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.
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
1. Trace pattern onto vellum
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
Cut vellum along top edge. Follow image's natural curve to add dimension to lantern top.
3. Tape ends
Attach ends together using clear tape.
Tip
If you don’t have clear tape, washi tape works just as well.
4. Illuminate lantern
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
1. Trace cityscape pattern onto vellum
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
Cut vellum along top edge. Again, follow natural curves of drawing.
3. Tape ends
Connect ends using clear tape. You can also use a stapler.
4. Illuminate lantern
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
1. Trace field pattern onto vellum
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
To create grass in field, fill bottom portion with vertical dashes.
3. Trim vellum
Cut vellum along top edge.
4. Tape ends
Connect ends using clear tape.
5. Illuminate lantern
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.