Paper Party Lanterns

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1010 -- More Projects »

Colorful paper lanterns are quick and easy to make, either to place on the party table, along the entry walk or hanging from the trees.

Try making these colorful paper lanterns, lit simply with tea lights, to set a festive mood for your next party. Designer Tracey Dale explains how.

Materials:

heavy stock paper
scissors
craft knife
double-stick tape
waxy vellum paper
tea lights

Steps:

Accordion-fold colorful heavy stock paper.
With the paper folded into a column, lay it on its side.

Figure A

Make a template (figure A) with squares cut out in regular intervals along one edge or a strip of cardboard.

Place the template over the folded paper column, and make cuts on the paper with a craft knife on the folded edge. Cut only the two sides of the square, leaving the back end uncut. (If you have trouble cutting through all the layers of paper, turn the column over and cut through from the other side.) The uncut edge will form a hinge.

Figure B

Unfold the paper and press the paper tabs out (figure B). You can score the hinges to make it easier to push the tabs out, if desired.

Bring the ends of the paper together and attach with double-stick tape to form a cylinder. You can use one piece of paper for a smaller lantern, or combine two for larger lanterns.

To create a layered look, you insert a contrasting-colored cylinder (made from waxy vellum paper with the ends taped together) inside the scored paper.

Place a tea light in a clear class votive and set the votive inside the cylinder.

Other Ideas

Create a variety of looks with differently shaped cutouts. Just accordion-fold the stock and turn it on its side. Cut out bigger shapes for a dramatic look. For hearts or butterflies, cut out half the shape on the folded side of the column at regular intervals.

Figure C

Make a hanging lantern by cutting out a cardboard circle that is the same size as the opening for the lantern bottom. Make three evenly spaced holes around the edge of the circle. Use three pieces of 20-guage wire and thread the wire through the holes, twisting on the underside to secure. On the other side, twist the long legs of wire into a hook at the top (figure C). Set the votive holder on the cardboard and surround with the lantern. Hang from the hook.

Guests
Tracey Dale
Designer
E-mail: traceydale_style@yahoo.com
Website: www.traceydale.com
Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1010
•	Fast and Fancy Appetizers
•	Paper Party Lanterns
•	Party Tabletops
•	Smart Solution of the Day

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Paper Party Lanterns

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Paper Party Lanterns

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