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How to Make Easy Paper Lanterns

Creating beautiful paper lanterns is a delightful craft that can brighten up any space. Whether you’re decorating for a special occasion or simply adding a touch of charm to your home, these lanterns are easy to make and require minimal materials. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create stunning paper lanterns that will impress your friends and family.

What You Will Need

Before you get started, gather the following materials:

• Coloured paper or cardstock (you can use plain or patterned)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Glue or double-sided tape
• LED tealights (for safety)
• String, ribbon, or wire (optional, for hanging)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Paper

1. Choose Your Paper: Select a piece of coloured paper or cardstock. Standard A4 or A3 size works well, but you can adjust depending on how big you want your lanterns to be.

2. Measure and Cut: Using your ruler and pencil, measure out a rectangle, typically around 20 cm by 30 cm. This will form the body of your lantern. Cut the rectangle out with your scissors.

Step 2: Create the Lantern Design

1. Make the Slits: On the shorter sides of your rectangle, measure and mark about 2 cm from each edge. Using your ruler, draw straight lines from these marks towards the centre, stopping about 10 cm before the middle. Cut along these lines to create slits. These will allow your lantern to fold and create a beautiful shape.

2. Add Decorations: If you wish, you can now decorate your paper. Use markers, stickers, or even additional cut-out shapes to enhance your design. Let your creativity shine!

Step 3: Form the Lantern

1. Curve the Paper: Take the rectangle and gently curve it to form a cylinder. Overlap the edges slightly and secure them using glue or double-sided tape. Ensure you hold it in place for a moment until it sticks.

2. Create the Top and Bottom: Fold the ends in at both the top and bottom of the cylinder, making sure they are firm. You could also cut out circles from another piece of paper and attach them to the top and bottom for added sturdiness and a finished look.

Step 4: Add Lighting

1. Insert the LED Tealight: Place an LED tealight inside your lantern to illuminate it safely. Avoid using real candles as they can pose a fire risk, especially with paper lanterns.

2. Optional Hanging: If you want to hang your lantern, you can punch small holes at the top and thread a piece of string or wire through them. Alternatively, you can attach a ribbon for a more decorative touch.

Step 5: Display Your Lanterns

Find the perfect spot to showcase your newly crafted lanterns. They can be placed on a table, hung from the ceiling, or even used to light up a garden space for an enchanting evening gathering.

Conclusion

Making paper lanterns is a fun and straightforward project that can be enjoyed by crafters of all ages. Not only do they add a whimsical element to your décor, but they also allow for creativity and expression through colours and designs. Once you’ve mastered the basic lantern, feel free to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and patterns. Enjoy your crafting, and let your lanterns illuminate your world!

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