Making Paper Lanterns

Using ordinary construction paper, glue and scissors is all that is needed to design these awesome paper lanterns. Make them as simple or fancy as you choose. Hang your paper lanterns over a strand of lights to give off a beautiful glow in any room. Or use them to decorate for a birthday party or hang around your outdoor deck for an evening get-together. Wherever you choose to display them, you are guaranteed compliments.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper Stapler or craft glue Scissors Stickers String of clear lights

Instructions

1. Cut a 8 1/2" x 11" piece of construction paper in half lengthwise so you have two rectangles that measures 4 1/4" X 5 1/2". One small rectangle makes one lantern. Cut the remaining paper for the number of lanterns that you wish to make.

2. Fold 1/4" along both of the long edges of the rectangle. Crease. Unfold the edges. Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise so the long edges are together.

3. Hold the rectangle so the folded edge is facing you. Make cuts through the paper that are approximately 1/4" apart. Cut through the fold of the paper upward to about 1/2" from the top edge of paper. Do not cut clear through the paper.

4. Unfold the paper. Bring the long ends of the paper together so the middle crease faces out and you form a tube. Overlap the edges of the paper and staple or glue at each end to hold together. This forms a lantern. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the remaining pieces of paper to form however many lanterns you desire.

5. Cut 4" x 1/4" strips out of a piece of construction paper. Cut enough strips for the number of lanterns you made. These are the handles for the lantern by which you will hang them. Staple or glue one end of the strip of paper to each side of the lantern. Repeat for all the lanterns.

6. Decorate your lanterns with stickers if desired. Hang the string of lights wherever you wish. Hang one lantern over each light.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with various types of paper found at a local craft store. Use colored paper or paper with a design already on it. Use string to hang the lanterns by hole punching a hole on each side of the top of the lantern and tying a piece of string through making a loop.

• Do not leave on overnight or unattended as the lights could get hot against the paper. Use cool lights so the paper lanterns don't get too hot.

Resources

• Craft paper