Chinese New Year Noise Makers are an easy classroom project for children. The Chinese rattle or pellet drums are a familiar musical item in Chinese culture. These noise makers have a similar operation, where the pellet (mardi gras bead) beats against the hollow core of the cardboard tube.
My favorite crafts are often those that start with recycled products. Pair that with kid’s love of making noise and you’ve got these festive Chinese New Year Noise Makers.
This craft can be put together in a variety of ways. I’ve got two examples here using black construction paper and gold foil paper (old gift bag) for to wrap the cardboard tube. You will also find the printable for both the Mandarin (Gong Xi Fa Cai) and Cantonese (Gong Hey Fat Choy) sayings for Happy New Year.
Supplies Needed
- Stapler
- Scissors
- Scotch tape
- Craft glue
- Clean Toilet paper roll or other cardboard tube
- Mardi Gras beads
- Ribbon – or other decorations
- Red or White printer paper
- Construction paper or other decorative paper
- Printout for Gong Xi Fa Cai or Gong Hey Fat Choy banner
Let’s Get Started
- Start with an empty cardboard tube for each Chinese New Year noise maker. Completely cover the roll (with the gold foil paper) or leave the the top 1″ uncovered (as shown with the black paper). Attach either with glue or scotch tape.
- Print either the Gong Xi Fa Cai or Gong Hey Fat Choy banner and cut apart. Each printout will have 4 of the same banner.
Add the Mardi Gras Beads
- Cut 8 sections of Mardi Gras beads (from one or two colors of beads). Each section should have around 12 beads on it.
- On the bottom of the printout is a template that gives an idea as to where the 8 slits should be made on a standard sized TP roll. With scissors, make the slits at the top of the TP roll about 1/2 to 3/4″ deep.
- Slide the string between the first and second beads into each snipped section on the tube. The single bead can be on the inside (as shown on the gold foil paper) or on the outside (as shown with the black paper). Either way, just be consistent on the placement of the beads. If the single bead is on the outside, then all beads can be enclosed inside the tube until ready to use.
- Once all the beads are in place, thread a ribbon through the snipped sections of the paper roll. This optional step will help the beads stay in place longer and give a nice finished look.
- Staple the snipped sections of cardboard tube together so that the beads and ribbon will stay in place.
Final Touches
- Decorate the tube with the Chinese words for Happy New Year (Mandarin (Gong Xi Fa Cai) or Cantonese (Gong Hey Fat Choy) and secure the ends with scotch tape.
- Add other ribbons to decorate the tube, again securing in place with scotch tape.