The Daruma Doll is one of the most iconic symbols of Japan. It is modelled after Bodhidharma, a founder of Zen Buddhism, and is a symbol of good luck and perseverance.

Inspired by the Daruma images found in the museum’s Japanese collection, watch artist Ari Ahmad create an image of a Daruma Doll.

Get the family together and create a wishing wreath full of good intentions and wishes.

Follow artist Jen O’Brien and learn how to create hand stencils, charms and other recycled bits and pieces.

Join us to watch the STEAMpunk Plague Doctor Mask with artist and maker, Megan Scott.

Inspired by the costumes of Renaissance plague doctors, we will create our own bird-like mask. Why not give STEAM a punk-twist to this moving macabre mask?

Create and decorate these charming origami baskets with artist Megan Scott. 

These beautiful and simple paper baskets can be used for your own trinkets or for small gifts to a loved one over the festive period. 

Follow artist Heather Gray in this recorded video and make an adorable owl to decorate your window or a wall.

Use recycled materials you can find around your home. This family friendly decoration workshop is a hoot!

Watch artist Megan Scott in her creative and experimental approach to line drawing.

Inspired by the carvings found in the museum’s jade books collections, this online tutorial explores how to create an etching-style artwork using simple art material.

Inspired by Japanese ikebana, the art of flower arranging, artist Jen O’Brian created this multi-sensory activity which considers colours, smells and textures.

Embrace the shapes of the wild and create an art piece – stylish, simple and sophisticated.

Join us to watch the Nature Journal workshop, with artist Jen O’Brien.

Learn how to make a concertina album. Why not use it to record your personal observations of flora and fauna, including drawings, collage arrangements and notes?

View this recorded workshop with Roxana Manouchehri and follow the steps to make your own finger puppets out of paper, glue and markers.

You can look at our wonderful collection online to get your creative juices flowing.

Join artist Heather Gray for this recording of her Boater Hats workshop.

This activity inspired by the annual Bloomsday Festival, is perfect for the whole family so why not follow Heather and make your own hat.

During the Tanabata Festival, also known as the Star Festival, people all over Japan write wishes on small paper strips and hang them on bamboo branches or other ‘wish’ trees.

Watch this video prepared by artist Jen O’Brien and follow the steps to create your own Tanabata streamer. What wish will you make?

Join us and learn about the great adventures of mythical hero Tawara Tōda.

Follow artist Heather Gray and build a giant centipede

Watch this video prepared by Jen O’Brien and find out how to build your very own kaleidoscope at home.

This is a great activity for everyone interested in mix of art and science.

Inspired by many illuminated manuscripts housed in the Chester Beatty, artist Megan Scott introduces a contemporary take on the art of illumination.

Watch this video and learn how to create your own shimmering portrait.

Watch this arts and craft demonstration with
artist Heather Grey and learn how to make your own traditional Japanese fish to celebrate Children’s Day inspired by the Chester Beatty Collection.