Make Paper Lantern Light Fixtures for The Holidays

Lantern light fixtures are a great and inexpensive way to decorate for the holidays. Follow the guidelines below and you will have paper lanterns handy for your next holiday celebration.

Wrap the Frame

Wrap craft wire around the bottom of the box four times. Twist the end around the wires to secure it. Don’t wrap too tightly. Wrap the wire around the box up to the top.  At the top, wrap the wire around four times, like you did at the bottom. Cut the wire, leaving enough extra to tuck around the wires at the top, securing it tightly. Slide your wire frame off from the box.

Add Paper

Measure one side of your frame and multiply by four, adding one inch to the number. Measure the height and add 2 inches. Using these measurements, cut out your selected paper.

Attach Wood Strips

Cut the balsa strips so that they will fit across the base, like a brace. Then, hot glue in place at both ends.

Assemble Your Lantern

Apply a thin layer of craft glue on one side of the frame, laying it on the paper. Be sure to let that layer dry thoroughly. Do the same for the next side, rolling it onto the paper. Continue until the paper covers the complete frame. Your lantern should dry overnight.

Hang Your Lantern

Place your tea light in your lantern before you hang it. Once the light is placed in the lantern, loop a length of wire around the balsa stick on top of the lantern to hang it.