Paper Lantern Décor is a great way to add simple, recyclable accents to lanterns or lights for events or holidays!
There are times when I want to put out lights or lanterns but I’m not a complete fan of the way that they look. They seem too simple. And it feels like they are taking away from the atmosphere instead of adding to it. Which lead me to ask myself “how can I spruce this up in a way that is inexpensive and doesn’t take up storage space?”
The solution? Use paper! Just like paper can be used to make snowflakes, why not also use it to make paper lantern décor? It simple because all you have to do is cut out pieces, construction paper isn’t too expensive, and you can always recycle it when the event is over! Or it stores flat for later use. Plus, a little bit of transparent film can really make the design pop!
I think I stumbled on the perfect solution. Now that I know what I want, the only thing left is to figure out how to get there. I ended up doing this process two different ways, one by hand and the other using the tools that I have.
Check out the Craft section of MCG for more fun patterns in strings and things or more unlimited ideas.
Supplies
While paper is the main component for making paper lantern décor, some other items are also needed. To start the project, I pulled together the following:
- (2) Pieces Construction Paper, I prefer black
- (2) Pieces Transparent Film Paper, optional
- Double Sided Tape, similar to what I use for scrapbooking
- Lantern or Fairy Lights, to put inside.
To cut the Lantern, this can either be done by hand or using a Cricut. If doing this process by hand, I would recommend using an Exacto knife or something similar.
Process
The Design
The first step of this whole process was making a design for the paper lantern décor. I sketched out a couple of designs that I thought would work well as a design. I envisioned the final product having four sides, so each page would hold two of them. One of the designs I made was rather gothic inspired while the other one was more an ode to spring.
With these sketches, I uploaded them into my computer and cleaned up the images to have the final files (check out the MCG store to download them!). To cut the design out by hand, I printed each design out to create a template. If I was using a light color piece of construction paper, I would have printed them out on the paper themselves.
Since I am using black paper, I decided to just print out the design on printer paper. The black ink wouldn’t be difficult to see on black paper. I printed the template out on normal paper, but I probably should have used something a little sturdier. I’m learning!
Cutting out the Design
Cricut
At some point in the process, I remembered that I have a Cricut and suddenly, everything changes. I was adjusting the templates to work with the Cricut and came up with a pattern in that system, so I was able to make a template in the program to make the lanterns.
The Cricut is able to make such clean cuts that I definitely wanted to use it when I have the chance. And it’s kind of entrancing to watch as it cuts out the templates.
By Hand
When doing this process by hand, I laid the template on one piece of paper and used a white marker to outline the template onto the black sheet. Before cutting, I placed a cutting matt underneath the black paper. It’s not a great idea to cut on a surface that you don’t want to scratch. I did learn that lesson the hard way.
Then it was time to cut! The Exacto knife felt like the best tool when cutting the black construction paper. I could make a relatively smooth edge, but it was a process that took a decent amount of time. The white marker was a little obvious on the end result, so I did color over the white marks with a black sharpie.
Then it’s time to rinse and repeat this process another time. The process is the same regardless of design as the templates are the same general size. After two pieces of paper are cut, then it’s on to assembling the paper lantern décor!
Assembling the Base
The first step of assembly is to fold each piece of paper. There should be two folds, one between the two sides (the smaller one and the bigger one) and the other on the flap off the smaller side. I used a scoring tool to help with this but just creating a crease should also work.
The flap is going to be key in putting the pieces together. I used double sided tape to attach the pieces. Making sure that the bottoms of each piece are aligned, I attached the flap to the large section of the next piece.
I did the first step flat to make sure that I got everything to line up correctly. I’ve made paper lantern décor! But am I truly done? Not yet.
The “Glass” Panes
While the paper lantern works well with enclosed candles or small fake tealights, I wanted to see if I could make them viable with fairy lights as well. Putting fairy lights inside of the paper lantern décor cause some of the lights to fall out of the openings. My thoughts were “how can I close up these openings but keep them visible?”
And that’s when I thought to use transparent film paper. These are often used on lights to change the color that the light is showing but I also like to use them for crafts as well. This will allow the light through was slightly hiding the insides of the paper lantern décor from the side.
I cut each section of transparent film paper to go fit on top of the opening on each side (one piece per side). Leaving a little room around the edge of the transparent film is crucial for attaching the film to the lantern.
The Cricut was able to help me design the cut outs to the perfect size that would cover the hole white leaving enough around the edges to attach the transparent film. Again, I used double sided tape as it hid well against the paper.
If the glass pane look is desired from the get-go, I would recommend doing this step while the lantern is still flat. It is easier to work with, especially when all pieces are connected. Doing this step at this time reduces the chance of the film being on the wrong side for one of the pieces.
Reflections
This was a fun and quick project. I love working with paper and finding fun ways to make something beautiful and useful. Especially because it’s easy to work with and making a mistake just means grabbing another piece of paper. I am excited potentially explore more options for the design of the lanterns as I think they can be adapted to pretty much any situation.
Black is the best color for these lanterns because it provides a shadow like effect that I am really into. I played around with the idea of using a different base color, but I just kept coming back to black. If using a fancier paper, like a gold or silver that has a finish, then I might consider switching it up. But when using a construction like paper, black is best.
Lessons
Open Flame and Paper
DO NOT USE THESE LANTERNS WITH AN UNPROTECTED FLAME. Okay, I apologize for shouting, but I wanted your attention. These lanterns work well with a flame that is contained by glass or something else. An open flame poses the risk of setting the paper on fire. If you want to use an open flame, be cognizant of the flame and do not leave it unattended.
Quick Recipe
Paper Lantern Décor
Equipment
- 1 Exacto Knife if cutting by hand
- 1 Pair of Scissors
Ingredients
- 2 Pieces Construction Paper I prefer black
- 2 Pieces Transparent Film Paper optional
- Double Sided Tape
- Lantern or String of Lights to put inside.
Instructions
Cutting out the Design
- If Creating the process with the Cricut:
- Create Make on the template. Use the lantern design on the construction paper and the pentagonal design on the transparent film (this will not cut all the way through the film). Repeat so two pieces of each are made.
- Cut out the transparent film along the edge outlined by the Cricut. Go to Assembly
- If Doing the Process by Hand:
- Print out design onto a template sheet or directly on to the paper being used for the lantern. Cut out template.
- Use a white marker to outline the template onto the pieces of construction paper.
- Using an Exacto knife or scissors, cut out the marked areas. Repeat until you have two pieces. Use a black sharpie to color any remaining white marks.
Assembly
- Fold along the lines between the two sections and the section and the flap.
- Using double sided tape tape, attach the flap to the larger section on the next lantern without a flap.
- Optional. Cut out transparent film paper and use double sided tape to adhere the film to the inside of the lantern.
- Attach the last flap to the first large section, creating a square.
- Place the paper lantern over a candle or other light source and enjoy!
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