Easy Craft Instructions for Making String Lanterns

String lanterns look like delicate webbing woven into a sphere. When lit, the strings diffuse the light into hundreds of tiny, delicate shapes, making the lanterns look as romantic as they are modern.

You can create a string of string lanterns at home with items you already have in your home. Just raid your holiday decorations and your crafting supplies to find the things you need.

White glue
Warm water
Bucket
Stirring stick
Small balloons
Twinkle lights
Permanent marker
Cooking spray
Twine, 1/4-inch thick
Scissors
Clothesline
Clothespins
Needle

Instructions

- 1
  Mix two parts white glue with two parts warm water in a large plastic bucket. About two quarts of white glue and a quart of water should be enough for this project. Stir the mix until it looks like doughnut glaze.
- 2
  Blow up one small balloon for each light on your string of twinkle lights. Draw a 1/8-inch diameter circle in permanent marker around the knot in each balloon and spray each balloon with cooking spray. The oil will prevent balloon pieces from sticking inside your lanterns.
- 3
  Cut a 4- or 5-foot length of twine for each small balloon. Dip the twine into the water and glue mixture. Squeegee off extra mix with your fingers.
- 4
  Wrap each balloon in a horizontal spiral of twine, starting with the marker circle around the knit. Wrap the second layer of string vertically and wrap the last layers of twine on a diagonal to create a web-like appearance.
- 5
  Tie a clothesline between two tall chairs. Hang the lanterns from the clothesline with clothespins and let them dry for 24 hours.
- 6
  Pop each balloon with a needle and pull the pieces out of the lanterns. Gently fit each lantern over a light on your twinkle lights. The holes in the tops of the lanterns should fit snugly over the bulb holders.

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