Running out of ang pows (red envelope/red packet) to decorate your home? Try this paper cutting flower to decorate your home this coming Lunar New Year! This is a very easy craft to follow and great for younger children to do.
It is best to use red coloured paper for this craft, instead of ang pows. Using ang pows will not work for this craft, especially as the inside of an ang pow is usually white in colour. It will turn out a mixture of white background and a partial design on the flower. This is an example of using yellow ang pows – it looks quite unsightly.
You will need square pieces of paper to make this craft, but it’s not commonly found in shops. However, you can just use A4 paper and cut the excess paper around it.
If you wish to hang this flower paper cutting, it is best to use thicker coloured paper rather than thin paper. Thinner paper will tear quite easily, especially if you are going to thread the string or tassel on the tip of the flower due to its weight. If you wish to stick the flower on your wall, you can use double-sided tape.
Now I am going to show you how to fold and cut the paper. You will need these materials:
- 2 sheets of red square paper
- Strong clear glue/ glue stick
- A cut-out of a Chinese word (e.g. from an ang pow) or plastic petals
- 50 – 60 cm red string
- 1 Chinese knot tassel
Step-by-step instructions:
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Fold the square paper diagonal into a triangle as shown below.
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Fold it again into another triangle.
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Fold it one last time into another triangle.
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Now cut an arc as shown in the picture.
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Flip it over and cut two lines as shown.
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Open the paper out.
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Take the middle petals and stick them in the middle.
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Stick the Chinese word in the middle of the flower.
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Repeat steps 1 to 8.
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Now stick the flowers back to back and you will have this gorgeous looking flower.
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Insert the red string on the top and the Chinese knot tassel at the bottom of the flower.
If you want to challenge yourself to make a different flower display, then try this ang pow flower lantern I made seven years ago. This lantern should impress your guests! Or try this pop out flower display.
If you want to learn more about the rest of the Chinese New Year Craft, do check out my Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/etspeaksfrom/chinese-new-year/
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