How to Make an Asian Lantern

Asian lanterns add a touch of ethnic flair to a party or can be used to decorate a patio or room.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rice paper, tissue paper or thin handmade paper Craft wire A small box or oatmeal canister Craft glue Scissors Battery-powered tea light 2-inch-wide balsa wood strip Hot glue

1. Start by taping down any flaps on your box or cutting them off completely so they do not get in your way. If your paper has any creases, smooth them by laying it under a heavy book overnight or place a towel over the paper and iron carefully on the lowest setting. You can ignore any wrinkling, as this will add character to your lantern.

2. Wrap the craft wire four times around the bottom of the box. Twist the short end where you began around the group of wire you just wrapped a couple of times and pull it tight. This will be your base. Do not wrap the wire too tightly, as you will need to slide it of the box later.

3. Continue wrapping the wire around the box in a spiral until you reach the top. The space you leave between each pass of the wire is up to you. A half-inch space is common. Once you reach the top, wrap the wire around several times just as you did on the base. Snip the wire leaving a 2-inch tail. Wrap the tail around the grouped wire at the top several times, then trim off any excess. Carefully slide the wire frame from the box.

4. Measure one side of your frame, then multiply it by four. If you are using an oatmeal canister, measure around the canister. Add 1 inch to this number. Now measure the height and add 2 inches. These numbers will be the measurements to trace on your paper. Cut out your paper and lay it on a flat surface.
   
   Cut the two balsa wood strips to fit into your lantern with the edges resting on the base on opposing sides. Glue one in place with the hot glue. Flip the lantern upside down, and glue the second strip to the top of the lantern.

5. Put a thin coat of craft glue on one side of the wire frame and lay it on the paper, starting at the edge. Allow it to dry for a few minutes. Glue the next side and roll it onto the paper. Continue doing this until the frame is covered in the paper, then glue the excess paper down over where you began wrapping. Allow the lantern to dry overnight.

6. Take a 5-inch length of wire and loop it around the top piece of wood to make a hangar. You can then set the tea light inside on the bottom strip of wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a decorative hole punch to punch shapes in your paper before gluing it to the frame. Stiffer craft wire is harder to work with but will make a sturdier frame.
• Avoid using real candles in a paper lantern because they are a fire hazard.

Resources

• A lesson plan to use that is all about paper lanterns
• Information on the Chinese Lantern Festival

[chanter]

on 10/31/2009 Great tips on making lanterns 5*