Now that the Winter Olympics are here I thought I’d share a fun craft for the kids to do. It a super easy Olympic Torch made from a Paper Towel or Toilet Paper Tube and some tissue paper.
Supplies You Will Need
- Paper Towel or Toilet Paper Tube
- Tissue Paper (Red, Yellow, Orange)
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions To Make The Torch
- Cut your tissue paper into six 6-inch squares — two squares for each color.
- “Stack” the squares on top of each other, saving one of the red squares for the top.
- Pick an end of your cardboard tube. Line the inside of the tube with a single ring of glue.
- Using your fingers, pinch the center of your stack of tissue paper squares so they gather into a “bunch” of flames. The top red square will be the outside layer of the flames.
- Slide the pinched end of the tissue paper about 2 inches into the tube. Press the edges of the paper against the glue.
- Wait about 5 minutes for the glue to dry.
- Parade around the house with your very own Olympic torch!
Olympic Torch Craft and Facts
Ingredients
- Paper Towel or Toilet Paper Tube
- Tissue Paper (Red, Yellow, Orange)
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions
-
Cut your tissue paper into six 6-inch squares — two squares for each color.
-
"Stack" the squares on top of each other, saving one of the red squares for the top.
-
Pick an end of your cardboard tube. Line the inside of the tube with a single ring of glue.
-
Using your fingers, pinch the center of your stack of tissue paper squares so they gather into a "bunch" of flames. The top red square will be the outside layer of the flames.
-
Slide the pinched end of the tissue paper about 2 inches into the tube. Press the edges of the paper against the glue.
-
Wait about 5 minutes for the glue to dry.
-
Parade around the house with your very own Olympic torch!
The Company www.littlepassports.com has graciously shared some fun facts about the Olympics. Little Passports is an educational subscription box for kids.
What’s so special about the Olympic torch?
The countdown to the Games kicks off with the Olympic torch relay, which delivers the Olympic flame from Olympia, Greece to the Host City through a series of runners. For the Sochi Games, each runner carries an eye-catching, red and silver torch.
The torch’s curved shape is inspired by the feather of the golden Firebird, a mythical creature celebrated in Russian fairytales and folklore. According to one legend, the Firebird’s feathers “light the way” and bring good fortune and happiness. You might notice patterns inspired by the Firebird and its feathers throughout the Sochi Games. For example, look for them on Team Russia’s uniforms!
Are the Olympic medals unique to this year’s Games?
Yes! The Sochi medals are made out of metal and feature an etched glass-like insert with jagged edges resembling mountain peaks and the seashore. This design highlights Sochi’s unique position between the cold snow-capped Caucasus Mountains and the warm sandy beaches of the Black Sea.
The medals also feature the Sochi Olympics’ recognizable “Patchwork Quilt” design, a mosaic of 16 traditional patterns that celebrate Russia’s rich traditions and cultural diversity. Keep an eye out for the colorful quilt design everywhere at the Games, such as on the torch bearers’ outfits and Olympic souvenirs!
Our sports teams in the U.S. have mascots. Do the Olympic Games have mascots too?
You bet! The winter Games’ mascots are a Snow Leopard, Polar Bear, and Hare! Russian citizens submitted their ideas for mascots, and Olympic officials selected the top three.
These three native Russian animals represent the country’s spirit and embody the Olympic values. The Polar Bear is depicted as friendly, intelligent and always striving for new athletic heights, while the Hare is an excellent student and loves sports. Tough and strong, the choice of the Snow Leopard, a native of Sochi’s nearby Caucasus Mountains and a critically endangered species, draws attention to Russia’s increasing focus on animal conservation. Look for the three Olympic mascots spreading joy and Olympic spirit throughout the Games!
