The tradition of Chinese paper lanterns dates back to the Eastern Han dynasty, when they were used to worship Buddha.The last day of Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival.Making your own lantern is easy, and it can be just as pretty and unique as a traditional light-up lantern.
Step 1: There is a sheet of construction paper.
The size doesn't matter if it's rectangular.Something around 8 2 by 11 inches would be better.Red paper is used for a traditional lantern.You can pick the color of the lantern you want.
Step 2: Take a strip from one of the short ends.
To draw a line across the width of the paper, use a pencil and ruler.Cut the strip off with scissors.The lantern's handle will eventually be made from this.Cut the strip from the long edges for a longer handle.
Step 3: The paper should be folded in half.
This is also called the "hot dog" fold.Make sure the edges match up.Do not open the paper.Make it nice and sharp by running your fingernail across the folded edge.
Step 4: Cut the slit into the fold to stop the edge from moving.
A horizontal line is drawn across the length of the paper.Slits can be cut into the folded edge.Don't cut past the horizontal line that you drew and make each slit the same.The slits should be 1 inch apart.Start and end the slit from the left and right edges of the paper.Once you have cut the paper, erase any pencil marks you made.
Step 5: Roll the paper into a cylinder, staple it.
First, unfold the paper.To form a cylinder, bring the narrow ends together and overlap them by 1 inch.The cylinder should be held together with the staples at the top and bottom.The folded crease should not be in.The slit should flare out like a daisy if you squash the lantern between your hands.You have to secure the paper with clips until the glue dries, but you can use a glue stick to hold the lantern together.
Step 6: There is a strip to the top of the lantern.
Take the strip that you cut off earlier.The lantern has one end against it.Attach it with a staple in place.If you want to staple it, bring the other end to the opposite side of the lantern.The top and bottom of the lantern should be stapled to the handle.They need to be across from each other.The handle should be put on the inside of the lantern for a nicer finish.You can use a glue stick or tacky glue for this step, but you will need to clip them in place until the glue dries.
Step 7: Two pieces of paper are different colors.
There are two colors that go on the inside of the lantern.The best paper to use is construction paper.Red and gold are used for the outside and inside of a traditional lantern.Red and yellow paper can be used for the outside and inside.
Step 8: Take a strip from the short edge of the paper.
To draw a line across the width of the first sheet of paper, use a pencil and ruler.Set the strip aside.With the second sheet of paper, repeat this step.You should have 2 sheets of construction paper and 2 wide strips when you're done.
Step 9: Cut two strips from the long edge of the sheet.
The inside of your lantern can be covered with 1 sheet of construction paper.Cut two strips from one of the long edges.For later, set these strips aside.Don't cut a 2 in strip.It will just create more work later on, even though it may seem like a time-saver.The other sheet of construction paper should not be cut.You want the sheet to be full-size.Guidelines for cutting can be drawn on a ruler and pencil.
Step 10: Put the short ends together to form a cylinder.
Take the paper you just cut.To create a tube, bring the short ends together and overlap them by 1 inch.Put the tube at the top and bottom edges of the seam to hold it together.There is a glue stick that you can use.Use clips to hold the paper together.
Step 11: In a hot dog style, fold the larger piece of paper in half.
Take your second sheet of construction paper and put it on the outside of the lantern.If you want the long edges to match up, fold it in half.You can make it neater by running your fingernail along the folded edge.
Step 12: Cut a slit into the fold that stops one inch from the top.
Use a ruler and a pencil to draw a horizontal line across the length of your paper.Cut vertical slits into the bottom, folded edge of the paper, stopping at the horizontal line.The first and last slits are from the left and right edges of the paper.All of the other slit should be 1 inch apart.Don't cut past the horizontal line or the folded edge.Draw cutting guides for the slit.Once you have finished, be sure to remove any pencil marks.
Step 13: Place your paper into a cylinder by unfold it.
First thing you should do is open your paper.To form a tube, bring the narrow ends together and overlap them by 1 inch.Attach the seam at the top and bottom.Make sure this tube is big enough to slide over the first tube you made.You can use glue.Attach the tube with glue.The crease should not be in.The fringe should flare out if you squash the lantern.
Step 14: Attach the top edges of the first and second cylinder.
Take the first tube and put it in the second tube.Align the top edges and secure them with tape, staplers, or glue.The inner tube is shorter than the outer tube.The next step will resolve this.The fringe should be on the inside of the tube.The side seams need to be aligned for a nicer finish.
Step 15: Attach the bottom edges of the lanterns together.
The bottom edge of the inner lantern needs to be pushed until it is in line with the outer lantern.Attach the bottom edges of the lanterns with glue or staple.The outer lantern should light up so that you can see the inner lantern.
Step 16: To make a handle, use 1 of the shorter strips.
Cut 1 of the shorter strips from the beginning.Make sure to overlap the ends of your lantern by 1 inch to create a handle.It doesn't matter which color of strip you use.The strip that matches the inner lantern can be used.It doesn't matter if you put the handle on the outside or inside of the lantern.The next step will cover it.
Step 17: Wrap the strips around the edges.
Take one of the strips from your inner lantern.Wrap the back of the strip with glue and make sure the edges align with the lantern.The second strip is for the bottom edge.