For those of you who don’t know, Jianzi is a traditional Chinese sport that’s pretty much based around kicking a weighted feather apparatus in the air for as long as possible. Needless to say it is loads of fun, and results in endless amounts of entertainment for all who pick it up and start kicking it around. It’s especially popular in the summer months when you can see everyone and their grandma in public spaces after lunch spending a little energy with these feathery shuttlecocks.

We decided, as the Jianzi is one of the most commonly played activities, that this could be an interesting crafting project to tackle with this fun little lady at Keystone Academy. This project can be completed in less than 30 minutes and all of the materials are fairly easy to find, which is nice because less work and prep means more time for play.

Materials: Several feathers, two circular metal scraps with holes in the center, felt, fabric scraps, glue gun, scissors, rubber bands, string

Step 1: Gather and tighten the feathers with rubber bands.

Step 2: Cut two circles about the same diameter as the iron scraps from the felt,

Step 3: Stuff the two holes with feathers, and cut off the extra feather bottoms.

Step 4: Use glue gun to fasten the metal scraps to the felt and feathers.

Step 5: Cut the rags to cushion the metal scraps to the bottom, and tighten it with string to hold it together.

Step 6: Have Fun!

Featured photo: Lense Studio

This article appeared on p30-31 of beijingkids November 2017 issue.
Download your copy here.