How Do I Build a Chinese Lantern?

Use colored construction paper to make Chinese lanterns.

Chinese lanterns, also known as paper lanterns, are used in the Chinese New Year celebration. The Festival of Lanterns, the 15th and final day of the celebration, is marked by paper lanterns hanging in the streets. Whether you are celebrating the Chinese New Year or just want to adorn your home with Chinese lanterns, you can make your own at home in little time.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Craft paint, crayons or markers
• Stapler or tape

Instructions

1. Place a piece of construction paper on your work surface so it is oriented vertically.

2. Decorate the construction paper with whatever design you desire. Use paint, markers or crayons to decorate the paper.

3. Fold the paper in half along the length so that you have a long rectangle.

4. Cut slits in the side of the lantern along the folded edge. Space the cuts 1/2 inch apart; the end of the cuts should stop 1/2 inch from the side opposite of the fold.

5. Unfold the cut paper. Turn the paper into a tube shape by bringing the long sides together.

6. Secure the tube shape by using a stapler, or tape along the top and bottom of the lantern.

7. Make a handle for your lantern by cutting off a piece of construction paper into a 1/2-inch-wide strip. The strip should be six inches in length.

8. Set your lantern upright. Attach the handle to the top of the lantern.

9. Light your lantern. Feed a string of large Christmas tree lights through the handle of the lantern. Position the lantern over one of the lights. This illuminates the lantern.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang your finished lantern by the handle, or create a bunch of lanterns and string them on a piece of twine.

• When decorating the construction paper, use Chinese-inspired decorations such as Chinese symbols or a dragon.

References

• Enchanted Learning: Chinese Lanterns
• Repair Home: Chinese Lanterns
• Kaboose: Chinese Paper Lanterns