Handmade Paper Hanging Lanterns

Simple Chinese Lanterns

• These easy-to-make lanterns will introduce the kids to an ancient cultural tradition, known as the Chinese, or lunar, New Year. Hanging lanterns, central to the celebration, decorate villages and cities throughout the country. Get the kids involved in making these colorful, non-illuminated lanterns to hang throughout the house. Fold a sheet of construction paper in half and cut strips along the length of the paper, taking care not to cut through to the end. Unfold and create a cylindrical shape by taping the ends together. Staple a construction paper handle to the lantern. To add sparkle, decorate the lanterns with glitter glue and sequins.

Painted Lanterns

• Use a round, white paper lantern purchased from an import store as the basis for this handmade lantern project. To stabilize the lantern, place it in a large bowl or pot. Use a child's watercolor set and a soft artist's brush to paint a custom design right on the lantern. Rotate the bowl to avoid touching the lantern during painting. Let dry, flip the lantern over and paint the other half. Purchase a paper lantern cord kit, insert the light bulb and admire this custom hanging lamp creation.

Exotic Lanterns

• Throw a bohemian-themed party replete with exotic paper lanterns. Determine a color scheme and purchase 26-by-20-inch paper sheets in a variety of vibrant hues. Cut each sheet into two pieces. Cut an 11-by-15-inch piece to create an inner cylinder and secure along the 15-inch length with double-sided tape. Form the outside of the lantern with a 10-by-20-inch piece in a contrasting color. Fold each of the 10-inch ends down 2 inches to create a crease as a cutting guide. Cut the paper vertically into 1/2-inch strips, stopping at the crease. Place double-sided tape along the shorter ends and wrap around the end of the cylinder, lining up the edges. Repeat around the bottom the cylinder. Hang these colorful, curvaceous lanterns with floral wire.

Luminary Lanterns

• These handmade hanging lanterns offer a new twist to paper bag luminaries that typically line walkways during the holidays. Use extra small brown or white paper bags for these delicate hanging lanterns. Gently fold the top edge of each bag down one inch to create an inverted cuff. Draw a design on the side of the bag using a decorative stencil and carefully cut out the shape with a craft knife. Insert a grommet on each side of the bag approximately 1/2 inch from the top. Create a handle with fine gauge wire. Loop each end through the grommets and secure by twisting the wire onto the handle. Place an LED tea light in each bag and hang them indoors or outdoors.