Syttende Mai Parade Project

With Norwegian Independence Day, Syttende Mai, just around the bend, I’ve come up with a fun and inexpensive project to help you commemorate the day. This is great to do with kids, with student groups, or even as an activity for your Norwegian club. When you’re done, you’ll have an interactive portrait of patriotism – a moving Syttende Mai parade - to hang in your house.

Supplies needed:
Three pieces of cardboard or heavy stock paper
One paper fastener
Colored pens or pencils
Scissors
Glue
Three circles of varying sizes (to trace)

Begin by dividing one sheet of paper in half lengthwise by drawing a line in pencil. Draw a dot in the middle an inch or so below this line – this will mark the spot where your paper-fastener will eventually puncture. Next, take the middle-sized circle (this can be a plate, a coffee can, or whatever), and trace it onto the paper so that the middle point of the circle lines up with the dot you’ve drawn.

Now trace your smallest circle, centering it inside the one you’ve just drawn. The space in between these two circles and above your horizontal line will form the arc for your bridge (see picture below).

Trace the largest circle onto a separate piece of paper to form the spinning wheel for your parade. It should be large enough to extend below the body of the picture when lined up with the arc of the bridge. Trace the smallest circle onto the wheel by again centering it in the middle. You’ll erase this later, but for now it will help you determine where you’ll need to draw your figures.

Get creative by drawing a bridge scene on the first piece of paper. In my picture, I’ve drawn the bridge spanning a river, with celebrators marching along the boardwalk on each side to provide continuity. On the second piece of paper, the spinning wheel, draw people of different heights and ages marching at various intervals with their Norwegian flags. Take as long as you like with the drawing process.

Once you’ve completed both pieces – the main piece and the spinning wheel – you’re ready to put the two together. With your scissors, carefully cut out the spinning wheel and the arc of the bridge. Test the picture by placing the wheel behind the first sheet and checking to see if the figures match up with the picture. The wheel should stick out slightly along the bottom edge, providing you with an edge to spin when the picture is completed.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic