How to Make a Paper Tassel for Lanterns

Paper lanterns are a popular decoration for home and outdoors during nice weather. They can provide a soft glow and added beauty to evening gatherings outdoors. While you can purchase plain lanterns in many colors, it is easy to make a paper tassel for lanterns to make them look even better.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crepe paper streamers
• Patterned paper scraps
• Embroidery floss
• Scissors
• Clear-drying craft glue
• Ruler
• Pencil

Make a Paper Tassel for Lanterns

1. Cut a piece of crepe paper stream approximately 3 feet long. If you want a multicolored paper tassel, layer two colors of crepe paper together and cut off just 18 inches. Use a dab of glue to attach the top part of the ends of the two colors together to make it easier to work with both at the same time.

2. Lay out the crepe paper on a flat surface and put your measuring tape or ruler on top of it. With a pencil, make dots or small lines at each quarter to third inch. You can also eyeball the widths of the paper tassel fringe if you wish. Use scissors to cut up three-fourths of the width of the crepe paper to form a fringe.

3. Cut a length of string or embroidery floss and knot the end to form a loop. Put this knotted end on the top part of your crepe paper piece. Put a dot of clear-drying craft glue at the top, uncut, part of one end of the crepe paper piece and begin to roll it up relatively tightly with the string inside. Add additional glue as you go so that the top part sticks together, forming a solid cylinder at the top of the tassel fringe. Continue to roll the paper until you reach the end. Secure this with additional glue.

4. Cut a small strip of colored or patterned paper. Scrapbooking or origami paper is ideal for this paper tassel topper. Use a ruler to make sure the edges are straight. Wrap it around the top, uncut part of the paper tassel and glue it in place. You can also wrap the top with decorative cord or trim for a different look.

5. Allow the paper tassel craft to dry completely before use. Then, use glue to attach the string loop to the bottom or top of a paper lantern. If desired, you can leave out the string loop and glue the flat top part of the paper tassel directly to the center of a lantern. Make many tassels in multiple colors for a festive look.