Crafting Paper Bag Lanterns For A Dreamy Wedding

Paper bag lanterns are a fun and easy DIY project that can add a whimsical and festive touch to weddings, parties, and holiday decorations. They are inexpensive to make and can be used in a variety of ways, such as centrepieces, treat bags, or décor for mantels and porches. With just a few simple supplies, including paper bags, scissors, and tea lights, you can create beautiful luminaries that will cast a warm and magical glow over any space. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making paper bag lanterns, from the initial folds and cuts to the final touches, so you can craft your own enchanting decorations.

Folding the paper bag

To make paper bag lanterns for a wedding, you can follow these steps to fold the paper bag:

Firstly, fold the bottom of the bag and match the ends. Cut along the crease. Fold the sides of the bag towards the centre, so that it forms the shape of a capital letter H. Crease the folds outward. You should now have a shape resembling an accordion.

Next, fold each panel again, matching the folds. The bag should now be in the shape of an accordion with multiple panels. Match the folds and punch holes in the top and bottom of the bag. Mark the centre of the bag and fold it in half over a ruler to create a sharp crease down the centre. Use a butter knife to make a sharp crease.

Now, pop out all the folds and it's ready to be lit up!

Cutting and creasing the bag

To make paper bag lanterns for a wedding, you will need to cut and crease the bag in a specific way to create a lantern-like shape. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start by folding the bottom of the paper bag to match the ends together. You can use any colour bag you like, but white or brown paper lunch bags are traditional for luminarias, creating a soft, magical glow.
• Carefully cut along the crease you just made.
• Now, fold the sides of the bag towards the centre, so that it forms the shape of a capital letter "H".
• Crease the folds outward, and your bag should now resemble an accordion.
• Next, you will want to fold each panel again, matching the folds to create a uniform look.
• Once you have achieved the desired shape, unfold the bag and lay it flat.
• Using a ruler, mark the centre of the bag and fold it in half over the ruler to create a sharp crease. You can use a butter knife or any flat, blunt object to reinforce the crease.

Your bag should now be creased and ready for the next steps in creating your paper bag lantern!

Punching holes in the bag

Once you have folded your paper bag, you will need to punch holes in the top and bottom. This is an important step in creating your paper bag lantern, as it will allow light to shine through and create a beautiful, glowing effect.

To do this, mark the centre of the bag and fold it in half over a ruler to create a sharp crease. You can use a butter knife to make this crease more defined. Then, unfold the bag and lay it flat.

Now, you can begin punching the holes. You can use a small eyelet setting tool or a hole puncher to create evenly spaced holes. If you want to get creative, you can punch out designs such as stars. Place a stencil inside the bag and slide a small self-healing mat underneath to protect your work surface. Start punching holes along the stencil lines until you have completely outlined the design.

Take your time with this step and ensure that the holes are not too close together to avoid tearing the paper. Once you have finished punching holes, your paper bag will be ready for the next steps of adding a light source and displaying your beautiful lantern!

Adding sand and candles

Once you have your paper bag lanterns, you can start to add the sand and candles. This is best done in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Begin by folding the top of each bag, this will help the bag stay upright and also create a lip to stop the sand from spilling out. You can use any type of sand, but a fine variety will be easier to pour. Take a cup and carefully fill each bag with around two cups of sand, or enough to weigh down the base of the bag.

Now you can add the candles. For safety, it is recommended to use flameless LED candles or solar-powered lights. These are readily available and remove the risk of fire. Place one candle in the centre of the sand, pushing it down gently so it is secure. If you are using real candles, be sure to be vigilant and keep an eye on the lanterns at all times. Tea lights are a good option for real candles as they are small and will burn out quickly if there is an issue.

With the sand and candles in place, you can now set up your paper bag lanterns. Place them on steady ground, along pathways, or on tables as centrepieces. These lanterns will create a beautiful, whimsical atmosphere for your wedding.

Lighting up the lanterns

The paper bag lanterns are now ready to be lit up and displayed! This section will guide you through the process of safely lighting the lanterns and offer suggestions for their arrangement.

Firstly, it is crucial to emphasise that real candles should never be used inside the paper bag lanterns. Flameless LED votive candles or solar-powered lights are the safest options to ensure a magical yet secure experience. These lights can be easily purchased online or from craft stores.

Once you have your flameless candles or solar-powered lights, it's time to place them inside the lanterns. For added stability, consider filling the bottom of each paper bag with a couple of cups of sand before placing the light source in the centre. This will provide a sturdy base for your lanterns, especially if you plan to display them outdoors.

Now, it's time to light up your lanterns! If you are using LED candles, simply switch them on, and your lanterns will glow beautifully. If you've opted for solar-powered lights, ensure they are charged and activated before placing them inside the bags.

The arrangement of the lanterns can be tailored to your wedding venue and personal style. For a whimsical touch, hang the lanterns at varying heights along the aisle or around the altar. They can also be placed on steady ground, lining the pathway to the wedding venue, creating a magical entrance for the wedding party and guests.

Additionally, consider grouping the lanterns together on tables as centrepieces or staggering them on the porch steps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of the lanterns will cast a romantic ambiance, illuminating the joy and love of your special day.

Frequently asked questions