How to Make Oriental Paper Lanterns
Oriental paper lanterns are often seen during Chinese New Year celebrations, where their warm glow heralds the arrival of spring and the return of long, sunny days. Cream and white are the traditional colors, but today, oriental paper lanterns can be found in almost any shape, size or color. Make some oriental paper lanterns for your next holiday celebration, dinner party, outdoor barbecue, or just to brighten up a drab corner of a room or hallway in your home.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper Ruler Pencil Scissors Paint, markers, glitter, or rubber stamps Tape or stapler
Instructions
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1
Choose brightly colored paper, in a solid color or with a small printed pattern. If you are making the paper lanterns for a special occasion, such as a party, then choose colors that will match the theme and other decorations. Any thick, good-quality paper will work. Construction paper is an economical choice that will work fine, or choose the more expensive patterned paper with an oriental design for a fancier look.
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2
Cut the paper into rectangles, one rectangle for each oriental paper lantern. The lanterns can be any size; for miniature lanterns, cut 2 by 4-inch rectangles; use the entire sheet of paper for a large lantern, or make any size in between. A good rule of thumb is to make the length one and a half to two times the width.
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3
Draw, paint or rubber-stamp a pattern or picture on one side of the paper. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Oriental good luck symbols and words are a popular choice, as are oriental-style landscapes painted in watercolors. You can skip this step if you are using paper that already has a design on it.
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Fold the rectangles in half lengthwise, and crease the edge. Cut strips 1/2 inch apart, starting at the creased edge and stopping about 2 inches from the open edge. The strips should run parallel to the short sides. Draw the lines in pencil first, if you are unsure of your ability to cut straight lines.
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Unfold the rectangle, roll into a cylinder, and tape or staple the long edges together, making them slightly overlap each other. The decorated side should face outward. Fashion a handle for your lantern by attaching the precut strip across one end of the tube.
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Hang your lantern by the handle from a string or hook. Stretch a row of lanterns across a room or a garden walkway. To make lighted lanterns, hang several small lanterns on a short strand of colored or white Christmas lights, inserting a bulb in each oriental paper lantern.
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