Teen Craft: Paper Lantern

Easy Paper Lantern

By Sherri Osborn, About.com Guide

Fancy Paper Lantern

Photos from Family Craft

This paper lantern is easy to make and can be embellished to match any decor or to suit any occasion.

Before you start any project it is easiest to gather together all of the supplies. For this project you will need:

•           1 Piece of Paper (You can use bond paper, construction paper, or even card stock. For best results, use a piece approximately 8.5" x 11")

•           Pencil

•           Ruler

•           Scissors

•           Markers or Crayons (optional)

•           Stapler or Tape

Gathering The Supplies

Before you start any project it is easiest to gather together all of the supplies. For this project you will need.

Folding and Marking

Next, fold the piece of paper in half, lengthwise, making sure you line up all the edges. If your paper has a 'right' and 'wrong' side, you will want to make sure the wrong side (the side that will be on the inside of your lantern) facing out at this point. Draw a line along the open, long edge, of the paper, about 3/4" of an inch from the edge.

Cutting Lantern Strips

Now, take your scissors and, starting at the folded edge, cut a strip from the folded edge up to the line you drew. Make the first strip about 3/4" away from one of the short edges and continue to cut several strips along the piece of paper like shown in the picture above.

Re-Folding the Lantern

Once all your strips are cut, you should unfold your piece of paper and refold it length-wise so the pencil mark will be hidden on the inside.

Decorating the Lantern

If desired, you can now color or embellish the outside of the lantern.

Assembling the Lantern

To assemble the lantern simply roll the paper into a tube shape as shown in the photo above and staple or tape the edges together.

Adding the Handle

Finally, using the strip you cut of the paper in step 3, attach the handle by taping or stapling the ends of the strip of the paper just inside the top of the lantern.

Your completed lanterns can be hung up or set on a table for decoration. These lanterns are only for decorative purposes and should not be used near open flames such as candles.

More Paper Craft at Family Crafts About.com