Celebrate Lunar New Year with Fireworks that Really Fly

The Lunar New Year begins on February 1, 2022, but celebrations will typically last for weeks after.

And if you haven't heard, it's the year of the rabbit! 

To celebrate, I wanted to make something bright and fun that does justice to this annual celebration!

If you're looking for an exciting, high-flying way to take part in the festivities, try making your own fireworks. Here's how:

What you’ll need

• paper straws
• colourful paper (this is a great craft to reuse recycled wrapping paper and ribbon)
• scissors
• tape
• glue 

How It's Made

Start by making a flying “cap.”

Cut a square of construction paper and roll it tightly around the end of a straw.  Make sure the bottom of the roll fits very snugly.

The top of the roll will naturally fan out a little bit as you tighten the bottom around the straw — which is a-OK! Use a piece of tape to hold your roll shut.

Next, pinch the top of the roll to flatten it. Then fold the top of the roll downward to make a little flap. Tape the flap down.

Test your cap. Slide your cap onto the end of your straw and blow. An air-tight cap will take flight.

Note: A cap that doesn’t fly probably has air escaping from somewhere. If your cap isn’t flying, try sealing it better by adding more tape to the open edge of the roll or to the flap you’ve made. You can also re-roll your cap to get a tighter fit around the straw.

Next, make decorations to add to your flying caps.

Cut strips of paper in a lot of fun colours. You can try folding your strips like an accordian or create coils and spirals by wrapping strips around a pencil, paint brush or straw.

You can also try cutting fringe into shapes like rectangles and circles. Try curling and folding the fringe in interesting ways. 

Last, use glue to attach your decorations to your caps. Use lots of colours, lines and shapes bursting up and outwards to make your cap look like a real firework!

This is important: Give your fireworks some time to dry before you send them flying.

To celebrate the new year, load your caps onto your straws. Point your straws skyward and blow. Watch your fireworks fly into the sky! K-R-RACK! KA-BOOM! KA-POW! Happy new year!