![DIY paper lanterns with drawings of mountains, a city skyline and a field of flowers](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/4cf1886ccf8444b380b3f22b252ec2a4.jpg)
When it comes to marvelously moody home decor, lighting can make all the difference. If it's a cozy vibe you're after, we have the perfect craft to illuminate your space: DIY paper lanterns! Made with nothing more than vellum, markers and tape, this paper craft is equal parts magical and sweet. And as with all the best home decor projects, you can customize each lovely lantern based on personal preferences.
Our tutorial will show you how to make paper lanterns using vellum in three lovely themes: mountains and trees, a city skyline and a whimsical field of flowers. For each, we've also included a traceable template that's exclusive to ehow, but feel free to let your creativity lead the way.
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Video: Gorgeous Vellum Paper Lanterns for a Dreamy Glow
Warning
For safety, this project should only be displayed with LED candles. This can include LED tea lights, votive candles or pillar candles depending on your preference—but please do not use real candles! You can find LED candles galore at any craft store or on Amazon.
![DIY paper lantern with a city skyline drawing](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/0d38e93c2ca74fd99fb0b7f3f5424d87.jpg)
Whether you're looking for a pretty centerpiece or simply trying to use leftover vellum, these easy DIY paper table lamps will surely light up your space. Get your glow on!
Wait. What Is Vellum Anyway?
Vellum is a semitransparent, thick paper made of wood pulp and cotton. Thicker than tissue paper but thinner than card stock, it's known for adding depth and dimension to craft projects. This includes paper lamps, as its partially translucent material creates a lovely glow when set against the light.
1. Mountain Scene Lantern
Things You'll Need
Vellum
Scissors
Pencil
Fine-point marker
Clear tape
LED candle
![Supplies for DIY paper lantern](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/14c77dc60412493a8769f5bd1ef20593.jpg)
1. Trace pattern onto vellum
![Trace the pattern onto vellum](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/13fd5588a2b8435faba5871eb2cbd80f.jpg)
Place a strip of vellum atop template. Trace pattern with a fine-point marker.
Tip
If you’d like, add other elements, like clouds, flowers or even a cabin.
2. Trim top edge
![Drawing of mountains and trees on vellum](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/39a1fa957d594c908d692ab8c4d32115.jpg)
Cut vellum along top edge. Follow image's natural curve to add dimension to lantern top.
3. Tape ends
![DIY paper lantern with a drawing of mountains and trees](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/c92c1e25cf9649bcbd35bde59113f228.jpg)
Attach ends together using clear tape.
Tip
If you don’t have clear tape, washi tape works just as well.
4. Illuminate lantern
![DIY paper lantern with a mountain landscape drawing](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/0876b686f0994d8ea934925480529614.jpg)
To use your DIY paper lantern, arrange it around an LED candle and watch the mountain glow.
2. Cityscape Lantern
Things You'll Need
Vellum
Scissors
Pencil
Fine-point marker
Clear tape
LED candle
![Supplies for DIY paper lantern](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/7d3ad78958ee456b86f25f8b6a78f89a.jpg)
1. Trace cityscape pattern onto vellum
![Trace pattern onto vellum](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/8b2a7a3fa6884886b74bbcd34978aee4.jpg)
Place strip of vellum atop template. Using a fine-tip marker, trace pattern.
Tip
Want to add other elements? Try including cars, trees, clouds and airplanes.
2. Trim top edge
![Drawing of a city skyline on vellum](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/7e91d53f38f14f9a849ab7dda70e5862.jpg)
Cut vellum along top edge. Again, follow natural curves of drawing.
3. Tape ends
![DIY paper lantern with a city skyline drawing](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/23e848709d40406d8b12d6e3d2c99684.jpg)
Connect ends using clear tape. You can also use a stapler.
4. Illuminate lantern
![DIY paper lantern with a city skyline drawing](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/0d38e93c2ca74fd99fb0b7f3f5424d87.jpg)
Your paper lantern is ready to use! To display it, arrange it around an LED candle and watch the mini city glow with light.
3. Flowers Lantern
Things You'll Need
Vellum
Scissors
Pencil
Fine-point marker
Clear tape
LED candle
![Supplies for DIY paper lantern](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/8c5629cae2d74369b551ef516799b9f4.jpg)
1. Trace field pattern onto vellum
![Trace pattern onto vellum](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/e711245eff60448ea694ab36b3d153e6.jpg)
Place strip of vellum atop template. Trace image using a fine-point marker.
Tip
Don't worry about making the flowers look perfect. Since they'll blend in with the grass, they can be organic and abstract. Just have fun with it!
2. Add dashes for grass
![Drawing of a field of flowers on vellum](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/ab24ff83834349ac8405aafbd196aec5.jpg)
To create grass in field, fill bottom portion with vertical dashes.
3. Trim vellum
![Drawing of a field of flowers on vellum](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/19/c65089b88237418486dc09621698d661.jpg)
Cut vellum along top edge.
4. Tape ends
![DIY paper lantern with a drawing of a field of flowers](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/f83db82a21334c38b28bef7870fafd05.jpg)
Connect ends using clear tape.
5. Illuminate lantern
![DIY paper lantern with a field of flowers](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/5/13/906cccf66da24708acb581bf35730aa8.jpg)
Finally, arrange lantern around LED candle. Your trio is complete!
How's this DIY project for a centerpiece "glow-up?" Whether you're making these beautiful vellum lanterns as a gift or using them to boost coziness in your own space, they're nothing short of enchanting.