Create Enchanting Wedding Luminaries With Paper Crafts

Paper luminaries are a fun and easy DIY project that can add a magical touch to your wedding. With just a few simple supplies, you can create beautiful centrepieces, treat bags, or decorations that will leave a lasting impression on your big day. Whether you choose to use white or brown paper bags, the warm glow of flameless tea lights or fairy lights will create a cosy and romantic atmosphere. Cutting the bags to different heights and adding decorative edges will make your luminaries even more unique and visually appealing. So, gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy making these charming paper luminaries for your wedding!

Choosing the right paper

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your wedding paper luminaries, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of paper you use will depend on the desired look and feel of your luminaries. Paper comes in various colours, textures, weights, and finishes, so selecting the right one is crucial.

Cardstock is a popular choice for luminaries due to its variety of colours and weights. It is also less likely to fray, creating a neat finish. Basic assorted colour packs are a great starting point, and you can also find coloured core cardstock, which helps to minimise fraying. If you want a metallic finish, the Stardream Metallics Line is a good option, as it has a coloured core, which is hard to find in metallic paper.

For a more natural, rustic look, you could opt for brown paper bags. White paper bags are also an option and can be trimmed with scalloped scissors for added detail. If you want to add extra decoration, you can use craft cutters or an Exacto knife to cut out shapes.

When choosing paper, consider the lighting you will be using. LED lights are a safer option than real candles, as paper is flammable. Battery-powered tea lights are a good choice, as they won't overheat your luminaries.

Cutting the paper

For cutting the paper, you can use a variety of tools such as straight scissors, decorative edge scissors, an Exacto knife, or a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette. Using decorative edge scissors can add a unique touch to the luminaries and make them more visually appealing. An Exacto knife is ideal for cutting out intricate shapes or designs on the paper. However, if you plan to create more complex designs or make multiple luminaries, a cutting machine is recommended for precision and efficiency.

When cutting the paper, it is essential to consider the type of paper used. Cardstock is a popular choice for luminaries due to its variety of colours and textures. It is important to use a clean blade when cutting cardstock to ensure smooth edges. Additionally, a stickier mat, such as a green one, may be necessary to secure the paper during the cutting process.

The paper can be cut into different heights to create visual interest when grouping the luminaries together. This adds dimension and makes the display more captivating. It is also recommended to cut out shapes or designs from the paper to allow light to shine through. These shapes can be cut freehand or with the help of craft cutters, depending on your preference and the desired level of precision.

Folding the paper

Folding paper to make luminaries is a fun and simple process. You can use construction paper, brown paper bags, or cardstock, and cut the paper to different sizes, anywhere from 3 x 7 inches to 6 x 12 inches. It's up to you! Any size will work, and you can always trim the sides before gluing.

For a simple luminary, fold the paper at each score line between each side. You can use a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette to make score lines, or you can do it by hand with a ruler and a scoring tool. If you don't want to score your project, simply delete or hide the score line layers. Once you've folded the paper at each score line, you should be able to see the hidden letters on each side of the lantern.

If you're feeling more adventurous, try making a 12-sided lantern with a starlight design and a solid roof. First, cut out your cardstock and vellum, then fold the cardstock at each score line. Next, glue the vellum inside the lantern. Glue the two sides of the lantern together at the tabs to create a cylinder. Fold your roof at the score lines and glue it together to form a cone. Finally, place the roof on top of the lantern by slotting the points into each slot. Fold over the points inside the roof slots to secure the roof in place.

Now you have a beautiful paper luminary! Add a battery-operated LED tealight, and you're done.

Gluing the paper

When it comes to gluing the paper for your wedding luminaries, there are a few different options to choose from. A glue stick will work, but be sure to hold down and rub the edges together for a minute so they don't come undone. You can also use a hot glue gun if you have one available. Alternatively, you can use tape to adhere the paper, which some people find creates the cleanest edges. If you decide to use glue, there are a few types that will work well. Tacky glue or a glue gun will be your best bet for a strong hold. For a mess-free option, try using a glue stick.

If you're adding a layer of vellum to your luminaries for a more opaque look, you can use glue rolls or glue sticks to adhere it to the paper. Cut your vellum to size and place it on top of your glue.

When assembling your luminaries, be sure to hold the edges together for a minute or two to ensure a strong hold. You don't want your luminaries to fall apart during your wedding!

Remember to always supervise children if they are helping with this craft and keep hot glue guns out of their reach.

Adding the light source

Battery-operated LED tea lights are another option for luminaries, and these can be purchased with a remote control for added convenience. LED lights are a good choice as they consume less power and produce less heat, reducing the risk of overheating.

For a more intricate luminary design, you can add a layer of vellum to the inside of the luminary before placing the light source. This will create a more opaque look and soften the light.

Frequently asked questions