Monday, December 12, 2011

Day 12: Paper Lanterns



Materials you'll need:

8x8 sheet of cardstock
1x8 strip of cardstock
double sided tape
scissors
pencil
ruler
rhinestones
children

These lanterns have been a popular craft for a long time with children and I was reintroduced to them when I read a great book called Christmas Crafting with Kids (available at the Paper Zone). So I gathered up some supplies, my beautiful niece Dyanna, and my wonderful nephew Cody to make some!

Step 1:
Cut from any cardstock that you want one 8x8 inch square (for the base) and a 1x8 inch strip (for the handle). Set the strip off to the side.



Step 2:
Fold the square in half.



Step 3:
Using a ruler, mark every one inch on the folded edge that you just made. Draw lines going straight up from where you marked to roughly 1 1/2 inches from the top.



Step 4:
Cut the lines, being sure not to cut all the way through to the top.



Step 5:
Using double sided tape, glue one of the newly formed slats on top of another, turning it into a tube.



Step 6:
Gently push on the top of the tube to push out the slats. This was Cody's favorite part as they are quite springy!



Step 7:
Tape the handle inside the top of the tube.



Step 8:
Decorate using a strip of rhinestones (or you can use something like ribbon, sequins, etc.)



These easy, kid-friendly decorations are beautiful and versatile. Try hanging them as a garland, put a tall hurricane vase with a candle inside, or they can just stand alone as is!



Have lots of fun with this craft and have a wonderful holiday season!

- Ally and the Salem Paper Zone family

1 comment:

  1. The paper lanterns are really beautiful! They are also easy to make and so a great project for children. The materials used can be scrap colored paper too to make it more interesting. Thanks for sharing this.

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