This is not about doing what other people do. If you want to impress someone during the Loy Kratong Festival on Nov 24, you will need to be creative. Thus, the wise minds at BK have gathered ‘round and come up with a little greeny kratong that you can show off to your friends. Added bonus: it won’t take you longer than an hour!
Get These
- Balsa wood, 3-4 sticks
- Styrofoam sheet
- Thick string
- Adhesive-backed fake grass
- Miniature flower pot
- Brown clay
- Candles
- Small flowers, branches and/or leaves
You’ll Also Need
- Ruler
- Glue
- Cutter
- Scissors
- Get your wood sticks—balsa wood is light and will float—and start chopping them into 15-centimeter-long pieces. Use a cutter or grab a knife from your kitchen. You will need around 12 sticks. Then cut two longer sticks, around 17 centimeters long.
- Glue the shorter ones together, forming a mini-raft. Then glue the longer ones at both ends horizontally. To make sure it looks more like a real raft, see that the longer sticks extend out on both sides.
- Tie brown ropes on the extended part of the longer sticks from one side to the other. Just any simple knot will do.
- Cut your foam into a square as large as it can fit into the rope frame. Then, slice the edge of the foam a bit thinner so it’s easier when you glue fake grass onto it.
- If you buy the fake grass with adhesive backing, then it’s easy. Otherwise, any glue can do the trick.
- Put whatever decoration you like on the grass. Just make sure it isn’t too heavy, or else your kratong won’t stay pretty for long in the water.
- Divide some brown clay into a small piece shaped like a pot for a plant. Stick your incese, candle or flowers in there. Glue it to the grass and ta-da, you’re done.
Alternative Kratongs: Last-minute floats for lazy bums
- Lotus
- French bread
- Watermelon
- Hormok wrap
Where to Buy
Most stationery shops stock the above items. We went to Ping Stationery (1268 Charoen Krung 38 02-233-9232, 02-235-6365). Or try Suksapan Panich National Stadium Branch (154 Rama 1 Rd., 02-215-3532, 02-214-3325).
