Scale-Covered Lion Dance Costume Under Swirly Clouds

A Chinese lion dance costume takes up most of this page, with a big round eye, fuzzy ears, curly decorations on the forehead, a wide open mouth and a long fringe hanging under the chin. The body is covered in scalloped scale shapes, and a tufted tail sticks up at the back. Three performers in short tunics and striped leg wraps walk in a line under the body, holding sticks to keep the tail raised, while the lion's front legs have ruffled stripes. Three curly clouds float across the top. The scales are perfect for pattern practice, so try alternating two or three colors row by row. Kids can also color the big eye boldly and then talk about why lion dances are part of Chinese New Year celebrations. This free printable works well for a classroom craft day or a quiet afternoon at home.