Recreate the Nostalgic Playgrounds of Singapore!
Every Singaporean worth their salt will recognise this iconic dragon playground! We’ve been seeing them in store windows, t-shirts and souvenirs, and were inspired to help you make your own dragon playground DIY craft with your child.
This dragon head design was created in 1979 by Khor Ean Ghee, HDB’s in-house designer. He wanted the playground to reflect Singapore’s identity, and drew inspiration from the Oriental dragon commonly seen among the Chinese community in Singapore.
This is a great way to share about an older, simpler Singapore with your child. I shudder to think of a world without playgrounds and only Playstations!
Let’s enjoy this blast from the past!
Materials for Dragon Playground DIY Craft:
- PositiveLeePeilin Dragon Playground printable
- Ice-cream sticks x 2
- A3 paper (A4 paper is fine, just more sticking required!)
- Cardboard (or used cereal box)
- Scissors
- Tape
Directions:
- Download the free PositiveLeePeilin printable here.
- Print and cut out the dragon head and tail.
- Apply glue at the back of the dragon head and tail and paste onto cardboard to make them stiffer.
- Cut out the dragon head and tail. Set aside.
Making the dragon’s accordion body:
5. Cut out four strips on the long side of the paper.
6. You’ll need at least four strips if you’re using A3 paper or six strips if you’re using A4.
7. Stick two strips perpendicular to each other, so the form an ‘L’.
8. Fold one strip over another, so they repeatedly overlap.
9. Add on the other strips to lengthen. The longer your strips, the longer your accordion.
6. Apply glue on the dragon head and accordion body, with the ice-cream stick in-between.
7. Do the same for the dragon tail, sticking the back, ice-cream stick and end of the accordion body
8. Wait for at least 2 hours to dry before pulling on the body
You’re now a mother (or father) of a dragon! A nostalgic dragon playground, that is!
I recommend taking this dragon playground DIY craft exploring as well. Here are where four of the dragon playgrounds are!
If you’ve made this, we’d love to see it! Tag us at @PositiveLeePeilin on Facebook or Instagram or use the hashtag #PositiveLeeDIY. We love seeing your crafts!
Bonus: Love making crafts with your child? Make your own lion king loudhailer in these step-by-step tutorials!
