It’s that time of the year again - the season for overeating, nosy relatives whom you won’t see for the rest of the year and gaudy decorations, tons of it.
Tired of dusting off traditional red/gold chunlians (春联) or faux firecrackers and looking for something current? We’ve got three easy DIY paper projects that’ll put a trendy spin on the usual Lunar New Year adornments. Huat in style this year (and impress your hard-to-impress extended families) with a bit of handmade magic!
Kois are a popular symbol in Chinese art, as they represent prosperity and good fortune. Moreover, the Chinese character for fish (鱼) has the same pronunciation as the word for excess (余) - Which means luck and more luck every year (年年有余)!
For those who can’t afford to buy an $888 fish, you can still make do with this cute, patterned paper kois that probably won’t cost more than $8. Place them as a decorative piece alongside your ba bao (八宝) tray, or use it as gorgeous wall decor.
What You'll Need
- Paper template (Download version 1/ version 2/version 3)
- Stick glue
- Scissors
- Blu - tack (for pasting on walls)
Watch the video tutorial here
Fun fact: Fortune cookies are not Chinese in origin, but an American invention that somehow became commonplace in Chinese restaurants. Though they don’t hold any particular auspicious meaning, they can be a quirky addition to a reunion dinner.
Family and friends will be pleasantly surprised by this unusual, oriental-style party favour. Don’t worry, you won’t be baking up trays of brown biscuits - Here’s an easy-to-make paper version of the popular snack. Lastly, don’t forget to insert slips of well-wishes or messages of good luck.
What You'll Need
- Paper template (Download here)
- Stick glue
- Scissors
Watch the video tutorial here
Money doesn’t grow on trees, but you sure can get a plant that’ll bring in the cash! Chinese money plants are a favourite home addition for the Lunar New Year because of their intended Feng Shui benefits - its rounded leaves are said to bring positive energy and good fortune.
Not an avid gardener and find it bothersome to maintain a plant? Grow your very own low-maintenance paper version with this tutorial! They look adorable, won’t require watering, and of course, impressed relatives will be commenting on your amazing handicraft skills.
What You'll Need
- Green construction paper
- Thin metal wires
- Small pebbles/ rocks (you can buy them at IKEA)
- Flower pot/ cup
- Chalk/white paint/white colour pencil
- Scissors
- Stick Glue (for paper plant)
- UHU liquid glue/clear tape (for attaching wires)
Watch the video tutorial here
Looking for more DIY projects? Check out this video tutorial on turning your old sweater into a soft cushy pet bed for less than $20!
Get a budget estimate before meeting IDs