In need of a revolutionary decorating idea for Independence Day? A garland of star-spangled paper lanterns is festive and fun for kids to make. Suspend them on seam binding or colorful string and hang for a party, or on your porch to honor the Fourth. All you need is white glue, scissors, a mini stapler, and construction paper -- in red, white, and blue, of course.
How-To
Cut construction paper to 6 by 9 inches; fold in half lengthwise. Fold edges back 1/2 inch for rims, and crease; unfold. Glue a 1/2-by-9-inch strip of decorative paper on each rim. Cut slits from middle fold to rims, spacing 3/4 inch apart. Shape into lantern: Open paper; bring the ends together to overlap slightly; staple. Staple 3/4-by-8-inch paper handle inside lantern. Glue on construction-paper stars (made with a craft punch).
Very special lanterns. I'd like to recommend http://www.reddoublehappiness.com/where I bought some unique paper lanterns that can not be found elsewhere.
Very special lanterns. I'd like to recommend http://www.reddoublehappiness.com/where I bought some unique paper lanterns that can not be found elsewhere.
I hosted an outdoor Christmas party for my son last year and made similar lanterns (slightly larger scale) using red and green bristol board. I dangled gold and silver ball decorations down the centre and strung them from branch to branch and overhead across the lawn from fence post to fence post. At night the ball decorations picked the strung Christmas light beautifully.
Merts, Barbados
I remember doing these in grade school! Very simple but the kids love it and it could be changed up for any holiday and/or occasion using different color construction paper and cut-outs.
My daughter is having her birthay in july and I found this craft so nice and beautiful . I will make it. Thank you Martha!
This is a very good and cute idea, I decided to not put the stars on the lantern because I found that hard to do, so I made 1 in. stars and when I put the lanterns on the string, I put a star on the sring every other lantern. It looked beautiful on my windows and doors! LOVE IT!