How To Make Paper Lanterns

Although paper lanterns are intrinsic part of Chinese and Japanese traditions and are usually seen around during the ‘Chinese New Year’ celebrations, they have now been adapted widely and have become popular light fixtures. Their soft glow can really enhance the ambience of your home. Multi-colored paper lanterns can add a nice touch to holidays, parties, or evening bash. You can deck up your patio with colorful paper lanterns the next time you plan a cookout too. Making paper lanterns at home is easy and can be fun. You can use colored scrapbook papers, stickers, cut paper shapes, and use different patterns to decorate your paper lantern. In case you have a kid who is interested in paper crafts, you can keep him/her occupied by making colorful paper lanterns at home. Not only will he or she have fun doing this, but it will keep them engaged while you can run on some quick errands. Here are some useful tips that will help you make a multi-colored paper lantern. Read them carefully and know how to make a simple paper lantern at home.

Making Paper Lanterns 

• 9” x 12” piece of scrapbook paper or construction paper
• Glue
• A pair of scissors
• Streamers
• Lamp
• Stickers

• Take a rectangular piece of paper and fold the paper in half. Cut along the folded edge using a pair of scissors. Stop one inch before the open end. Make as many cuts as you like, but keep them even.
• Unfold the paper.
• Glue the edges together. Let it dry.
• There will be an opening at the top and at the bottom of the lantern.
• Make a handle to hang the lantern. You can use a ribbon or a yarn for the task. Glue the ends on the either side of the lantern. Allow it to dry.
• Cut out a piece of cardboard equal to the diameter of your lantern. Keep some tabs to glue it to the lantern.
• Place a bulb with batteries and turn it on.
• If you are planning to keep your lantern on a tabletop, consider adding some solid base to your lantern. You can use a small bulb for a tabletop lantern.

• Cut colorful streamers and glue it at the lower opening of the lantern. Allow them to hang freely.
• Cut out paper patterns and tape in the paper lantern.
• You can also use different stickers to decorate your lantern.
• You can even paint your paper lanterns in bright shades to give them a vibrant look.

• If you use a bright light, you can choose thick paper for making the lantern.
• For a better glowing effect, add yellow or an orange tissue paper to the inner wall of the lantern.
• Use good quality glue to make your lantern, otherwise it may rip apart.