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23 DIY Lantern Crafts for Kids & Teens

DIY lantern crafts are a fantastic way for kids and teens to express their creativity while making beautiful, functional decor. Whether for a garden party, a festive celebration, or simply to brighten up a room, these lanterns come in various styles and materials. Here are 23 DIY lantern crafts that will inspire creativity and provide hours of crafting fun.

1. Paper Bag Lanterns

Transform simple brown paper bags into charming lanterns. Cut out designs or shapes, so that when a tea light is placed inside, the light shines through. You can decorate the bags with markers or stamps for an added touch.

2. Mason Jar Lanterns

Mason jars are versatile for many crafts. To create lanterns, fill them with fairy lights or place a candle inside. Decorate the jar with paint, twine, or tissue paper for added appeal.

3. Tin Can Lanterns

After rinsing out empty tin cans, use a hammer and nail to create patterns on the sides. Once you fill them with a candle or place a small LED light inside, they give off a warm glow that looks stunning.

4. Recycled Bottle Lanterns

Utilise empty plastic bottles by cutting them in half and decorating the outside with paint or washi tape. You can insert LED fairy lights or a candle for a brilliant effect.

5. Wooden Block Lanterns

For a rustic look, kids can paint and decorate wooden blocks to create lanterns. Attach a candle holder to the top, ensuring safety and stability.

6. Glass Jar Luminaires

Paint the inside of glass jars with luminous paint or glue on glow-in-the-dark stars and shapes. When a light is placed inside, they will emit a magical glow!

7. Fabric Lanterns

Using colourful fabric scraps, kids can create no-sew lanterns. Cut fabric into strips, tie them around a wire frame, and voilà—an adorable, soft lantern!

8. Origami Lanterns

Let your teens explore the art of origami with this intricate project. Although it might require some precision, the end result is a beautiful paper lantern that can be hung and admired.

9. Felt Lanterns

Felt is a fantastic material for crafting. Cut out patterns and shapes from different colours of felt, glue them onto a base, and create a lovely lantern that adds texture and warmth.

10. Nature Lanterns

Collect twigs, leaves, and flowers to decorate a jar. Adhere them to the exterior with glue for a nature-inspired lantern that brings the outdoors inside.

11. Votive Candle Holder Lanterns

Use small terracotta pots to create votive candle holders. Paint them bright colours, and when lit, they provide a lovely, soft light.

12. Hanging Yarn Lanterns

Using balloons and yarn dipped in glue, kids can create hanging lanterns. After the yarn dries, pop the balloon to reveal a beautiful open structure.

13. Cupcake Liner Lanterns

Gather colourful cupcake liners and glue them onto a balloon or a jar. When illuminated, they create a cheerful effect—perfect for parties!

14. LED String Light Lanterns

Wrap LED string lights around a bottle or inside a jar. This is an easy project with stunning results, as the lights will twinkle beautifully in the evening.

15. Soda Can Lanterns

Recycle old soda cans by cutting designs into them. Hang them with string once filled with lights for a fun, upcycled lantern.

16. Glitter Lanterns

Add some sparkle by covering jars with glue and dipping them in glitter. Once dry, place a candle inside for a dazzling effect.

17. Movie-themed Lanterns

Create lanterns inspired by favourite films. Kids can decorate their jars or bags with images or quotes using paper cutouts.

18. Bamboo Lanterns

For a more advanced craft, use bamboo skewers and string to create geometric lanterns that can house a candle or LED light, offering a contemporary ambiance.

19. Balloon Lanterns

Inflate a balloon and dip it in glue and paper strips for a classic papier-mâché approach. Once dry, pop the balloon to reveal your decorative lantern!

20. Glass Etched Lanterns

For older teens, glass etching provides a unique project. Use etching cream to create designs on glass jars for a sophisticated, personalised touch.

21. LED Fabric Lanterns

By using LED lights and fabric, kids can sew or glue fabric together to form simple pouch-style lanterns. The LED lights ensure safety while offering a soft glow.

22. Stained Glass Lanterns

Using transparent plastic sheets and glass paint, create beautiful stained glass effects. Attach them to a frame or inside a lantern to catch the light.

23. Magical Night Sky Lanterns

Paint jars with a night sky theme—stars, moons, and clouds. Place a small LED light inside, and as the lantern flickers, it will mimic the enchanting glow of the night sky.

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These 23 DIY lantern crafts are perfect for kids and teens looking to explore their artistic talents. With various materials and techniques, each project offers an opportunity for creativity, teamwork, and, most importantly, fun. Gather your supplies and let the crafting begin!