Nalika Bai Maphrao (Thai Coconut-Leaf Watch) — a 2-Inch Leaf Laid Crosswise under a Long Leaf like a 't', Folded into a Watch Face, the Long End Threaded into a Strap to Fit the Wrist

"Lay the short leaf crosswise underneath, with the upper leaf over it like a 't', the short leaf almost 2 cm from the edge of the long leaf." (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, CC BY 4.0)

Cut two leaves, one about 2 inches long and the other the full length of the leaf, trimmed to the same width. If you use lan leaf, soak it first to soften it.

Lay the short leaf crosswise underneath with the long leaf over it like a 't', almost 2 cm from the long leaf's edge. Fold both edges of the short leaf in toward the long leaf, then fold the edge of the long leaf down: this is the watch face. Turn the face over, thread the end of the long leaf through the lower gap all the way, pull it through and smooth the rest to the width of the face.

Turn the raised side up, thread the end of the long leaf into a gap, adjust the strap to fit the wrist and cut off the rest. Trim the edges near the face to give it shape, and decorate as you like.

Drawings of a leaf ring and leaf watches (Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, CC BY 4.0).

Wear the watch and ring for play, as jewellery or as a transformation gadget like in a cartoon.

The source gives four kinds: the square watch, the diamond, the bow and a triangular ring; all start from the same face-making steps. It trains finger-eye coordination, concentration and patience. Take care with the scissors and the leaf edges. Source: Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, Traditional Objects of Everyday Use database, "นาฬิกาและแหวนทางมะพร้าว" (CC BY 4.0 licence). **Limits** Only the square watch is made here; the source's step numbering skips from 5 to 7. There is no listing for coconut leaf, so it is named in the text.