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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.

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Step 1You 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

DragonMask.pdf28 KB

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10 comments

Jun 6, 2010. 5:38 AMBosun Rick says:

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

Mar 7, 2010. 9:21 AMChinaFamilyAdventure says:

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

Jun 25, 2009. 5:57 PMdragon7445 says:

you could probally design your own head!

Jun 3, 2008. 6:33 PMSpartan Phalanx says:

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

Jan 28, 2008. 6:53 AMJane Gammons says:

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

Jan 12, 2008. 10:44 AMlitho (author) says:

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.