DIY Paper Lanterns: Step-by-Step

Materials You Will Need

• Colored cardstock or construction paper (12x12 inch sheets)
• Scissors or paper trimmer
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• LED tea lights (battery-operated, never real candles in paper)
• String or fishing line for hanging
• Hole punch

Style 1: Classic Cylinder Lantern

Fold a 12x12 sheet in half lengthwise. Cut vertical slits from the fold line, stopping 1 inch from the open edge. Unfold, roll into a cylinder, and glue the short edges together. The slits bow outward creating the classic lantern shape.

Style 2: Accordion Star Lantern

Cut six 6-inch circles from cardstock. Fold each in half, then quarters. Apply glue to one quarter-face and attach to the next circle. Repeat until all six form a sphere. Thread string through the top.

Style 3: Geometric Polyhedron

Cut 20 equilateral triangles from cardstock. Score fold lines along each edge. Glue triangles together to form an icosahedron. Leave one triangle open to insert an LED light, then close.

Color Schemes

Monochrome (all white or gold) for weddings. Rainbow gradient for birthdays. Red and gold for Lunar New Year, orange and black for Halloween.

Hanging Tips

Use fishing line for an invisible hanging effect. Vary heights between 6 and 9 feet. Group in clusters of 3-5 rather than spacing evenly.