Filipino Parol From Blick
art + social studies
In the Philippines, during the Festival of Lights, the traditional bamboo and paper parol (puh-roll), or star lantern, symbolizes the victory of light
over darkness as well as hope and
goodwill. All throughout the festival
season, star-shaped lanterns can be seen hanging outside homes and along the
streets of cities and small provincial towns, farms and fishing villages. Around Manila, parols made of Capiz shell or plastic
illuminate the city. One of the most spectacular sights can be seen in the city
of San Fernando where 20-foot tall parols with flashing lights are paraded through the streets on truck beds.
The first parol were inspired by Chinese lanterns and the Mexican piñatas brought by missionaries to the Philippines. Bamboo
reeds formed the star
shape, which was then covered with Japanese rice paper and illuminated from within by a candle.
This simplified design can be easily constructed by children, then painted with brilliant watercolors. Displayed in a window or hanging from a light fixture, they make colorful, festive decorations for any season.
Grade Levels 3-8

I saw this lesson at an art conference once and thought it was the coolest thing!! You use rice paper, flat reed, and liquid watercolors.  It's easy to do and a lot of fun, my students really enjoyed the 

Liquid Watercolors             Here is the site for the lesson!