Burst Of Sunshine: Create Your Own Lanterns

Burst Of Sunshine: Create Your Own Lanterns

Megan Reardon

Glam up the garden for your next summer party with these colorful paper lanterns

Megan Reardon, writer of home crafts blog Not Martha, is one of those ladies who always comes up with clever ideas, the kind of ideas you wish you came up with. From recipes to technology, she doesn't miss a beat.

We spotted her party lantern project on Make Grow Gather, another blog we adore. Megan agreed to share her crafty wisdom and show us how to make our very own colourful paper party lanterns. We love these little bursts of colour; they're easy-to-make, decorative and will ensure your party is tastefully lit well into the night.

For this project, Megan used paper lanterns that she had left over from her wedding reception, but you can get them at any craft store or party store.

Here's what you'll need:

Glue sticks (or a glue gun)

Coloured tissue paper, your choice of colors

Three objects with round, flat ends that range from 1in - 2in diameter such as a large knitting needle, tube of mascara and pill bottles

As many paper lanterns as you wish (Megan used 8in diameter lanterns)

Tip:Check that all your lanterns all work before decorating them.

Now, it's time to get started -- This project is as easy as 1-2-3!

Start with the largest diameter item. Photo: Megan Reardon

1. Cut your sheets of tissue paper into about 6in squares. You can choose how many colours you'd like to use for your lanterns. As a reference point, Megan used three colours and about four sheets of each colour, so twelve sheets of tissue paper for each lantern.

2. Wrap a square of the base color over your widest object to shape it, apply glue to the end, then stick to your lantern (see image above). Repeat this, spacing each one about 1in apart.

You can choose a series of coordinating colours instead of one solid color for more depth. Photo: Megan Reardon

3. As you place the next layer, use the middle-sized object to glue the second colour tissue paper into the center of the first colour, which is already on the lantern.

4. Next, do the same with the final colour, using your smallest object, placing it in the center of the second colour. Repeat this until you've covered the lantern.

For more information and tips, see Megan's detailed post on Make Grow Gather.

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