Gather the Materials Needed
To make paper lanterns, you will need a few basic materials. Here’s a list of what you will need:
- Colored or patterned paper
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Glue or tape
- String or ribbon
- Tea light or LED candle
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you’re ready to begin making your paper lanterns!
Measure and Cut the Paper
Start by measuring and cutting the paper into a rectangular shape. The size of the paper will determine the size of your lantern. You can choose any size you prefer, but a common size is around 8 inches by 11 inches.
Use a ruler to ensure straight lines and mark the measurements with a pencil. Once you have marked the dimensions, carefully cut along the lines to create your rectangular piece of paper.
Fold the Paper into a Cylinder
Next, fold the paper in half lengthwise. Use your fingers or a bone folder to crease the fold firmly. Open up the paper and make another fold along the opposite side, matching the edges together. Crease the fold again.
Now, bring the two shorter edges of the paper together so that they meet. Overlap the edges by about half an inch and use glue or tape to secure them in place.
Once the glue or tape has dried, you should have a cylindrical shape with an opening at the top and bottom.
Add Decorations and Handle
This is the stage where you can get creative and decorate your paper lantern. You can use markers, stickers, or cut out shapes from additional colored or patterned paper to personalize your lantern.
If you want to add a handle to your lantern, cut a small strip of paper and attach it to the top edge of the lantern using glue or tape. This will allow you to hang or carry the lantern easily.
Add Light Source and Finalize
Finally, insert a tea light or LED candle into the bottom of the lantern. Ensure that the light source is secure and won’t tilt or fall out. You can also use a small piece of tape to attach the light source to the base of the lantern if needed.
Once you have added the light source, your paper lantern is complete! You can hang it up or place it on a flat surface to create a warm and ambient glow.
Now you know the basic steps to make paper lanterns. Have fun experimenting with different paper colors and patterns, and let your creativity shine!
