DIY Shuttlecock: A Fun Chinese New Year Craft Kids can Play

During the Chinese New Year holiday children enjoy all kinds of games, including a game of shuttlecock called "jianzi" - it can be played by any number of people. The object of the game is to keep a shuttlecock in the air as long as possible, using any body part to propel it - except the hands. People usually start with their feet, then try their knees, their foreheads, the outsides of their feet, and other parts of their bodies. Think of it as a Chinese Hacky-Sack - Have Fun!

^{Janus Bahs Jacquet from Copenhagen, Danmark via Wiki Media}

Chinese New Year falls between January 21st and February 20th each year

This traditional Asian game goes by many names in the different countries it's played. Typically the shuttlecock or feather ball is made from cloth, coins and feathers, but here are two versions below using items you likely have on hand at home. Have fun and Happy Lunar New Year!

Learn more:

Materials:

2 pieces of 8"x12" tissue paper in different colors
pencil and ruler
scissors
2 quarters
string, yarn or rubber band

Directions:

Start with the two pieces of tissue paper together, one on top of the other. Fold them in half to make an 8"x6" rectangle. Draw a line parallel to the crease, about 1 inch from the it. Cut seven straight lines perpendicular to the fold, stopping at the line you drew.
Unfold the paper and stack two quarters at the top center of the crease, near the edge. Fold paper tightly over the quarters from one end of the paper to the other.
Gather the strips up in one direction and tie the base with string, yarn or a rubber band. Spread out the cut strips and you have a jianzi!