Our new India-inspired prints really got us thinking of summer– and what kinds of crafts and party decorations we could dream up for warm-weather celebrations. Using bright colors, including our vibrant new Fuchsia, we created these simple paper lanterns. They look great hanging from anywhere, adding a colorful touch to any outdoor occasion!
Materials needed:
One 26″ x 20″ sheet of text weight paper in each of 2 colors (one sheet of each makes two lanterns); floral wire; 1/8″ hole punch; double-sided tape; craft knife; ruler
Instructions:
Exterior sheet (outside frame of lantern)
1. Cut text weight sheet of one color down to a 10″ x 20″ piece. Fold each of the 10″ ends down 2″ to create a crease, then unfold.
2. Using craft knife and ruler, make vertical cuts between fold lines at roughly 1/2″ intervals.
Interior sheet (inside tube of lantern)
1. Cut text weight sheet of second color down to a 11″ x 15″ piece. Apply double-sided tape to the edge of one of the 15″ ends.
2. To form cylinder, roll paper into tube with 2″ overlap, adhering with taped end.
Combining exterior and interior
1. Apply double-sided tape to 10″ (creased) ends of exterior sheet.
2. Starting at one end, stick fringed exterior to top of rolled tube using seam of tube as a starting point & guide. Repeat at bottom of tube until complete.
3. To hang, punch 1/8″ holes on either side of lantern top. Bend floral wire and hook ends in place.
Play with colors to create a cluster of paper lanterns — and enjoy all summer long!
— Annie
PS colors: eco-white & pool
Latest fave: Zots Glue Dots
i was in paper source on saturday admiring the india papers — i love the color combos. such vivid and bright prints, perfect for summer. these lanterns look so easy and would be a perfect addition to a summer cookout or tea party. thanks for the instructions!
I’m so happy to find you guys on the blogosphere! how fun is this? I can’t wait to read your updates and posts!
I can’t wait to try these paper lanterns for my gift boutique! I love your paper designs … they add so much with little effort !!!
I LOVE this paper lantern project! You all are so creative and always my go-to for supplies and inspiration. I have your website listed as one of my favorite “crafty” places to shop and I mentioned Paper-Source in a blog post recently. So glad you are blogging!
I finally got around to making some of these. And they are awesome! I made them much smaller (5″ tall x 1.5″ inner diameter) and then strung them on christmas tree lights. They look really great. 🙂
To emiko…. When I read your post, I just said, awww… that is such a great idea! Way to go! Thanks for sharing. Penny
Wow mind blowing article on lanterns, I really appreciate it. Can you please also let me know where I can get light accessories From ? I am thinking of buying it as it really looks cool, do tell me. Thanks 🙂