Round paper lanterns are a fun and festive addition to any wedding venue. They can be hung in barns, hotels, marquees, or even outdoor spaces to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere. The great news is that you can make these lanterns yourself with just a few simple supplies and some creativity. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of crafting beautiful round paper lanterns that will dazzle your wedding guests. From choosing the right materials to assembling the lanterns, we'll make sure your DIY experience is a breeze. So, get ready to add a personal touch to your big day with these enchanting round paper lanterns!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Paper, card-stock, string, fishing wire, rice paper, flour, water, glue, scissors, balloons, thread, wool, wire frame, clear fishing line, ribbon, light |
Colours | White, ivory, light yellow, yellow, squash, peach, orange, coral, burnt orange, red, mauve, purple, pink, silver, grey, black, multi-colour |
Patterns | Snowflake, Crisscross, Fine Line, Chinese, Artisan Print, Crepe Paper, Dragon Cloud Japanese, Snowflake, Star, Solid Colour, Patterned, Glitter |
Sizes | 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", 16", 18", 20", 24", 30", 36", 48" |
Features | Flat-packed, individually wrapped, wire-free, battery-powered, mains-powered |
What You'll Learn
Paper mache round paper lanterns
Paper mache is a great way to make round paper lanterns for weddings. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Materials:
- Balloons
- String or fishing wire
- Rice paper
- Flour and water
Instructions:
- Prepare the paper mache mix by combining equal parts water and flour. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth paste without any lumps.
- Tear the rice paper into strips that are approximately 1 inch long. Remember, the colour of the rice paper will determine the colour of your lantern, so choose wisely!
- Inflate a balloon and tie the string or fishing wire around the knotted end. Hang the balloon from a hook or the ceiling to facilitate the paper mache process.
- Dip the rice paper strips into the paper mache mix, ensuring that they are fully coated. Gently wipe off any excess mixture by sliding each strip between your fingers.
- Apply the strips vertically around the balloon until it is completely covered. Allow the paper mache to dry thoroughly.
- Once the paper mache is dry, carefully pop the balloon and remove it from the centre of the lantern.
- Cut a hole at the top of the lantern to insert lights or hanging hardware. You can now hang your paper lantern or add lighting to create a whimsical and chic decoration for your wedding!
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Snowflake paper lanterns
Materials:
- Two pieces of paper (any colour or weight of your choice)
- Scissors
- Glue
- String or fishing wire (optional)
Instructions:
- Make two paper circles by tracing a round object and cutting them out.
- Fold one circle in half, and then in half two more times to create a triangle with a rounded top.
- Draw alternating curved lines along the top of the paper, stopping just before the opposite side.
- Cut off a small bit at the point of the triangle to create a hole.
- Cut along the drawn lines.
- Unfold the paper back into a circle.
- Repeat steps 2-6 on the second circle.
- Glue the outermost rings of both circles together and let dry.
- Gently pull each side of the lantern to spread out the pieces and reveal the snowflake design.
- (Optional) Tie a string through the hole at the top and hang your lantern.
If you prefer to purchase ready-made snowflake paper lanterns, there are numerous options available online, such as on Amazon and PaperLanternStore.com. These lanterns often come with LED lights included and range in size, colour, and design. You can choose between hanging lanterns, table lanterns, or even solar-powered options for outdoor use.
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Tissue paper circle lanterns
Materials:
- Tissue paper in your choice of colour(s)
- Paper globe lantern (these can be purchased at most craft stores)
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions:
- Using any circle-shaped object (such as a coffee can lid or small plate), trace circles on the tissue paper. You will need about 100 circles, so trace and cut carefully to avoid wasting tissue paper.
- Cut out the tissue paper circles with scissors, being careful not to tear the thin tissue paper.
- Take one tissue paper circle and glue it to the bottom of the paper globe lantern, centring it directly in the middle.
- Starting at the bottom of the globe, make a ring of tissue paper circles by gluing only the top edge of each tissue paper circle to the paper lantern. Ensure the bottom row hangs lower than the lantern for a whimsical look.
- Continue gluing tissue paper circles in rows, moving upwards on the lantern. With each row, ensure that about one inch of the row below is visible, creating a layered, patterned look.
- Once the entire paper globe lantern is covered, your tissue paper circle lantern is complete!
These lanterns are purely decorative and are not designed to have a lamp inside them, but they make beautiful hanging decorations and can be packed flat, making them excellent homemade gifts.
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Paper star lanterns
Materials:
- Pretty paper or card-stock
- Glue or double-sided tape
- String or cord for hanging
- LED fairy lights or a light bulb
Method:
Step 1:
Download and print the paper star lantern template onto your chosen paper. Cut out along the solid lines and make creases along the dashed lines. You will need five of these cone-shaped modules for each lantern.
Step 2:
Glue each module into a cone shape using the glue tab on the side, ensuring the tab is glued to the inside of the cone.
Step 3:
Glue all the cones together, except for the first and last ones. Thread a piece of string or cotton inside the first and last cones, leaving a few inches of string inside each.
Step 4:
Insert a light, such as a fairy light or LED bulb, into the lantern. Tie the two lengths of string together to pull the star into shape and secure the lantern.
Step 5:
Adjust the knot and the tension in the string to ensure the lantern is secure and closed tightly over the bulb.
Step 6:
Your paper star lantern is now ready to hang! You can also add decorations, such as a gold pen border or a white paper layer inside for a softer glow.
Tips:
- Be cautious when using a light bulb, as some can get quite hot and may pose a fire hazard.
- For ease of use, double-sided tape can be used instead of glue.
- These lanterns can also be made without lights and are great for posting as gifts or hanging on a Christmas tree.
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Chinese paper lanterns
The history of Chinese paper lanterns dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE), when they were used as lamp shades or covers, and in the worship of Buddha. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), people began using paper lanterns in secular celebrations, which made them even more popular.
Today, Chinese paper lanterns are used as decorations and in modern forms of celebration and worship. They are also a symbol of national pride in China, used to decorate homes and public spaces.
Making Chinese Paper Lanterns
There are many ways to make paper lanterns, and they are a fun DIY project to add a festive touch to weddings and other celebrations. Here is a simple method to make Chinese paper lanterns:
- Materials: You will need paper (red and yellow or gold), a pencil, a ruler, scissors, glue, and string or fishing wire.
- Cut and Glue: Cut out two identical circles from the red paper. Fold one circle in half, and then in half two more times to create a triangle with a rounded top. Draw and cut curved lines along the top, creating strips. Repeat this process for the second circle. Glue the two circles together along the outermost ring, let dry, then gently pull the sides to spread out the strips.
- Handle: Use the excess yellow paper to create a handle by rolling it into a tube and gluing the ends together. Glue the handle to the inside top of the lantern.
- Display: You can now hang your Chinese paper lantern with the handle, or add a light source inside.
Other Paper Lantern Ideas
There are many creative ways to make paper lanterns, and you can experiment with different materials and techniques. Here are some additional ideas:
- Paper Mache: Use balloons, paper mache mix (made from flour and water), and rice paper to create a paper mache lantern.
- Snowflake Lantern: Cut and glue paper in a "snowflake" pattern, creating a beautiful, intricate design.
- Tissue Paper Lantern: Cover a paper globe lantern with coloured tissue paper circles, creating a whimsical, layered effect.
- String Art Lantern: Use a thread and pretty paper or card stock to create a decorative lantern. Cut out a template, glue the ends together to form a cylinder, and thread a cord through it to create a hanging lantern.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pretty paper or card stock, glue or double-sided tape, a balloon, string or fishing wire, rice paper, flour, and water.
First, create a paper mache mix by combining equal parts water and flour. Inflate a balloon and tie the string or fishing wire around it. Dip rice paper strips into the paper mache mix and apply them to the balloon. Once dry, pop the balloon and cut a hole at the top. Add lights and hanging hardware.
Choose colours that match your wedding theme. You can also decorate the edges of the lanterns with gold pen, or use gold string or ribbon for hanging.