Chinese Dragon Pull Toy

This is a toy I vaguely remember picking up a long time ago... I'm thinking 1974 World's Fair in Spokane, WA. The Cub Scouts general theme for February this year is Chinese New Years, and this toy I haven't thought about in ages suddenly pops into mind and I decided I had to come up with it.

This instructable will show you step-by-step how to put one together, and I envision this as a parent child activity. I've added a note about that at the end.

Step 1: You Will Need

This dragon has two parts: the dragon body and the mechanism.

For the body:
Paper - Fine paper is nice, but newsprint or butcher paper will do and can be painted
Mask - Download the pdf template
Paints/markers/crayons
Tools:
Glue
Scissors

For the Mechanism:
1 wooden spool - Still available at hobby/craft stores
1" finishing nail
1 rubber band
6" wire - Paper clip works, but I use 14 gauge galvanized wire for a bit more stiffness
40" heavy thread - embroidery thread works well
1 finger pull of some sort
Tools:
Scissors
Wire cutters
Pliers
Glue

Comments

[Bosun Rick]

What are you using to form the "head"? It looks like a section of styrofoam plate cut to shape maybe?

[ChinaFamilyAdventure]

Thank you! This is a great project we will definitely try with the kids!

[dragon7445]

you could probally design your own head!

[Spartan Phalanx]

I remember buying one of these when I was in Pakistan, the mechanism was am out of clay ad I think that it was a snake instead of a dragon. I might make one of these if I get the time

[Jane Gammons]

How about using some of that Christmas wrapping you saved or can buy in January at 50 to 75% off.

[litho]

Thanks for the input! I'll be posting a video shortly, and possibly do a video of folding as well, maybe in a separate instructable. I've also added a note about it being a 'kids' project.

[Charger_06]

what does it do vill you put up a video

[CementTruck]

That's cool. I have not seen one of these in a long time. Brings back some memories.

[Kiteman]

Nice job. It's beyond my Cubs, but I think I'll pass it on to the technology department at school - they like simple and effective toys.

[GorillazMiko]

Nice job, you added really good pictures into this Instructable.