How to Make Chinese Lanterns Out of Red Envelopes

Chinese lanterns are great asset to any decorating scheme. Lanterns add charm and whimsy to any room, and they can come in many colors. In China, red is a predominate color because it is a sign of good luck. You can make your own Chinese lanterns by using red medium-sized envelopes. With this simple tutorial, anyone can make a simple Chinese lantern at home.

Things You'll Need

• Eight medium to large red envelopes Glue Tape (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Open all eight of the red envelopes. Make sure all the flaps are spread out and laying flat on the surface.

2. 

   Place four of the open red envelopes down on the surface next to each other, creating a large square. Overlap these pieces slightly and glue together. Let the glue dry.

3. 

   Add four more envelopes to the envelopes you just glued together. Place these papers at the ends of the glued together pieces where the papers are glued together. The additional pieces of paper should be added at an angle, resembling diamonds. Glue the pieces down, and let the glue dry.

4. 

   Fold the diamond-shaped sections up toward each other. Glue the edges where each diamond shape meets each other. Let the glue dry.

5. 

   Add a small piece of tape or spot of glue to the top of the lantern to hold the ends in place. Let dry.

6. Adorn your lantern if you choose to. You may use beads, glitter, and gold shimmery string.

7. Hang your lamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a small blinking light from your local craft store and place it inside your lantern before sealing it off. Whenever the lantern moves, the light will blink.

• Let the glue dry completely before moving on to the next steps. If the glue isn't dry, the lantern will be popping at the seams.