Graphically, the English word ‘Big’ is a pictogram in Chinese as 大, pronounced as ‘dà’.
I’m showing you how this Chinese character 大 (Big; dà) has been transformed to its modern form: 大. (I do apologise for my drawing. I do make an effort though.)
Transformation of the character for BIG (大) : from oracle bone writing, bronze writing to its modern form.
(* Link to free download on Chinese characters near the end of this post.)
I’ve written 5 posts recently about bookbinding. This one is my last post in the bookbinding series.
Today I’m going to show you how to make a book with an oriental touch in just 10 minutes (or less).
I call it a Chinese Takeaway Book.
You don’t need glue, needles and scissors.
Apart from a card and some papers, you’ll only need 3 other things: a bamboo stick (chopstick or a skewer), an elastic band and a hole puncher.
You can make an elegant book with an oriental flavour.
This book is particularly suitable for children to make. I normally get my students to make one before the Chinese New Year and I get them to add a few Chinese words on the cover.
This book is oriental as I normally use a bamboo stick or a chopstick to support it. You can of course use a strong skewer, but make sure you cut off the sharp end of a skewer, as you don’t want blood in your classroom or lounge.
I’ve found disposable chopsticks that you get from Japanese restaurants are the best for this book as their length is just perfect. Most Chinese chopsticks are slightly too long.
Now you know why I sometimes help myself with extra pairs of chopsticks when I’m at a Japanese restaurant just before the Chinese New Year.
I made these Chinese New Year cards early this year. The main colour is, of course, red.
For Chinese, red is the symbol of fortune and prosperity. Older people prefer red more than the youngsters, of course. During the Chinese New Year, red is the only colour.
Always red. If you try to be cool or being different by wearing black or white during the Chinese New Year, you’ll get told off by your mum.
I made these Chinese New Year cards
I later asked my son to write 福 （fú) –Happiness — on small cards, and attached them onto the cards. The cards instantly looked more stunning. I’m so proud of Ben.
Happiness - 福 （fú）on Chinese New Year cards
If you only ever learn ONE Chinese word in your life, then this is the word to learn: 福 （fú) –Happiness. Why? Continue reading
