How to Make Large Paper Lanterns

Experiment with your thread to create tassles and fringes.

Often used in festivals, paper lanterns are ornate decorations that usually have an Oriental flair. A normal size for a paper lantern is anywhere from 1 to 2 feet long. However, if you want to make a large paper lantern, use the same process as with building the smaller paper lanterns to create a giant decoration. For this project, pick a type of paper that works well with your decor.

Things You'll Need

• Roll of poster paper
• Patterned paper
• Wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Unravel a long roll of poster paper. Draw a diamond shape with a small circle on each end in the center of poster paper. Draw two more shapes to the left, each connected on the edge at the middle point of the diamond. Draw two more shapes to the right. On the last diamond, left a small square tab at the middle point of the diamond. Cut out the shape, careful to leave the shapes connected.

2. Unroll a long sheet of wrapping paper or large patterned paper. Place your poster diamond shape on top of the negative side of the patterned paper. Trace the image with a marker and cut. Cover the negative side of the patterned paper with paste and carefully press onto your diamond poster. Paper lanterns often feature Chinese dragons with trim along the edges. Cut thin strips of gold or silver to line the edges of each diamond. Use or glue to paste to the edges of your diamonds.

3. Wait for the glue to dry on your poster. Stand and hold the poster in front of you, holding each end. Wrap around without folding and glue the square tab to the opposite diamond at the middle point as you would with a paper crown.

4. Measure and cut a piece of woolen thread to about 20 inches long. About 10 inches from one end, double the thread back and knot to make a knot. Push the other end of the thread through a needle.

5. Push the needle through one of circles at the top of the diamond shape from the outside inward. Bend the diamond to the center as you pull the thread through by 2 inches. Bend a second diamond shape down and thread the needle through it, continuing until all six diamond shapes are bent towards the center with the thread holding them together. Pull the thread through until it catches at the knot on top.

6. Thread the cord through the circle shapes at the other end of the lantern. Repeat the same process as you did before, bending the top points of the diamonds together to meet in the center. Once you pull the thread through the final diamond, tie a knot to hold together.

7. Hold your large paper lantern by the rest of the string and tie to a hook or hang from the ceiling.

References

• Homemade Gifts Made Easy: How to Make Paper Lanterns