How to Build a Chinese Dragon
- 1). Use a box big enough to fit over a head for the dragon's head. Cut out areas to represent the eyes and the mouth.
- 2). Bend the wire into shapes that represent the ears and horns. Tape over with newspaper. Attach the forms to the box using masking tape
- 3). Dip strips of newspaper into a glue mixture of one part water and one part glue. Apply the newspaper to the dragon's head. Try to keep the strips of newspaper in one direction. Do not cover the opening created for the eyes and mouth.
- 4). Smooth the strips down with your fingers. Let the paper and glue dry.
- 5). Repeat the process, this time applying the strips of newspaper in a different direction. This method will add strength to the dragon's head. Let dry.
- 6). Roll up some newspaper to create handles. Tape the handles to each side the mask so the user will have something to hold onto when moving the mask around.
- 7). Add fabric to the bottom of the head to hide the handles.
- 8). Paint the head in various bright colors.
- 9). Decorate the dragon's head with glitter, fabric, pom-poms and other embellishments, using glue.
- 10
Glue sheer fabric over the eye openings so the person wearing the mask may see out. - 11
Create the body by using five yards of fabric in a shade that will complement the dragon's head. Drape one end of the fabric over the end of the head. Secure to the dragon's head with tape, glue or staples. - 12
Cut the end of the fabric into a point, to make the tail. Roll up some newspaper to create handles. Secure them to each side of the tail by sewing or taping. The handles give the user something to hold onto when moving and lifting the tail around and help you simulate the movement of the dragon's body.