Paper lanterns are lovely decorations that add a celebratory air to any occasion. With a few manageable supplies, you can make your DIY paper lanterns in the comfort of your home.
DIY – Paper Lantern with a Handle – Steps
- Start this DY by folding the paper. Take a piece of neat paper with a color of your choice and fold it in half longitudinally. It can be of any weight and size. A bit of conventional printer paper will do just fine, but so will scrapbook or cardstock paper. The lighter the weight of the paper, the more apparent the lantern will be to fall under its own weight. So, be wise while choosing the paper weight but don’t be extra specific.
- The next step is cutting the paper. Start by cutting along the folded edge, but not to the end ( leave some margin, will you). It’s up to you how long-drawn you want the slits to be. The longer the slits, the more light will glow through, and the more floppy/flexible your lantern will be.
- Follow the step by making a tube. Take the couple ends of the paper and cover them around to make a circular tube shape. Use glue or a piece of tape to stick it together. Tape the bottom and ege edge together.
- Now, we are nearing the fun part. It’s time to make the handle. Cut off another paper piece of the preferably same color to make a handle. If you used a bit of printer paper, your handle should be about 15 cm (6″) long and 2.5 c (1″) wide. However, if you’re hanging it, you don’t certainly need a handle — it can be hung through the base on string or ribbon.
- So, if you are making the handle, now is the time to attach it. Using tape or glue, fasten the handle to the center of the top of your lantern.
- Cherish the finished product; your DIY project is ready. You can put a small candle inside, hang it from the ceiling, or use it as a decorative centerpiece. Since our today’s lantern is made exclusively using paper, only put a votive or tea candle in the center if you have a glass to cover it in. Put the candle carefully in the glass and keep the lantern around the glass to shine it up. It’s best if the glass is extra deep, so the flame doesn’t sear the edge of the lantern and ignite a fire.
Use a candle inside if you are keeping the lantern on a flat surface, not if you are using the handle or hanging it
