Kids can Make a Simple, Chinese New Year Horse
This is the Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese zodiac, based on the 12-year cycle of the lunar calendar. Help the grandkids get into the spirit of the celebration by making a Chinese New Year horse.
Whether you call it Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year likely depends on where you’re from. Growing up in Hawaii, it was Chinese New Year because the celebrations followed Chinese customs.
This year, Chinese New Year begins on February 17; it lasts up to 16 days. Learn more about Chinese New Year and plan your own celebration with the grandkids.
Make a dragon puppet to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year Horse
Materials Needed
- 1 toilet paper roll
- Acrylic paint in the child’s favorite horse color
- Thick yarn to match the paint
- Construction paper to match the paint
- Googly eyes (or draw eyes with marker)
- Black pen
Make a paper lanterns for the Chinese New Year.
Tools Needed
- Scissors
- Paint brush
- Small, low-temperature glue gun and glue sticks
Method
Paint the toilet paper roll; let dry. Cut 6 strands of yarn in 11-inch lengths. If you use thin yarn, you’ll new a few more strands.
The yarn will be used for the forelock (front) of the horse and for the mane (back). Tie all the yarn strands together in a loose knot, leaving about 1 1/2 to 2 inches on one side of the knot for the forelock.
Cut ears from construction paper. Cut the muzzle from construction paper, drawing two dots for the horse’s nostrils.
Apply a bit glue using the glue gun at the top edge of the toilet paper roll. You want to press the forelock into the glue, just before the knot. The knot and the remaining yarn goes to the back of the horse for the mane.
Make wonton cups (not at all authentic) for a kids’ Chinese New Year tea party.
Now use the glue gun to secure the eyes and muzzle. Trim the forelock, as needed if the yarn is covering the eyes.
NOTE: A glue gun is not safe for younger children to use, and you will have to determine if an older child has the dexterity to use one safely. By selecting a small, low-temperature glue gun, you reduce the risk somewhat. The small gun is easier and lighter for smaller hands to maneuver and a low-temperature gun will not get as hot as an ordinary glue gun. Still, be extremely careful and be sure the glue gun is always unplugged when not in use, and not left where the child might touch it, whether plugged in or still cooling.
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