Suggest a new activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Report a bug

Optional, 1 image up to 5 MB.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
DoInFreeTime
Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Paper Lantern Making

Paper Lantern Making

Min number of participants 1
Age 8+ yrs.
Safety support by adult Not required
Min duration 30 min.
Cost Low
Environment Indoor / Outdoor

Fold, cut, and glue colorful paper into your own decorative lantern, adding patterns and a handle for hanging — a calming craft project that brightens up your room with something you made entirely by yourself.

The Essentials

Steps

  • Fold the paper in half lengthwise before cutting slits along the folded edge, since folding first keeps the two sides symmetrical and stops the slits from wandering off-line.
  • Leave an uncut border of about 2-3 centimeters along both the top and bottom edges when cutting the slits, since cutting all the way to the edges weakens the paper and causes the lantern to collapse when you open it.
  • Space the slits evenly and keep them the same width apart, since uneven spacing makes the lantern bulge unevenly once it's opened into its cylindrical shape.
  • Unfold the paper and curl it into a cylinder, gluing or taping the two short edges together, since this final shape only holds if the slits were cut symmetrically from the fold.

Tips

  • Use a ruler and pencil to lightly mark the slit lines before cutting, since freehand cuts often drift and produce a lopsided lantern once opened.
  • Choose paper light enough to curl smoothly but sturdy enough to hold its shape, since printer paper or construction paper usually strikes the right balance for most lantern designs.
  • Add a paper handle strip to the top of the lantern before gluing the top and bottom bands in place, since it's much easier to attach a handle to a flat piece than to a finished cylinder.
  • If using a real candle instead of an LED light inside, always place the lantern on a heat-safe surface and never leave it unattended, since paper lanterns are highly flammable.
Activities

Similar activities (see all)

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Paint Pouring

Paint Pouring

Mix acrylic paints with pouring medium, pour them simultaneously onto a canvas, then tilt and swirl to create dramatic fluid art compositions — satisfying, process-led creativity with striking results.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Lemonade Stand Planning

Lemonade Stand Planning

Design a simple business plan, decide on prices, make a sign, and set up a small stand to sell homemade lemonade to neighbors — a fun first taste of entrepreneurship, math, and customer service.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Candy Making

Candy Making

Melting sugar or chocolate and shaping it into lollipops, fudge, or chocolate-dipped treats poured into molds — a sweet kitchen activity that mixes a little kitchen-safe chemistry with the payoff of homemade candy to share or wrap as gifts.