Dyeing Paper
Tools and Materials
Nontoxic watercolors in tubes
Fine-spray cosmetic bottle
Plastic drop cloths
Protective face mask
Lantern or paper

You'll need to mix a 1/2-ounce tube of watercolor and 1 cup of water in a bowl, stirring thoroughly. (Use less water for thin paper.) Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Cover work surface and floor with drop cloths; wear a mask.

Hurricane Cover
Measure a hurricane lantern's height and circumference; use a rectangular piece of rice paper with dimensions larger than height and circumference. Hold bottle 12 inches from paper; apply a light, even coat to 3/4 of paper. Let dry. Apply a second coat to 1/2 of paper. Let dry. Repeat, creating more gradations where desired.

Lay dyed paper face down on a piece of white paper on an ironing board. Set iron to medium heat with steam function off, and press. Cut the paper a few inches taller than lantern's height and a 1/2 inch wider than circumference. Wrap paper around lantern. Fasten overlap with double-sided tape.

Hanging Lantern
Unfold the lantern. Put a piece of paper inside to cover bottom hole; hold paper in place with lantern's metal support. Balance lantern, bottom side up, on a large bowl. Hold bottle 1 to 2 feet from lantern; apply a light, even coat to 3/4 of lantern, walking around lantern. Let dry. Apply a second coat to 1/2 of lantern. Let dry. Repeat, creating more gradations where desired. Remove paper inside lantern; hang.