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Chinese lanterns aren't just for romantic movies or captivating Asian festivals. No, no, they're also a great way to decorate your home, liven up a party, or simply escape into a zen and colorful craft activity. And you don't need a fine arts degree or a doctorate in origami to make them! Together, we'll see how to make them easily, with materials we often already have on hand, and a little bit of good humor.
Making a Chinese lantern is also a great excuse to disconnect for a bit, share a moment with your children, or even impress your mother-in-law with your DIY skills. And if it also allows you to strengthen your netlinking with a meaningful article, it's a jackpot. So, ready to fold paper in style? Let's go.
Before you start swinging scissors like Edward Scissorhands, let's take stock of what you need. Don't panic: keep it simple, salvageable, and affordable.
Paper is the foundation. Opt for slightly stiff paper: cardstock, Canson, or even wrapping paper if you like a festive look. This type of paper is perfect for making all sorts of creations, like Chinese lanterns . A4 sheets work very well to start with.
A good pair of scissors (not the kind that stick with every cut), some liquid or stick glue, and a stapler if you can't be bothered holding it in place while it dries.
String or nylon thread for hanging
Small beads for decoration
Glitter (if you like it sparkly)
Markers, paint, stickers… let yourself go!
Now that your table is ready and you've fended off the cat that wants to play with your scissors, it's time to get down to business. Here's the classic tutorial for a basic Chinese lantern.
Take your sheet of paper widthwise. Fold it in half, like a book. Easy, right? Make sure the edges are aligned, otherwise your lantern will end up wobbly.
Using your scissors, make vertical cuts starting from the folded side, without going all the way through (leave 2 to 3 cm at the top). Space the strips about 1 to 2 cm apart.
Open your sheet, then roll it up to form a cylinder. The strips will spread apart, creating the pretty wavy effect typical of Chinese lamps , also called lanterns. Glue or staple the ends together.
Using a piece of scrap paper, make a handle and glue it to the inside of the lantern. This will allow you to hang it. This is useful for avoiding having to hold it at arm's length.
Let your artistic side shine! Add designs, gold, or even inspiring phrases. It's your lantern, after all.
Because we don't always have to make the same lantern, let's look at some other fun variations to try. No need to change the entire method, just a few tweaks.
Same principle, except you use a longer sheet (or glue two sheets together). This gives a more majestic, almost royal effect.
Use a small square of paper to create miniature lanterns, perfect for a garland or as a table decoration.
Stack two lanterns of different sizes (a smaller one inside a larger one) for a super classy depth effect.
Now that you know how to make them, you still need to know what to do with them. Don't worry, there are plenty of opportunities. Whether you're having a drink on the patio or a Sunday brunch, Chinese paper balls always add the perfect touch to the atmosphere—there's one for every occasion.
Hang them from the ceiling with transparent wire for an airy effect. In a reading nook, above a bed, or even in the entryway to welcome your guests in style.
Perfect for a garden or balcony. Be careful though: if you put them outside, it's best to avoid rain. Or, use laminated paper.
Whether it's a birthday, wedding, Chinese New Year, or a barbecue with friends, lanterns instantly create a festive atmosphere. And they make for beautiful photos, too.
Chinese lanterns are a great family activity. And between us, it's more fun to make them together, even if we always end up with a bit of glue on our noses.
Use round-tipped scissors for little ones, and watch them when it comes to the stapler. We want memories, not Band-Aids.
Nothing motivates a child more than letting them decide. Neon pink paper? Why not. Dinosaur stickers? Absolutely.
Hang all the lanterns you make from a string around your house. It's guaranteed to create an art gallery atmosphere, with a little family pride as a bonus.
Even though the Chinese lantern is simple to make, just like Chinese figurines , there are always two or three things that can make all the difference. Here are our pro-Sunday-DIY tips."
Otherwise, your lantern may tear when you roll it up. Leave a margin of at least 3 cm.
A glue gun can save a wayward lantern. But be careful with your fingers, it burns (and it sticks far too quickly for the clumsy).
Before using your finest gold foil, practice on a scrap piece of paper. This saves tears and waste.
Feeling creative and a little romantic? Take inspiration from Chinese clocks and add a little light to your lantern. But be careful, not a real flame, we want decoration, not a fire.
These little flameless wonders are perfect for safely illuminating your lantern.
Add a small piece of paper to the bottom of your lantern to rest the light on. Otherwise, it will fall over (and that's ugly).
Place your lit lanterns in a dark corner. Guaranteed wow effect, Zen ambiance guaranteed.
Come on, we're not going to give a history lesson, but you should know that the Chinese lantern has a nice little cultural baggage. In China, it symbolizes light, luck, and celebration. A bit like the Chinese Lucky Cat , it is present at weddings, births, New Year's... in short, all the good times.
Making a lantern is also a way of participating in this beautiful tradition. It's poetic, isn't it? And if you also include a little wish inside, you never know: it might work.
There's no point throwing away your lanterns right after the party. There are plenty of ways to give them a second life.
They can continue to beautify your interior. A well-made lantern doesn't age (or almost).
Give one as a gift! It's original, made with love, and costs next to nothing. The perfect combo.
If they're really damaged, make sure you put them in the correct bin. And if you used biodegradable paper, even better—or if you just want to do something different with this type of material, here's an idea to try .
So, there you have it, everything (and a little more) about Chinese lanterns. Making your own lantern is simple, fun, aesthetically pleasing, and inexpensive. An activity to do alone, as a couple, with family, or even for team building (it's a nice change from karaoke).
So, get out your best paper, your scissors, and get folding. And remember: in life, it's better to be a lantern than a lampshade. Shine brightly!