Making a paper light lantern, often like the Simple Chinese Paper Lanterns mentioned in the reference video titled "How to Make Simple Chinese Paper Lanterns DIY Craft", is a popular and straightforward craft. While the reference video showcases the result, turning the finished lanterns into a Garland, and suggests visiting welcome tas.com for more craft ideas, it doesn't detail the step-by-step process itself.
Based on the common method for creating this style of paper lantern, here is a guide. These lanterns are typically used for decoration or with safe, cool light sources like LED bulbs due to the flammable nature of paper.
Materials Needed
To make a simple paper lantern, you will need a few basic craft supplies:
- Construction paper or craft paper (any color)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue stick or tape
- Stapler (optional, can be used instead of glue/tape)
- Thin strip of paper for a handle (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your paper lantern:
- Prepare Your Paper: Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half lengthwise. Ensure the fold is crisp.
- Mark Cutting Lines: Starting from the folded edge, use a ruler and pencil to draw parallel lines perpendicular to the fold. Stop drawing about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) away from the unfolded edge. The lines can be spaced anywhere from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 to 2.5 cm) apart.
- Cut Along the Lines: Carefully use scissors to cut along each pencil line, starting from the folded edge and stopping at the pencil mark near the unfolded edge. Do not cut all the way across.
- Unfold the Paper: Gently unfold the paper. You should see a series of slits down the center, with solid sections at the top and bottom.
- Form the Cylinder: Bring the two short edges of the paper together to form a cylinder or tube shape.
- Secure the Edges: Apply glue or tape along one short edge, or use a stapler to join the edges securely, overlapping slightly. This creates the main lantern body.
- Attach the Handle (Optional): If you want to hang your lantern, take a thin strip of paper (about 0.5 inches or 1.2 cm wide and 6-8 inches or 15-20 cm long). Glue or staple the ends of this strip to the top solid edges of the lantern cylinder, forming a loop handle.
Displaying Your Lanterns
These simple paper lanterns are perfect for various decorations. As seen in the reference video, they can be attached together to create a decorative Garland, adding a festive touch to parties or rooms. Remember to only use cool light sources if you wish to illuminate them.
For more craft ideas beyond paper lanterns, you can explore resources like the one suggested in the reference, welcome tas.com.
