How to Make Paper Lanterns & Pagodas

Paper lanterns at the Bao'en Temple in China.

Paper lanterns and pagodas are commonly associated with ancient Chinese and Japanese festivals. Paper lanterns can be found in many shapes, including rectangles, balls and cylinders. Pagodas are constructed the same way as lanterns with embellishments attached on the outside of the structure. These lanterns were traditionally used for celebrating festivals, but they were also found hanging outside of businesses. Lanterns are easy to make if you have sturdy, colorful materials that provide an interesting light effect in indoor our outdoor spaces.

Things You'll Need

• Colored rice paper
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Object to form shape
• Wire

Instructions

1. Decide what shape to make the paper lantern, then find an object that resembles this shape. A round shape can be achieved with a ball or bowl. Square shapes can be made from a small box.

2. Wind the wire around the shape. To get the best results, evenly space the wire each time it goes around the object.

3. Shape a base from the extra wire that's left at the bottom of the object. Repeat this step to create a base for the top of the wire shape. This adds stability and helps the lantern keep its shape. If any area seems unstable, add an extra piece of wire, connected to both bases.

4. Glue or tape a piece of paper onto itself around on length of the wire on the top base, then pull the paper taut and glue the end to itself around the bottom base. If you are using glue, wait until this piece dries completely before adding the next piece of paper.

5. Decorate the lantern. Many paper lanterns have small designs or characters drawn on them. If you are constructing a pagoda, tape the edge of a strip of paper proportional to the structure around each side to create multiple tiers.

6. Add a piece of wire to the top in an arc to suspend the lantern in the air.

7. Provide a light source, which can be anything from small, battery-powered lights to a string of lights.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the transparency of the paper to achieve the desired effect.

• Use a light source that is not flammable. Candles are not a good choice for paper pagodas and lanterns.

References

• Paper Illuminated: 15 Projects for Making Handcrafted Luminaria, Lanterns, Screens, Lamp Shades and Window Treatments; Helen Hiebert; 2001
• Assorted Paper Lanterns