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5 from 3 votes

Chinese New Year Paper Lantern Craft Post

Create an easy paper lantern with this free template!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Keyword: lunar new year, paper lantern
Servings: 1 lantern
Author: Laura Gummerman
Cost: $1

Equipment

  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 1 stapler

Ingredients

  • 1 piece of cardstock or construction paper
  • 1 glue stick or stapler
  • washi or colored masking tape optional
  • streamers optional for bottom of lantern
  • paper lantern template

Instructions

  • Print out your paper lantern template onto white copy paper or print directly onto a sheet of 8.5 x 11 construction or cardstock paper (you can turn the template writing to be on the inside of the lantern if you choose to print right on to your colored paper so you won’t see it later).
  • If using the copy paper, fold in half where indicated and place it on top of your colored 8.5″ x 11″ paper that’s also folded in half.
  • Holding the two pieces together, cut the lines as the template shows.
  • Unfold the paper and overlap the two ends that are uncut to make a circle and staple in place on the top and the bottom.
  • Cut a strip of paper about 1″ wide to glue or staple along the top and bottom of your lantern (optional but makes it look a little fancier).
  • Add another 1″ wide strip to the top (staple or glue in place) to be the handle of your lantern.
  • You can either leave your lantern as-is or you can tape or glue streamers coming out of the bottom for some extra flair!

Notes

  • TIP: You can also use washi tape or masking tape to decorate the top and bottom edges of your lantern instead of extra strips of contrasting paper.