Steps to Make Paper Lanterns

A paper lantern adds a warm ambiance to every room. They were previously only available in white colour but these days they are available in every colour of one's choice. There are different varieties of lanterns that can be made by using different materials. One such paper lantern is the Chinese rice paper lantern. This one is made of bamboo sticks, a box, a small light and a socket or a battery to provide power to that small light. There are other lanterns such as this which are much simpler to make and use in the required environment.

Initial requisites:

A simple paper lantern will not require several large raw materials that some may require. All that this one requires is a paper, glue, paper clip, tape, ruler, pencil and a pair of scissors. The scissors must be used only under the super vision of an adult so that any unnecessary damages to either the materials or to the user can be avoided. Besides these materials, one may require colours, stickers and other fancy materials to make the paper lantern a pleasure to the eye. The paper lanterns bring happiness to both the mind and the soul through their dazzling light.

Methodology:

A paper lantern can be done by following the given steps:

1. Fold the paper into half so that it takes a rectangular shape which is thin and long.

2. Make a series of cuts on the folded part using the scissors. But do not cut too close to the edge and leave a one inch gap from both the edges

3. Now unfold the paper and join the two edges that have been left out using a stapler or glue. Let the lantern dry in case glue has been used.

4. Now cut a sheet of required length (approximately 6 inches normally) and required width (half inch normally). This will act as the handle for the lantern.

Finishing touches:

After the handle is made, either staple it to the edges or use a glue to stick it. The paper lantern is now ready for usage. Place a small candle that is either battery operated or a normal one and light it. Hang the paper lantern on the wall hangers and watch your house glow with its graceful and beautiful light. Many paper lanterns can be made by this simple and cost effective method and it can be used to decorate your house during all the festive seasons for celebrations. Several countries use the paper lanterns for national festivals as part of the celebrations.

Better looks:

The paper lantern can be made to look much beautiful and prettier by adding many decorative objects to it. This makes the already attractive paper lanterns lure much more attention towards it. To do this people can add objects like ribbons, glitters, small dolls and several other objects. They can also be made of different papers of different colours to make them much more unique and different from the usual and conventional white and cream coloured paper lanterns. Several beads and needles can be used to bring about some sort of shine and brightness to the overall outlook of the gorgeous lanterns.