Are you looking for Chinese New Year crafts to make with your kids? Check out these cardboard Chinese dragon puppets that are so cute!
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Did you know that Chinese New Year is a really big deal in Hawaii?
That’s because there’s a huge Asian population in Hawaii. Many people came from counties like China, Japan, and the Philippines to work in the sugar cane fields during plantation days.
They also brought along their culture, holidays, and traditions.
And since Hawaii is truly a melting pot, they celebrate as many cultural traditions as possible.
We’ve attended some Chinese New Year celebrations in Hawaii that were absolutely incredible.
Of course, my boys always love seeing the Chinese Lion Dances and the Chinese Dragon Dances and feeding them the red envelopes full of cash.
This year, we won’t be participating in any of our usual activities for Chinese New Year, so I’ve been brainstorming a few Chinese New Year kid’s crafts.
Out of all the ideas of crafts for Chinese New Year, nothing really compares to this adorable Chinese paper dragon craft for kids.
Be sure to check out my DIY Chinese Paper Lantern tutorial and my Chinese New Year Activity Pack!
Chinese New Year Dragon Craft Tutorial
Chinese Dragon Craft Materials
- 2 paper towel-sized cardboard tubes, cut into thirds
- Red paint (I used tempera, but acrylic would also work)
- Paintbrush
- 6 to 8 brads, depending on chosen length
- Colorful paper flowers
- 2 googly eyes
- 2 small red buttons
- Glue or glue dots (I used glue dots)
- Gold ribbon
- Scissors
- 2 craft sticks, if making as a puppet
How to Make a Chinese New Year Dragon Puppet
Cut large cardboard tubes into three equal pieces (about 3 inches long.) Depending on your desired length, you can use four to five of these pieces.
From the sixth tube, cut a piece about 2 inches wide.
Fold the piece and cut a curve from one side so it will rest on another tube to form the head of the dragon. Glue this piece towards one side of a cardboard tube.
On the opposite side, cut a curve so the body will fit together and have room to move.
On each of the other tubes, cut a curve in each side so that the body will have room to move when they are attached. Punch a hole in each pointed side created by removing a curve.
Paint cardboard tubes with red paint and allow them to dry completely.
Once dry, decorate the head using the paper flowers, buttons, and eyes.
To create the golden flames from the mouth, cut lengths of ribbon and attach them together before gluing to the inside of the dragon’s mouth.
Connect the body pieces using brads.
To make a puppet, use scissors or a craft knife to pierce a small slice on the bottom of the head and the last piece of the body.
Poke a craft stick into each hole.
And that’s it! Now you have an adorable Chinese New Year art and craft to make this year!
Chinese Dragon Puppet FAQs
You can easily make this dragon puppet with some cardboard tubes, red paint, and decorations. It is the perfect Chinese New Year’s craft!
Some parts might be a bit difficult for young toddlers, but older kids can probably do most of this craft on their own, with supervision from parents.
Yes! It is a wonderful holiday that anyone can enjoy and appreciate. There are even tons of Chinese New Year events in Hawaii!
Looking for more Hawaii craft ideas? Find out how to make a paper lei, crepe paper flowers, Hello Kitty paper craft, and a macrame rainbow!
Chinese Dragon Puppet Craft
Looking for awesome kids Chinese New Year crafts? Learn how to make Chinese Dragon Puppets out of cardboard tubes!
Materials
- 2 paper towel-sized cardboard tubes, cut into thirds
- Red paint (I used tempera but acrylic would also work)
- 6 to 8 brads, depending on chosen length
- Colorful paper flowers
- 2 googly eyes
- 2 small red buttons
- Glue or glue dots (I used glue dots)
- Gold ribbon
- 2 craft sticks, if making as a puppet
Tools
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
Instructions
- Cut large cardboard tubes into three equal pieces (about 3 inches long.) Depending on your desired length, you can use four to five of these pieces.
- From the sixth tube, cut a piece about 2 inches wide.
- Fold the piece and cut a curve from one side so it will rest on another
tube to form the head of the dragon. Glue this piece towards one side of a cardboard tube. - On the opposite side, cut a curve so the body will fit together and have room to move.
- On each of the other tubes, cut a curve in each side so that the body
will have room to move when they are attached. Punch a hole in each pointed side created by removing a curve. - Paint cardboard tubes with red paint and allow them to dry completely.
- Once dry, decorate the head using the paper flowers, buttons, and eyes.
- To create the golden flames from the mouth, cut lengths of ribbon and attach them together before gluing to the inside of the dragon’s mouth.
- Connect the body pieces using brads.
- To make a puppet, use scissors or a craft knife to pierce a small slice
on the bottom of the head and the last piece of the body. - Poke a craft stick into each hole.