Thursday 29 April 2010

MAKE - PAPER LANTERNS

Thinking that it would be sunny over the Bank Holiday weekend (she laughs), I thought I would make some cute paper lanterns to hang from the bamboo in the backyard, whilst eating alfresco.
So after searching the web, I found a few shaped the way I wanted, followed the instructions, and if you fancy making some, this how to do it. Take some wrapping paper, mine is double sided which you dont need, spilt pins / tacs, something to cut with, draw with and a ruler!

Cut 15 strips into 1/2" x 4" (for one lantern), I have cut for three. Use a rotary cutter, knife or sicssors, ruler, pen or pencil.

Next put your 15 strips together and hole punch both ends (carefully), if you dont have a hole punch then  use something sharp, without stabbing yourself.
 Next using your tacs /  split pins, mine are a little large but couldn't get small cheap siver ones, so just had to purchase the pretty pink set in Staples....(honest)
Insert your tacs / spilt pins

Next starting with the botton piece of paper, pull away and twist around, yes at first looks a little wrong.
As you start to fan around the bottom layers, you will start to see the globe take shape.

Finished lantern, just add string or string a few together.
I even made a large lantern 1" x 8" - double the size, looks a little flat on the table, but when hung, looks fab. I will add more photos taken outside when it stops raining!
You could always use these as table decorations, for a dinner party, put them in bowl, vase or just scatter them along the mantlepiece..

9 comments:

  1. Cute lanterns. The paper really makes them look sweet.

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  2. They look lovely what a great idea. I think we are going to have rain as well, typical bank holiday!!

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  3. Oh my goodness they're amazing!! I'm not making them unless I can have frickin' awesome wrapping paper like that though - where's it from?!

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  4. Those are great, I think that me and the girls might just make a few of those over the weekend, thanks for the idea :)

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  5. Really cute and surprisingly simple to make. I think even I could do that!

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  6. omg! these are fabulous, def gonna try them for the summer al fresco dining! Thanks gorgeous ;o)

    hugs

    hello gorgeous xxx

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  7. Hey, Karen, these are fab...been looking to do some decorations for our party in a couple of weeks...think I've found the ones, thanks ;-)

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  8. these are sooo stinking cute, thanks to you I have a another part for my center pieces : ) We're putting paper lanterns with candles in them in the center and then putting the little circle ones like yours around the base of them.

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  9. Thanks so much for the tutorial! I've been looking for how to make this for so long, I'm going to be creating a big and small one for the Moon Lantern Festival we are holding at my school. I thought this would be great as it shaped as well a moon! Thank you so much this was super helpful!
    X

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I love to read all you comments, ideas and things that may even help out!