Beijing Traditional Crafts Revealed | DIY Shadow Puppets Guide

| DIY Shadow Puppets Guide. Hey guys❗️I learned how to make shadow puppets in Beijing I've always been interested in traditional crafts, so I tried making shadow puppets in Beijing this time, and it was really rewarding! Today, I'm going to share my shadow puppet making guide with you👇 🌟【Materials】 👉Leather: I was afraid I couldn't handle donkey leather at first, so I practiced with thick cardboard. You can do the same if you're a beginner. If you want to use donkey leather, remember to treat it to make it translucent in advance. 👉Carving tools: I bought a set of carving knives with blades of various widths, which are very convenient for carving. For example, use a curved knife to carve circles and a pointed knife for fine lines. 👉Drawing tools: Brushes and watercolor paints (acrylic paints are also fine) for coloring, and pencils and erasers for sketching. Be sure to choose paints that are bright and long-lasting. 👉Connecting parts: Thin bamboo sticks, hole punchers, silk threads, or thin iron wires are all essential. Thin bamboo sticks are used to make control rods, hole punchers are used to punch holes at the joints, and silk threads or iron wires are used to connect them so that the shadow puppets can move. 👉Copy table or light board: This is very important as it makes the lines of the pattern clearer. I made my own using a desk lamp and a glass or acrylic board. ✨【Steps】 👉Draw a sketch: I first designed a Peking Opera character pattern on paper, but you can also draw your favorite animals or Beijing's siheyuan. Use a pencil to lightly outline the contours and mark the joints. You can also refer to traditional shadow puppet patterns or simplify modern anime characters for innovative designs. After drawing, copy the pattern onto the prepared material with tracing paper. 👉Carve the shape: Fix the material on the light board, and then start carving along the lines with a carving knife. When carving, pay attention to keeping straight lines straight and curves smooth. Be careful to remove the excess parts of the hollowed-out parts, such as the patterns on the character's clothes. After carving, I also sanded the edges with sandpaper to make them smoother. 👉Color and decorate: Color the shadow puppet with paint according to your design, and make sure the color scheme is coordinated. I matched a red character costume with gold patterns, which looked particularly beautiful. Apply the paint several times to make the colors full and even. Pay attention to the drying time of the paint, and don't rush to apply it before it dries. 👉Assemble and connect: Use a hole puncher to punch holes at the joints, and then use silk threads or iron wires to connect them. Fix the control rods at key points such as the head, hands, and back so that the shadow puppets can move freely and are very sturdy. ⚠️【Notes】 Be careful when using carving knives, and don't cut yourself. Use the paint according to the instructions, pay attention to ventilation, and don't ingest it. Store leather materials in a dry place to avoid moisture and high temperatures, and keep cardboard dry to prevent deformation. Guys, try making your own shadow puppets and experience the charm of traditional crafts!