Ever seen glowing lanterns at a festival? Or wanted to light up your backyard for a party? Making your own lantern is easy. It's fun for everyone. Let's look at different ways to make one. You can choose from simple to fancy options.
Paper Lantern: Quick and Easy
The paper lantern is the simplest to make. You only need a few things. You probably have them at home already. Get colorful construction paper or thin cardboard. Grab scissors, glue or tape, and a string or ribbon.
Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Cut slits along the folded edge. But leave half an inch uncut at the top and bottom. Unfold the paper. Curve it into a circle. Glue or tape the ends together.
Punch two holes at the top. Thread the string through the holes. Tie a knot. Put a battery-operated tea light inside. This will make it glow. Don't use real candles. Paper can catch fire easily. This lantern is great for decorating kids' rooms. It's also good for parties.
Mason Jar Lantern: Rustic and Sturdy
Do you want an outdoor-ready, rustic lantern? Try making one from a mason jar. You'll need a clean jar. Also get twine or jute rope, glue, and a battery-operated tea light.
Wrap the twine around the jar. Use glue to help it stick. Create a pattern as you go. When you're happy with how it looks, tie off the twine.
Hang the lantern with more twine. Or place it on a surface. Drop in the tea light. When it's on, the light shines through the twine. It creates a warm glow. It's perfect for picnics. Great for garden parties or porches, too.
Fancy Origami Lantern: A Bit More Challenging
Looking for a more advanced project? Try an origami lantern. Get square origami paper. Also get a ruler, a pencil, and a hole punch.
Fold the paper in half one way. Then fold it in half the other way. This makes creases. Unfold the paper. Fold each corner to the center. Draw lines. Make them half an inch apart. Draw the lines parallel to the sides. Cut from the folded edge towards the center. Leave the middle uncut.
Unfold the paper. Shape it into a lantern. Push and pull the cut parts. Make it three-dimensional. Punch holes at the top. Thread a string through the holes. Hang it up. Put a tiny LED light inside. This will light it up. It takes time to make. But it looks great as home decor.