CNY Crafts: Make Your Own Dragon And Ox Puppets

An art teacher shows us how to have a fun parade at home this Chinese New Year.

Create your own Fire Dragon Dance at home this year by making a festive Chinese New Year puppet! I took inspiration from My Poppet Makers and then adapted it to what we had available and to this year’s zodiac animal. Verdict? This CNY puppet craft is Ox-cellent fun for the family! Whether the puppet becomes a decoration for your home, a loved toy or a prop in your very own CNY-at-home parade, this fun DIY craft is sure to brighten up your holiday.

Read more: Chinese New Year 2021: CNY Camps And Classes For Kids In Hong Kong

What You Need

• Paper plates (two per puppet, plus an additional one for the ox)
• Egg carton
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Liquid white glue
• Acrylic or thick tempera paint
• Large, small and medium paintbrushes
• Feathers
• Ribbon or yarn

Read more: Where To Get Children’s Art And Craft Supplies In Hong Kong

How To Make CNY Puppets

Start by cutting one paper plate in half. Using another plate, fold it in half which will act as the base for the other parts to attach to.

Using the two halves of the cut paper plate, align and staple each half to the folded plate, leaving an opening on the top and bottom. The folded plate forms the body of the puppet and the top opening (between the folded plate and the stapled half) is where you slide four fingers and the bottom one where you put your thumb to make the puppet’s mouth move.

Then, cut the egg carton so you have two egg mounds to use as eyes or nostrils. Using the stapler, attach the egg carton pieces to the top of the puppet. If you are making a dragon puppet, these will become its eyes.

If you want to make an ox, you can simply add two more carton pieces to the front edge of the plate for nostrils.

Now paint the entire puppet structure red or another colour of your choice. Once dry, you can add details in the eyes and nostrils and also paint a tongue and teeth inside the mouth.

Lastly, add feathers behind the eyes using glue and staple ribbon, streamers, or yarn under the mouth or behind the eyes. If you have made an ox, cut horns from another paper plate and attach them to the inside of the opening using the stapler. You can even add a nose ring!

You won’t be missing out on any of the Lunar New Year festivities this year, you’ll be making your own! Create new traditions and celebrate this special time of the year with your little ones, making, crafting, painting and playing. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Read more: The Art And Etiquette Of Giving And Receiving Lai See In Hong Kong