How to Make Your Own Rice Paper Lantern

Chinese paper lanterns are traditionally used to decorate for Chinese New Year, but this doesn't have to be the case. Chinese paper lanterns make a beautiful addition to an evening dinner under the stars or a child's birthday party. You don't have to spend a lot of money at your local party supply store to achieve the beautiful glow that comes from a string of Chinese paper lanterns. Instead, make them in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

• Six bamboo strips 1/4 inch wide and 4 feet long
• Masking tape
• Rice paper
• Rubber cement
• Scissors
• Candle

Instructions

1. Bend each of the six bamboo strips into a circle. The strips will be rigid, but can be made more pliable with the heat from your hands. To accomplish this, rub each strip several times with your bare hands.

2. Fasten the ends of each bamboo strip together with tape.

3. Stand four of the bamboo circles upright, and make each one side of a square.

4. Tape the bamboo circles together to form the square.

5. Place one of the remaining bamboo circles on the bottom of the square and the other on the top to form a cube. Secure both circles to the main square with tape.

6. Wrap the rice paper around the square vertically. Secure the pieces together at the seams with rubber cement.

7. Cut away the paper at the top and bottom of the frame. Leave a little excess paper behind.

8. Fold the paper over the top and bottom of the frame. Secure the paper to the frame with rubber cement.

9. Place the lantern over a lit candle.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not walk away from a lit candle.

References

• Xomba