Learning how to make lanterns is a fun and creative project that adds a warm, festive touch to any occasion. Lanterns are versatile and can be used as decor for parties, holidays, or simply to brighten up a room.
From paper lanterns to intricate hanging designs, making your own lanterns is a fantastic way to add a personalized touch to your space. This guide will cover how to make hanging paper lanterns, round paper lanterns, and other unique styles.
Whether you’re making lanterns for a family gathering or as a fun craft project, there are endless ways to decorate and customize them. You can use colorful paper, add intricate cutouts, or even incorporate twinkling lights for a cozy glow.
Learning how to make lanterns also offers a great way to explore new creative techniques while creating something beautiful and functional.
This step-by-step guide will teach you the basics of how to make lanterns, including simple techniques for how to make round paper lanterns and hanging lantern designs. Perfect for beginners and enjoyable for all ages, this project will bring a burst of color and light to your home or event!
What You’ll Need
- Colored paper or cardstock (for the lantern structure)
- Scissors (for cutting shapes and patterns)
- Glue stick or double-sided tape (for securing edges)
- Ruler and pencil (for measuring and marking paper)
- String or ribbon (for hanging paper lanterns)
- LED tea lights (optional, for lighting up lanterns safely)
- Hole punch (for adding holes to hang lanterns)
- Decorative items like stickers, markers, or glitter for embellishments
Method
1. Pick a piece of colored cardstock. Cut a strip (1 inch wide) to later make the handle.
2. Use a ruler and pencil to draw evenly spaced lines lengthwise across the paper, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border at the top and bottom.
3. Fold the paper in half along its width, aligning the edges carefully.
4. With the paper still folded, cut along the lines you marked, stopping at the 1-inch borders. These cuts will create the slits for your lantern.
5. Open the folded paper and bring the two shorter edges together to form a cylinder. Secure the edges with glue or double-sided tape.
6. Use your glue/double sided tape to attach the strip you previously cut in step 1, making the handle for your lantern.
7. Place a battery-operated tea light inside the lantern. This will safely illuminate your design.
8. Add personal touches by decorating your lantern with stickers, patterns, or drawings to make it unique.
Learning how to make lanterns is a versatile and creative activity, perfect for adding warmth and color to any celebration or room.
After mastering this craft, you might also enjoy learning how to make Cricut stickers or designing lantern coloring pages for even more DIY fun. Enjoy making your beautiful lantern creations and lighting up your space!
FAQs
Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern
