How to Make a Table Paper Lantern
Paper lanterns are a simple but elegant craft that you can customize in many different ways. By altering the shape of the lantern you can create party decorations to suit any occasion. By placing the lantern on a table you can turn it into a centerpiece. Table paper lanterns can take a variety of shapes but the classic square or rectangle is easiest to create. All you need to build table paper lanterns is balsa wood, rice paper and glue.
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Things You'll Need
- 1/4-inch-square balsa wood rods
- Craft glue
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Rice paper or tissue paper
- Tea light
Instructions
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Cut 12 equal-length pieces of 1/4-inch-square balsa wood. The length you choose will determine the overall size of your square table paper lantern. Use longer pieces of balsa wood for larger lanterns and shorter pieces for smaller ones.
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Assemble two squares using four of the balsa wood pieces for each square. Line up the edges of the balsa wood pieces so they are flush with the edges of the adjacent pieces.
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Apply a small dab of craft glue at each of the joints and allow the glue to dry completely. Consult the instructions on your particular brand of glue to determine the necessary drying time.
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Apply a dab of craft glue inside each of the four corners on one of the square frames. Press one of the four pieces of balsa wood into each of the corners so the edges are flush and the piece of wood stands upright. Allow the glue to dry completely.
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Squeeze a dab of craft glue into each of the four corners on the remaining square frame. Flip the other square frame over and press the top of each upright stick of balsa wood into the glue in each of the four corners to create a cube-shape frame. Allow the glue to dry completely.
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Measure the height and width of one side of the cube using a ruler or measuring tape. Take the measurement from the outside edge of the balsa wood rods.
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Cut four pieces of rice paper or tissue paper to the measurements you just took. Lay the sheets of paper out flat on the table in front of you.
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Apply a bead of craft glue along the flat sides of all four pieces of balsa wood on one side of the cube. Hold the cube over a piece of rice paper with the glue side facing down and align the edges as nearly as possible before pressing the cube down onto the paper, creating a seal with the glue.
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Repeat this process to attach the rice paper to the remaining three sides of the lantern, leaving the top and bottom open. Allow the glue to dry completely before using your lantern.
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Light a tea candle and place it in the center of the table. Position the paper lantern over the tea candle. The light from the candle will illuminate the interior of the lantern and the light will be filtered through the rice paper, creating an authentic lantern-like effect. If you're concerned about safety around children or pets, use battery-operated tea lights instead of candles.
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Tips & Warnings
Customize your table paper lantern by using colored rice paper or tissue paper instead of plain white. This is an easy way to tie your table decorations into your party theme.
Write on the rice paper in calligraphy ink before mounting it on the balsa wood frame. For a wedding, write the names of the bride and groom or use the lyrics to a meaningful song.
Do not leave a lit candle unattended. Keep the flame away from the sides of the lantern. To limit the chances of the candle falling over, place it inside a small glass jar and center the jar inside the paper lantern.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
