Asian Zone

Love the Felt Chinese Restaurant featured by DollyAndPaws on Etsy.  The pattern for over 10 projects of mini dim sum food is offered in Chinese.  So cute!

Every second Saturday of the month at the Garfield Park Conservatory, there's an Origami Open House presented by the Chicago Area Origami Society.  

Drop in anytime from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Conservatory's Classroom for this free workshop.  The next session will be held on March 9, 2013.  For more information, visit the Chicago Area Origami Society

Check out Tokyo in a Box, these small wooden blocks depicting some of the great landmarks found in Tokyo, Japan.  Found at Muji.  

Don't worry if you missed the annual Lunar New Year Parade in Chicago's Chinatown on Sunday, February 17.  You can still go to Adler After Dark:  Chinese New Year Edition on Thursday, February 21 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Adler Planetarium.  There will be Chinese Lion Dancers, musicians, ribbon dancers and martial artists.  You can also see the Chinese Marketplace or learn about Chinese astronomy.

You can also visit the Neighborhoods of the World:  Chinese Celebration at Navy Pier on Sunday, February 24 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Crystal Gardens.  There will be colorful performances and local Chinese artisans, as well.  

Spoonful has some great ideas for celebrating Chinese New Year, including cleaning house, paying debts, buying new clothes, cooking feasts, and sweeping away back luck. 

They offer some fun printables that the kids may enjoy:

Chinese New Year Red Envelope

Chinese New Year Zodiac Wheel

Chinese New Year Paper Lantern