Asia has a rich art history and culture. Being such a vast continent with so much diversity, there are a lot of fun projects for any age and skill level. We have selected one from each subregion and we encourage you to try them yourself. For most of these crafts, you should either have what is needed on hand, or be able to acquire the materials from local stores, such as dollar general. Enjoy!
Koinobori - Japanese koi fish windsocks. Image from Flickr. Creator: Guilhem Vellut.
Shyrdak
Traditionally, shyrdak are colorfully designed felt coverings for floors and walls, hearkening back to a more nomadic period in the history of Central Asia. The designs vary, but are often symmetrical and repeating, using highly contrasting colors for a strong visual aesthetic. In short, these are decorative textiles with a huge color pop!
Just as in the video below, let's try drawing some cool patterns with borders, then flushing them out with a variety of colors.
Supply list:
Drawing paper, a pencil, an eraser (everyone makes mistakes), and your favorite coloring stationery (crayons, colored pencils, markers, paints, etc.).
Origami Crane
Significance of the origami crane: Origami cranes are the most popular of all origami art in Japan. They signify hope and love. On their wings, they carry souls to paradise. Creating a senbazuru - the folding of 1000 origami cranes strung together - is said to grant a person one wish.
Supplies List:
Origami paper (or some thin paper cut into a square).
Ketupat Ribbons
This is a fun craft unique to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the surrounding area. These are a cross-woven, square patterned ribbon decoration used to add pizazz to a holiday card, hang from a ceiling in a room, or you can even use them outdoors as additions to strings of lights, lanterns, wind chimes, or whatever else inspires you!
Supply List:
Scotch tape, 2 different colored roles of ribbon (same size though!), some paper clips, and scissors.
Henna Tattoos
Firstly, don't worry - these are not REAL tattoos. These are temporary designs. Henna is also the name of the plant that produces the dye used to make the temporary tattoos.
Traditionally, henna designs of lotus flowers, mandalas, and other cultural symbols are used to decorate the hands and feet of women before their weddings, or during other holidays and festivities. Oftentimes, if you go to a zoo, amusement park, carnival, or any other such place, there will be a booth offering henna tattoos.
The video below will instruct you how to create your own henna dye out of common household items and apply the designs yourself!
Supply List:
Glue, red and green food coloring (combined to make brown)/or brown food coloring, a small dish to combine the ingredients for the dye, and some toothpicks for application.
Mezuzah
Mezuzah are parchments inscribed with verses from the Torah, often with the names of God inscribed on them as well, that are then hung from the doorposts of Jewish households. Often, wood or clay blocks are used to hold said inscriptions, neatly decorated with tidy, artistic Hebrew characters.
To many modern users, mezuzah are like dreamcatchers; they are used to ward off evil. To others, they are fun decorations that are symbolic of cultural heritage. Regardless of your intended use, gather the simple supplies below and learn how to decorate your own mezuzah using the video below.
Supply List:
Sculpting clay, aluminum foil, exacto knife, and a small printed paper with your favorite verse or quote on it.
