Paper Lanterns - Unique handmade decorations
Paper lanterns (copyright protected) are fun to make and beautiful to look at! They also make great gifts. Kids who are creative will enjoy making a lantern because it takes very basic materials, a little bit of skill and a lot of patience. Hand crafted paper lanterns can be hung and displayed at home all year long. Search for more information on this page on this site.
What you will need to make paper lanterns:
Three sheets of light weight letter size papers
Glue or tape reserved for later
Assorted crayons, paint or markers
Needle and thread
Two popsicle sticks
Patience!
Step One
To get started with your paper lanterns, take three sheets of your papers and glue or tape them together to make one long sheet. Fold the long sheet in half lengthwise and color the outside of the sheet on both sides. Get creative! Do a picture, a pattern or just make it one solid color. Keep in mind that the top of the picture will be along the fold. If this is the first time you’re doing it, you may want to do a simple pattern on white or a solid color until you get used to making the paper lanterns
Step Two
Fold the sheet in concertina fashion, which is the same as how you would fold fans made from papers. Fold about a half inch fold one way and then the next fold the other way. Press down hard on every fold to make sure it has a good crease.
Step Three
This is where it can get a little tricky. You’ll need to separate the two sides of the sheet. First, unfold the whole thing a little. Next, refold each side separately. You should end up with one fold at the top and two edges which when you look at it will make a V-shape. Press on all folds again. You’re almost finished with your paper lanterns!
Step Four
Take a needle and long thread. Pass the needle through each fold of one edge. Leave one inch of thread hanging loosely and pass the needle back through. Tie off the thread with about an inch of slack at either end of the folds. Repeat on second edge
Step Five
Pull out the folded edges of the sheet, it should unfold in a circle
Step Six
To hang the paper lanterns, put a hook at the top. Do this with a popsicle stick on either side of the join. Punch a hole through the sticks. Find a thread or string and use a metal clip to make a hook.
Voila! Your paper lanterns are ready to view for display!