Monday, February 7, 2011

Cardboard Chinese Lanterns


According to the Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. It has silently spoken at many ceremonies and festivals and has been the object of artistic expression.


There are many businesses that have these cardboard tubes left over from products they have used, like carpets and others. We were so lucky to have a parent donate quite a few to our classroom, and we are very grateful. I originally had plans of adding them to our block area that I am trying to expand but remembered that we had made some colorful lanterns with them last year and the children had fun. It was obvious that they would not make it to the block area.


The first step was to paint the cardboard tubes. When dry the children added some glass gems, rocks, buttons, mosaic tiles, shells and Pom Poms. Each was presented a choice of different materials to sprinkle for the final layer, like glitter, crushed shells, shredded paper, beads, wood shaving, and crushed cork. Needless to say, they all look really cool and different. Each child made two lanterns one to take home and the other was put on display for everyone to admire.





































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