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Craft

Paper Lantern

Photograph showing completed Chinese paper lanterns
Source

Lanterns are an important part of Chinese celebrations, especially the Lantern Festival that takes place during the Chinese New Year, celebrated in late January or early February. Lanterns are often red, because people believe this colour brings happiness and good luck.

Materials

  • scissors
  • pencil
  • glue, tape or stapler
  • ruler
  • paper

Instructions

Photograph showing materials required for paper lantern
Source		   Photograph showing step 1 of how to make a paper lantern
Source
Materials needed for paper lantern   Step 1. Take a rectangular sheet of paper (any size) and cut a ½-inch strip off one short side to make a handle. Put the strip aside for later.

Photograph showing step 2 of how to make a paper lantern
Source		   Photograph showing step 3 of how to make a paper lantern
Source
Step 2. Measure and mark fold lines about ½ inch wide at top and bottom of paper as shown in the photo. Add fold lines in the middle, at an equal distance from the edges, as shown.   Step 3. Fold the paper along the fold lines as shown.

Photograph showing step 4 of how to make a paper lantern
Source		   Photograph showing step 5 of how to make a paper lantern
Source
Step 4. Cut the paper into strips about 1 inch wide on both folded edges. Make sure not to cut through the small folds at the top and bottom of the paper.   Step 5. Open out the paper and roll it along the long edge as shown. Glue, tape or staple the short edges together.

Photograph showing step 6 of how to make a paper lantern
Source		   Photograph showing completed Chinese paper lanterns
Source
Step 6. Glue, tape or staple the handle you made in Step 1 to the top of the lantern. If you like, you can add tassels, glitter, and other decorations.   Your lantern is now ready for hanging.

Proactive Disclosure
Created: 2005-01-13
Updated: 2005-01-13
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