How to Make Chinese Lanterns Out of Red Pockets
Red pockets are greeting gifts traditionally given during the Chinese New Year. The pockets look like envelopes and usually contain money for the lucky recipients. Red pockets are red colored with gold lettering, indicating wealth and prosperity. They can be purchased from oriental trading supply stores. The pockets are ideal for making paper lanterns because they are already embellished with Chinese designs and are fairly sturdy.
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Things You'll Need
- 3 red pockets
- Scissors
- Glue
- Cardstock
- Battery operated paper lantern light
Instructions
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1
Unfold the red pockets. Cut off the triangular wedges to leave a rectangle.
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2
Tape the two rectangles together, along the longer sides. This will make an almost square shape. Make sure the pattern side is down.
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3
Fold the square in half, along the taped edge. The patterned side should be facing out.
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4
Snip a half-inch along the folded side, from the tape to the other long edge, as if you are going to cut a strip from the rectangle. Do not cut all the way through to the other edge (leave at least an inch). Continue snipping evenly based strips along the long side. Your finished cuts should resemble a comb.
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5
Unfold the "comb" and then refold the opposite way into a tube. The red pattern should be on the outside of the tube and the snips should be all the way around the lantern in the center.
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6
Glue the lantern together at the long edges.
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7
Cut a six-inch strip from the remaining red pocket.
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8
Staple the strip to the top of the paper lantern to make a handle.
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9
Cut a circle from the cardstock the same size as the base of the lantern, making sure you cut four tabs to attach the circle to the lantern. Poke a hole through the center of the cardboard, then push the battery powered light through.
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10
Staple the cardstock tabs to the inside of the paper lantern.
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Tips & Warnings
Battery operated paper lantern lights (or tap lights) can be purchased from major craft stores.
