The Making of a Parol

December 10, 2010

Of all the things to make for a project, Dylan has to make a Christmas parol. For those who are unfamiliar with what it is, it is basically a Christmas lantern, usually in the shape of a star. It represents the Star of Bethlehem which the 3Magi saw on their way to Jesus as the story goes. Sometimes, it's made of capiz and with lights inside. People actually flock to Pampanga to buy these giant parols.

For Dylan's project, it was to be made from recyclable materials. To be honest, I have no idea how to make one. I've never been particularly brilliant at practical arts, I actually had someone else make my projects especially when it came to sewing, knitting and all those girly stuff LOL I've never had the misfortune of being tasked with building a parol - UNTIL NOW! hahahaha Therefore, much thanks to Ate Mel and Ate Den who helped me help Dylan with his project hahahaha

Fig. 1 - Getting all the materials ready.  We used thread, barbecue sticks (small ones, I didn't think we were capable of making really huge parols) You have to be realistic with your skills you know hehehehe

Fig, 2 - Creating the frame of the parol using barbecue sticks, thread and some tape

Fig. 3 - Choosing the materials from old magazines to cover the parol with

Fig. 4 - The Cutting begins.  You have to give the kids something to cut so they don't disturb you hahaha  It's a good exercise for Dylan which is why he has his own pair of scissors.

Fig. 5 - More cutting.  But this time, you also have to glue the pieces to the frame.  We also cut some graphics like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh hoping to glue them as designs to the parol.

Fig. 6 - More cutting and pasting.  The actual kind.

Fig. 7 - 8 Finished product!! hahaha I understand that the parol we made was small compared to what other parents probably did.  But see, the point of the exercise is for the whole family to do a project together and have fun with it.  I think we achieved that goal successfully! :)

On a sidenote, Patrick's contribution was being the photographer during the shoot hahaha We needed to submit actual photos while doing the project as proof that we really did it and not just bought the parol from outside sources.

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