Chinese New Year Ang Pow Sheep

It is the time of the year to start making some Chinese New Year crafts! This year, the first day of Chinese New Year falls on the 19 February 2015 and it will last for 15 days. Last year, I had made quite a few Ang Pow lanterns, taught the children simple ways to learn the Chinese zodiac, did various paper cuttings and also made a 3D Chinese “Spring” character. Click on the title Chinese Culture to look at my previous Chinese New Year crafts.

This coming year is the year of the Sheep. During these next few weeks, I will be sharing different types of sheep crafts with you!

Today, I am showing you how to make a Chinese character sheep 羊 using ang pow (red packet). This is a very simple way to decorate your wall and teach your children Chinese words.

To make Ang Pow Sheep, you will need:

• 11 Ang Pows preferably rectangular shape
• Stapler
• Blue tack

Steps:

1. Take three ang pows and staple them as shown in the photo. This is the body of the Chinese character.
2. Take two ang pows and staple them. This is the top stroke of the Chinese character.
   
3. Then take three ang pows and staple them slightly closer together. This is the bottom stroke of the Chinese character.
4. Place the body ang pows and place the top stroke on the top, followed by one ang pow and the bottom stroke. Staple them.
5. Fold two ang pows into half.
   
6. Now stick them on the wall.

This is a great way to teach young children how to write and read the Chinese word. Also teach them the Chinese culture of decorating the home with a lot of ang pow and also how to use ang pow for crafts. I will also be using this to teach my Chinese club to help the children to recognise the Chinese word.