SLab CNY Camps, Jan 28 – Feb 22

The SLab is seriously fab! Their CNY workshops for kids ranging from 8 – 12, offer an eclectic mix of cool and inspiring courses in fashion, film, and photography. Students will be given the opportunity to learn about a plethora of industries and have a go at building on their knowledge through practical, creative, and fun activities.

Sewing 101, Weeks 1-4 (Ages 8+)

Their most popular course introduces students to the world of sewing: how to use a sewing machine, and independently tackle basic troubleshooting tasks. Kids at the end of the course will walk away with a drawstring bag, made by their own sweet hands!

Metalsmithing 101, Weeks 1-3 (Ages 12+)

Students will learn how to pierce, saw, and finish metal pieces. This is a unique experience for kids to work with brass or silver to create their own jewelry or accessories to welcome in Chinese New Year.

Moviemaking, Weeks 1-3 (Ages 8+)

Lights, camera, action! Using the tools available to low-budget filmmakers, this camp will take students on a 101 moviemaking expedition. Using everyday digital devices and professional cameras, students will produce their own short movies under the supervision of fully qualified instructors. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind joining this workshop without the kids!

Movie Editing, Week 4 (Ages 12+)

This workshop is all about the seemingly mysterious planet that is post-production! Using iMovie, students will learn the foundational skills and techniques of editing, to create coherent and visually imaginative movies from footage shot by the previous moviemaking camp.

Digital Photography, Weeks 2-3 (Ages 8+)

The SLab’s latest program has been developed for students to understand the ins-and-outs of photography. Students will learn about composition and how to use a camera correctly. Students will be encouraged to capture stories of the world that they see all around them.

To find out more information and register WeChat: JenPohland.

Sewing 101 RMB 1888. 10-3pm, Jan 28 – Feb 1, Feb 4 – Feb 22.

Metalsmithing 101 RMB 1,888. 10-3pm. Jan 28 – Feb 1, Feb 11 – Feb 15.

Movie-Making RMB 2,888. 10-3pm. Feb 4 -15.

Editing in iMovie RMB 2,888. 10-3pm. Feb 18 – 22.

The SLab, 2/F, Building 2, 7 Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District 北京东城区新中街7号2号楼2层

Photos: courtesy of The SLab

Do you hate those one yuan notes that always take up space in your wallet? Use them to create an origami heart! They’re fun to make and very cute. Just follow the steps after the jump and you’ll have an adorable origami heart in a matter of minutes.

I know it might be a bit hard, but try to find a relatively new and uncrumpled note. The results won’t be as good if you use an old and wrinkled one (not to mention significantly grosser).

1. First, fold the top right corner down to meet the bottom of the note.

2. Unfold, and reverse the process by folding up the bottom right corner of the note.

3. Now you can see an "X" shape when you unfold both corners. Pinch the middle creases (like in the first picture) and push down the resulting triangular tip. You’ll send up with something that looks like the photo above.

4. Now do the same thing for the left side of the note.

5. Fold the diamond in half, bringing the edges of the triangles together. Flatten the spine, then unfold the diamond again so that the back looks like the above photo.

6. Turn the diamond over again. Fold the corners of both triangles to the middle.The result will look like the above photo.

7. Then flatten each of the four small triangles to create four small squares.

8. Fold the sides of each square towards the middle crease. (The resulting points should face outwards, not inwards.)

9. Then, unfold each of the creases you just created and flatten into even smaller points.

10. Flip the note over and fold the left and right corners back. Don’t fold them in too much, or you’ll end up with a square backing to the heart instead of a, well, heart-shaped one.

11. Now fold down the top to create the heart shape.

11. If there is a small flap in the back as in the picture, flatten it to the side.

And it’s done!

If you want you can also add a one mao coin in the middle. Just pop it between the four points of the smaller hearts.

Adapted from How to Fold a Dollar Into a Heart

Photos by Laura Ibba