How to Make a Paper Lantern from Computer Paper

In a simpler time, kids would entertain themselves making crafts out of paper. Grandmothers would patiently show eager little hands how to snip and cut to make all kinds of neat things. I was always fascinated with the little girls my Grandmother would snip ....they would be a perfect row of little girls holding hands. I never could master that! Kids have a high-tech way of entertaining themselves now, but I think they still like the traditional things, too, if given the chance.

This is a simple paper craft, and if you want to know the truth, I just learned to do this as an adult! If you are just needing some kids crafts ideas to entertain a little one (or a not-so-little one,) you can make one of these with computer paper and a stapler! I guess you could use glue or paste, but it will take longer.

You will be surprised how much children crave some one on one time with a parent or grandparent, and no amount of activities or electronics will substitute for this.

Materials:

2 pieces of computer paper or construction paper

stapler

Instructions:

Fold paper in half lengthwise.

Working on the fold, make 3" snips, around 1" apart and leaving a 1" margin on each side. See Illustration 1.
(Click on Photo to enlarge and also #2 and #3 to see diagrams.)
Unfold, and staple to form a lantern.

Cut a 1" strip of computer paper, and attach to form a handle.

See Illustration 2.

You can decorate the paper either before cutting or after, and of course, you can use beautiful papers.

These are cute to decorate for a party, but don't really use them around candles. (just saying.)