Making paper lanterns is a magical way to spend an afternoon with your child. She will be thrilled to walk around with her lantern. It is an easy craft which uses simple materials. You can make it as ornate or simple as you wish.
Supplies:
Construction paper: Various colors
Glue
Scissors
Hole puncher
Pipe cleaners
Decorative items: Streamers, pom poms, stickers, ribbon, etc.
Instructions:
Fold a piece of construction paper lengthwise.
From the folded edge cut slits from one side to the other. Be careful not to cut all the way to the edge.
Unfold the paper. In the opposite direction (the short side) glue or staple the top edges together and then the bottom edges together.
Cut a strip of construction to glue to the top and bottom edge of the lantern. You may cut it straight or get creative and cut it in a wavy line or with Fiskers shaped edge scissors.
Punch a hole on one side of the lantern’s top edge and then on the opposite side.
Place a pipe cleaner through the hole and fold at the edge and bend around to the other hold to form a handle.
Decorate your lantern by adding pom poms, stickers or ribbon to the top and bottom edges of your lantern. Use your imagination to create something unique.
Tips:
Use Fiskers shaped edge scissors to make more decorative slits.
Add decorations and edge before rolling the paper and attaching the edges. This may make it easier than trying to roll it around the edge of the lantern once it is glued together.
Make several lanterns and hang on yarn or string and hang in a room.
Use two pipe cleaners or ribbons to make a more decorative handle to your lantern.
Try to be as creative and colorful as possible. Let your imagination guide you!
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