Chinese crafts are often given as tokens of love and appreciation – a gift made with your hands comes from your heart. The spiral is an ancient symbol representing the ever evolving progression of life. A Chinese spiral is the embodiment of architecture and fun.
Making a Chinese Spiral is a relatively simple project. However, due to the precision of placement and use of certain adhesives, this may not be a project for little hands. This craft needs only minimal supplies for its creation.
You will need approximately 50 wood craft sticks, also known as ice cream sticks. You can purchase the sticks at a craft store in colored or natural wood. You can vary the number of sticks depending on the length of your spiral. Using colored sticks will cut down on the time needed to paint the sticks, but you are resigned to that color selection. For a more unique look, consider using acrylic paints to paint the natural wood sticks. For example, you can begin with a green paint for the first phase of the spiral and then lighten the shade of green by mixing it with yellow paint. Using various shades of this mixture, you can create an ombre effect, or graduated tone, and finish with all yellow sticks. The sticks will need to be painted on both sides, as well as the edges. Be sure the paint is completely dry before beginning the next step.
For the next step you will need a glue adhesive. Instant glue works best for this project. This fast drying adhesive allows for quick assembling of many pieces. Place a small drop of instant glue in the middle of the stick and use the applicator to spread the glue out about an inch. Take another stick and place it at a slight angle on top of the glued stick, keeping the ends next to each other, not on top. Press down on the glued area to form a tight bond. Be sure there are no gaps between the rounded ends of the sticks – you want the sticks to create a fan effect. Glue a third stick at the same angle as the previous. It is best to make groups of three sticks each until you have used all of your sticks. Working in small groups allows for a consistent look.
The next step will be a repeat of the previous, only this time you will be gluing your groups of three together into another group of three or four. Continue this until all of your sticks are assembled. Finally, using the same method once again, assemble all of your pieces together to create your spiral. Use care in handling your spiral and be sure to press the pieces together to form a tight bond.
Lastly, gently drive a small nail into the top center of the spiral. Tie a long piece of string or thread around the head of the nail. Hang the spiral where it can be enjoyed by all.
