How to Make Paper Star Lanterns

Star paper lanterns are used for parties, room decorations and window sun catchers. They can be a simple white or solid colored unit or a more detailed decorated piece. When you become comfortable with the craft you can choose to paint designs on a paper star lantern. Follow the instructions below to make your first star.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Parchment or lightweight lampshade material
• Glue stick or clear liquid glue
• Scissors
• Hole punch regular or miniature with long reach
• Lamp kit with 40 watt or less bulb
• String of 25 or less Christmas lights

Getting Started

1. 

   Double the template size and print off. Cut out template. Be sure to cut the 1/4 inch line down from the V at template top.

2. 

   Trace template outline on parchment or lampshade paper.

3. 

   Cut out parchment shape. Cut the 1/4 inch line at the top V. Fold down the two flaps in the V.

4. 

   Fold in half from top to bottom. You will see a flap at one side. Fold it down overlapping the top of the shape.

5. 

   Turn paper over. Fold in half.

6. 

   Fold the two flaps over on to the top.

7. 

   Unfold paper.

8. 

   Punch holes in the piece being careful not to punch near an edge, flap or fold. If you use a regular hole punch make only four or five holes in each folded section.

9. 

   Repeat with each of the other four pieces. You can have a sixth piece in process in case you need a replacement.

Assembly of Star

10. Fold longest flap down. Apply a generous strip of glue making sure to coat both ends in particular.

11. 

    Press the two sides together with glued flap sandwiched between them.The piece should look like a cone. Repeat with other pieces and set aside for at least 10 minutes to dry.

12. 

    Glue the two remaining flaps on one conical piece. Set it into the straight edged side of a second piece. The flaps will be inside the star for a neater appearance.

13. 

    You may have to manipulate the edges with your fingers to get the glue to hold in place. Make sure edges line up. If you intend to put lights into the back center of the star make sure that there is no glue at the notched center of the flaps. If you are going to put lights in from the bottom the notched area must be glued now.

14. Continue gluing the pieces together. If you are going to place lights into the bottom of the piece leave the last two flaps unglued.

15. 

    Leave the back open if you are putting one light into the star form. When the gluing is done open the area slightly with your fingers. Let star dry at least two hours before using. Overnight drying is best.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin your project a week before you need star lanterns for an event.
• Take your time.
• Use tape instead of glue for a sun catcher star only if you will not be using any lights. Lights will warm, warp and release the tape.
• If you handle the star lantern too much before it is thoroughly dry it will fall apart.
• If you punch too many holes in the shape it will collapse upon itself.
• Use extreme caution with overheated lights.