Easy Paper Lanterns

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

18 Feb 2007 02:07 PM

I've noticed a few decorations for Chinese New Year in the party stores and craft stores this year. I think that's cool, but we still like to make our own simple decorations.

Making a paper lantern is very easy. It's a fun decoration and fits in with celebrating Chinese New Year and The Festival of Lanterns. Or it can be just for fun.

Even young children can make this simple fold and cut project. Take a piece of construction paper and fold it in half so that the two shorter ends are touching. In school we call this a "taco" fold. (If you fold the paper lengthwise, so that the longer edges are touching - we call that a "hotdog" fold.)

Then, on your folded paper, make cuts about an inch apart through the fold towards the back. Stop about an inch from the edge. Stopping is the hardest thing for children to remember. You may need to draw cutting marks on the paper for them.

Unfold the paper. On the top short side of the paper, join the two corners together to form a circle. The middle fold that you cut through should be on the outside, bulging out a little to help form that lantern shape. Staple or tape the edges shut. Do the same for the bottom edge.

Cut another strip of paper for the handle and staple to the top. You can make these lanterns in all different sizes and colors. You can use plain paper, or beautiful scrap booking paper. If want short, fat lanterns reverse the paper fold at the start of the project - make a hot dog fold instead.

We like to hang our lanterns from the ceiling and set a few on the table. If you want to you can even add your own creative touch by using those special cut scrap booking scissors.

More on Chinese New Year:

Celebrating Chinese New Year

Lunar New Year

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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