my quest to make every day special for my little ones, I decided to spice things up by counting down to Chinese New Year with fun crafts. Here are three paintastic projects that brought the house alive with color:

1. Panda Fork Paintings: (Step by step instruction below) Ever tried painting a panda using a fork? Well, neither had we until we decided to give it a whirl. Picture this: forks dipped in black and white paint, tapping away on canvas. The result? Adorable panda masterpieces and loads of giggles!

2. Chinese Lantern Paintings with Toilet Paper Roll Stamps: (Step by step instruction below) We were on a roll (pun intended) with our creativity when we repurposed empty toilet paper rolls into stamps. These makeshift stamps brought our Chinese lanterns to life on the canvas. Who knew toilet paper rolls could be so versatile? Well, I did i guess because they are one of my favorite craft supply.

3. Straw Stamps Firework Painting: Armed with colorful straws, we decided to create our very own firework display. Dip the straws in paint, press them onto the canvas, and watch as vibrant bursts of color explode. It's like having our little fireworks show indoors – minus the cold and crowds!

So, there you have it – our antidote to the January blues: a countdown to Chinese New Year filled with laughter, creativity, and messy masterpieces. It's a wonderful way to bond with the kids, create lasting memories, and turn an otherwise drab month into a canvas of color.

Remember, parents – life's too short for drab Januarys. Let's paint our way to a brighter, more vibrant month! Who's with me?

Happy crafting and Gong Xi Fa Cai!

If you'd like to watch us make these on the news, click the link below

Panda Fork painting (Chinese New year craft for kids #1)

Materials Needed:

1. Canvas or thick paper

1. Acrylic paint (black, white, and optional colors for background)

2. Fork

3. Palette or disposable plate

4. Brushes (optional for touch-ups)

5. Water cup for brush cleaning

6. Paper towels

7. Glitter** (Optional but why would you skip it?)

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Set up your workspace with a covered surface to protect from paint spills. Make sure you have all your materials within reach.

2. Background (Optional): If you want a colored background, apply acrylic paint to the canvas using a brush. Allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. You can also used colored cardstock like we did.

3. Sketch the Panda: For those of you who need a little aid before jumping all in, you can use a pencil to lightly sketch the outline of the panda on the canvas. Focus on the main shapes - a round head, two large ears, and a body. Keep it simple

4. Dip the Fork: Pour a small amount of white acrylic paint onto your palette. Dip the fork into the paint, ensuring that the prongs are well-coated.

5. Create Fur Texture: Press the fork onto the canvas along the outlines of the panda. Use a light touch and a tapping motion to create a textured fur effect. Repeat this process, covering the entire body of the panda.

6. Repeat the process: Using black paint add the ears, eyes and arms of the panda

7. Detail the Face: Use the fork's prongs to add details to the panda's face. Press the fork gently to create the eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also use a smaller brush for more precise details if needed. if you want the details to be SUPER CLEAR, wait until the paint is dry before adding details

8. Add White Accents: Clean the fork or use a new one for the white paint. Add highlights to the panda's eyes or any other highlighting details you wish to add.

9. Let it Dry: Allow the painting to dry completely before making any touch-ups or adding additional details.

10. Add Glitter: Adding glitter is always options but around here, it's the main event

11. Sign Your Art: Once you're satisfied with your panda painting, sign it in the corner with your initials or signature.

Remember, the key to this technique is to experiment and have fun. Feel free to get creative with colors, backgrounds, and different fork sizes for varied textures in your panda painting.

Chinese Lantern painting (Chinese New year craft for kids #2)

Materials Needed:

1. Canvas or heavy paper

2. Empty toilet paper rolls

3. Acrylic paint (various colors)

4. Palette or disposable plate

5. Brushes

6. Metalic markers

7. Water cup for brush cleaning

8. Paper towels

9. Glue stick or other random shapes

10. Glue bottle

11. Glitter** (Optional but why would you skip it?)

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Set up your workspace with a covered surface to protect from paint spills. Ensure all materials are within reach.

2. Fold the Toilet Paper Rolls: Bend or fold the empty toilet paper rolls into your desired shapes. These rolls will serve as the stamps for creating the lantern outline. I recommend oval, square or leaving them round

3. Create Lantern Body: Pour acrylic paint onto your palette. Dip the cut end of the toilet paper roll into the paint, ensuring it is well-coated. Press the painted end onto the canvas to create the cylindrical body of the lantern. Repeat this process to create multiple lantern shapes.

4. Pull paint inward: Using your paintbrush pull the paint inwards to fill the lantern with your outlined color.

5. Add additional shapes: Using the end of a glue stick or random objects stamp additional shapes to create details and unique features to your lanterns.

6. Let it Dry: Allow the painting to dry completely before making any additional touches or adding finer details.

7. Add Lantern Details: Once your paint is dry, add details using a metallic markers. Such as the handle, windows, and any other decorative elements. Feel free to use different colors for added vibrancy.

8. Add glitter: Using a glue bottle draw lines for the ribbons underneath your painting and any other areas you want your painting to wow people, then fill with glitter. I recommend using a paper underneath to catch the extra glitter for reuse.

9. Sign Your Art: Sign your painting in the corner with your initials or signature once you are satisfied with the final result.

Feel free to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures to make your lantern painting unique. This project is not only enjoyable but also a great way to repurpose materials and create beautiful art.

Firework painting (Chinese New year craft for kids #3)

Materials Needed:

1. Black cardstock paper

2. Acrylic paint (Several colors)

3. Empty paper towel or toilet paper roll

4. Palette or disposable plate

5. Brushes (optional for touch-ups)

6. Water cup for brush cleaning

7. Paper towels

8. Straws

9. Toothbrush (Optional)

10. Glitter** (Optional but why would you skip it?)

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down newspaper or a protective covering to avoid paint spills. Ensure all materials are easily accessible.

2. Cut and Open Straws and rolls: Cut slits into the straws/rolls 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Carefully slit each straw/roll lengthwise and open them up into a flower shape. These will serve as your flower-shaped firework stamps.

3. Create Firework Base: Using an old toothbrush or paintbrush, dip into white acrylic paint and flick with your finger to create a start background

4. Dip and Stamp Flowers: Dip the opened straws/rolls into various colors of acrylic paint, ensuring each petal is coated. Stamp the colorful shapes around to create the firework bursts.

5. Experiment with Colors: Get creative with your color choices! Mix and match different hues for a vibrant and dynamic firework display. Allow the colors to overlap to simulate the brilliance of exploding fireworks.

6. Add Details: If desired, use a fine brush to add details to the firework bursts or create additional elements like sparks or streaks. This step allows for a more personalized and intricate touch.

7. Let it Dry: Allow the painting to dry completely before making any additional touches or adding finer details. This ensures that the colors stay vibrant and don't smudge.

8. Optional Add on: If you want to enhance the festive atmosphere, consider adding glitter! This step is entirely optional but it's a step i never miss out on. Glitter makes your art POP!

9. Sign Your Art: Once the painting is dry and you're satisfied with the result, sign your artwork in the corner with your initials or signature.
   

This firework painting project is a fantastic way to celebrate and create a vibrant piece of art. Feel free to experiment with different stamping techniques and colors to make your firework display uniquely yours. Always remember, the experience is the masterpiece. The "flaws" in your artwork are teaching you to be creative. Learn more about the importance of creativity here. Happy painting!

Want to leave the mess with us? That's totally an option. Join one of our day camps and you can get your craft on, while leaving the mess behind.