How to Make an Easy Paper Lantern
As an ornament, paper lanterns provide a burst of color and a hint of mystery. Paper lanterns are used to decorate homes, but are more commonly seen in festivals, lending events a vibrant atmosphere. Paper lanters are closely associated with the Asian culture. According to the Chinese Cultural Centre of San Francisco, the Chinese have had lantern festivals for almost 2,000 years. Paper lanterns may look elaborate and intricate, but it doesn't mean you can't make one that's easy and simple.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Wood strips
- Masking tape
- Hot glue gun
- Aluminum tart tin
- Tissue paper
- White glue
- Broad paint brush
- Tea-light candle
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut the bamboo or balsa wood into 18 strips measuring 10 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Light and slender wood strips work best for this project.
-
2
Use 16 of the pieces to construct 4 squares. Lay two pieces of wood on your table, horizontal to each other and 10 inches apart. Then lay two pieces of wood vertically, making sure the vertical pieces have their ends resting on top of the ends of the horizontal pieces.
-
-
3
Secure the joints with masking tape or hot glue, taking care that the wood pieces don't overhang creating uneven or jagged sides.
-
4
Use the squares to make a box, with each square as a side. The box should be 10 inches wide by 10 inches long by 10 inches deep. Again, secure the joints with masking tape or hot glue. Trim any overhanging pieces of wood.
-
5
Use the two extra strips as a support for the candle by gluing them side by side across the middle of the bottom of the box, vertically, about 1 inch apart. Hot glue the aluminum tart tin in the center of these so that the tart tin faces up..
-
6
Cut either four pieces of tissue paper that will cover each side of the lantern or one piece long enough to wrap around all sides. Glue in place with a light amount of white glue along the outside edges of the wood frame. Do not put paper on the top or bottom of the frame.
-
7
Mix 1 cup of white glue with 1 cup of water. Using a soft paint brush, thinly coat the tissue paper with the mixture. Do two more coats, allowing each coat to fully dry before adding a fresh coat. You must do three coats at least, but you can do more, which will make the lantern stronger and more fire-resistant.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make the tissue paper edges as even and neat as possible.
If your tissue paper tears, just wait for it to dry, remove it, and add a new piece.
Affix the tea-light candle in place by dripping hot wax in the tart tin.
These lanterns are safe to use on lamps as you would a shade.
Although the glue and water mixture provides fire resistance, use with care and adult supervision.
Do not use long, tapered candles.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit lanterns image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
