YW Activity: Chinese New Year's

We had a fun activity this week with the Beehives - Chinese New Year's. Patty had decorated the room with paper lanterns, umbrellas and various books. It looked very festive. She started the evening by telling the girls a little history about Chinese New Year's and that it is the year of the Ox. Then we heard what year it was when we were born (Horse for me). Tying in the hard working characteristic of the ox (dependable, calm, patient, hardworking, ambitious, logical), she had me give them a short lesson on what characteristics they should have when they are in the work force. Then I started the craft portion. We had 11 girls show up (yeah) and they seemed to have a really good time during the whole evening.

DECORATE CHOPSTICKS: I used a wood burning tool. Had to borrow Audrey's and she gave me a lesson on how to use it. I think it turned out pretty good. I got a package of #100 chopsticks for under $2.00 at Cash N Carry. To decorate, you need to keep with simple lines and dots, unless you are a wood burning expert like my daughter! This was a hit with the girls until we had a little technical issue and had to stop before everyone got a chance to finish. Good thing the second craft kept them more than busy!!
MAKE PAPER FORTUNE COOKIES: I bought a package of take out boxes (#25 for about $2 also at Cash N Carry) and then some patterned paper. Cut circles out of scrapbook paper, 3"-4" works well. Fold the circle in half (lightly, do not crease) with just a little overlap. Then you bring the two sides together by holding your fingers on either edge and kind of push in the center so it folds. Again, do not crease at all. They look more realistic if you do not fold them exactly in half, but a bit off center. Then use a small piece of double-stick tape to seal it into the fortune cookie shape. I also had prepared some fortunes for the girls to put inside. You can put them in before you start folding, or push in afterwards. After the crafting session, we enjoyed some egg rolls & rice in traditional Chinese bowls (some girls even ate with their chopsticks) and of course, real fortune cookies for dessert!