How to Make Halloween Paper Lanterns

Over the past few years, people have been decorating more and more for Halloween. It's not uncommon for people to spend hundreds of dollars on Halloween decorations. Everything from inflatables to elaborate scenes created by special effects companies have become popular. That doesn't mean simple decorations should be overlooked. Halloween lanterns have been a decorating staple for several decades. They're a beautiful way to line your driveway. Best of all, there are products available today that make them safer to use.

Things You'll Need

• Paper lunch bags
• Scissors
• Flameless candles

Instructions

1. Create a design on lunch-sized paper bags. This is something you can do with your kids. You can create lanterns that all look the same or each lantern could have a different look. Use the same type of designs you might use on a pumpkin. The design can be as elaborate as you like, but simple designs are easier to work with.

2. Use scissors to cut out the design. This is just like being back in grade school. You'll fold the design so that you can cut it out. If you let your children help with this step, make sure they use child-safe scissors.

3. Insert flameless candles into the paper bags. Halloween lanterns were typically lit with regular candles. This can be extremely dangerous. Fall is a dry time of the year and if the lantern gets knocked over, you could have a widespread fire on your hands. If you visit your local dollar store, you'll find flameless votive candles. This option is not only safe, but some flameless candles even flicker like real candles, causing a beautiful effect.

4. Place the lanterns down the sides of your driveway. Halloween lanterns can be placed anywhere, but they look beautiful when placed down the sides of your driveway or walkway. You can also place them on your porch or even in your windows.

Tips & Warnings

• Thick paper bags are easier to cut without tearing. You can use a X-Acto knife to cut out more elaborate designs. If you don't want to do any cutting, draw your designs with a black permanent marker. You'll get almost the same look with less work.