Lanterns are a delightful part of various festive occasions, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They’re not only fun toys but also a source of joy and creativity for children. In this blog post, we’ll explore 13 different ways to make lanterns at home, ranging from simple designs to more intricate creations. Plus, to make the crafting experience even more enjoyable, we’ll incorporate delicious fruit juices from Interfresh, making it a perfect activity for kids to enjoy while they create their lanterns.
1. Simple Paper Lantern
Materials:
-
Colored paper
-
Scissors
-
Glue
-
String or ribbon for hanging
Instructions:
-
Cut the colored paper into rectangles approximately 4×6 inches.
-
Stack and glue the pieces of paper together to form a cylinder.
-
Cut out a circle of paper to make the bottom of the lantern and glue it to the base of the cylinder.
-
Attach the string or ribbon to the top of the lantern for hanging. Add drawings or decorations as desired.
2. Plastic Bottle Lantern
Materials:
-
Empty plastic bottle (such as a water or milk bottle)
-
Colored paper
-
Glue
-
String or twine
Instructions:
-
Clean and dry the plastic bottle.
-
Cut colored paper into various shapes and glue them around the bottle.
-
Cut a small hole in the bottle cap to attach the hanging string.
-
Add decorations if desired and hang your lantern.
3. Milk Carton Lantern
Materials:
-
Empty milk carton
-
Colored paper
-
Scissors, tape, or glue
-
Small LED candle (or flashlight)
Instructions:
-
Clean and dry the milk carton.
-
Cut out shapes (like stars or moons) from the carton.
-
Line the inside of the carton with colored paper for a glowing effect.
-
Place an LED candle inside the carton and close the lid.
4. Toilet Paper Roll Lantern
Materials:
-
Toilet paper roll
-
Colored paper
-
Glue
-
String for hanging
Instructions:
-
Wrap the colored paper around the toilet paper roll and glue it in place.
-
Cut out decorative shapes from colored paper and glue them onto the roll.
-
Attach the hanging string to the top of the roll.
5. Glass Jar Lantern
Materials:
-
Glass jar
-
Colored paper
-
Twine or string
-
Glue
Instructions:
-
Clean and dry the glass jar.
-
Cut colored paper into various shapes and glue them onto the jar.
-
Wrap twine or string around the neck of the jar and create a handle for hanging.
6. Plastic Cup Lantern
Materials:
-
Clear plastic cup
-
Colored paper
-
Glue
-
String for hanging
Instructions:
-
Cover the outside of the plastic cup with colored paper.
-
Cut a small hole in the top of the cup for the hanging string.
-
Attach the string and add any extra decorations as desired.
7. Cardboard Lantern
Materials:
-
Cardboard
-
Colored paper
-
Scissors, glue
-
String for hanging
Instructions:
-
Cut the cardboard into a cylindrical shape and cover it with colored paper.
-
Add additional decorative shapes from colored paper and glue them onto the lantern.
-
Attach the string to the top of the lantern.
8. Small Cardboard Box Lantern
Materials:
-
Small cardboard box
-
Colored paper
-
Glue
-
String for hanging
Instructions:
-
Cover the small cardboard box with colored paper.
-
Add decorative shapes and designs to the box.
-
Attach a string to the top for hanging.
9. Animal-Shaped Lantern
Materials:
-
Colored paper
-
Scissors, glue
-
Decorative elements like eyes, nose, and mouth cutouts from colored paper
Instructions:
-
Cut out animal shapes and features from colored paper.
-
Glue the animal shapes onto a paper cylinder.
-
Attach the string for hanging.
10. Food Container Lantern
Materials:
-
Empty food containers (such as a takeout box)
-
Colored paper
-
Glue
-
String for hanging
Instructions:
-
Clean the food container and let it dry.
-
Cover it with colored paper and add any extra decorations.
-
Attach a string to the top for hanging.
11. Balloon Lantern
Materials:
-
Balloon
-
Colored paper
-
Glue
-
String for hanging
Instructions:
-
Inflate the balloon and cover it with colored paper.
-
Allow the glue to dry, then pop the balloon to remove it, leaving the paper lantern.
-
Attach the string to the top of the lantern.
12. Star-Shaped Lantern
Materials:
-
Colored paper
-
Scissors, glue
-
String for hanging
Instructions:
-
Cut colored paper into star shapes.
-
Glue the stars onto a paper cylinder.
-
Attach the string for hanging.
13. How to make lanterns with straws
The straw lantern is too complicated, not too expensive, and very meaningful for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The straw lantern is extremely cute and colorful. The method is not too complicated, so you can create lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival with your children.
The main materials you need are straws, plastic bottles, glue guns, scissors,…You need to cut the plastic bottle, skillfully arrange the straws to cover the outside of the plastic bottle column and you’re done.
We hope these 13 DIY lantern ideas inspire you and your little ones to get creative and have fun this festive season. Enjoy the process of making these lanterns, and don’t forget to treat yourselves to delicious Interfresh fruit juices to make the experience even more enjoyable!