Cardboard Lanterns
Mar 19, 2011 by Violet
I think this project is one of those ones that pretty much every primary school ever attempts but I thought I would try to update it a bit!
What you need:
So the first step is to cover your cardboard roll in pretty paper using the glue stick. Unfortunately this made it really hard to see what I was doing in the photos so I will use a plain roll so you can see things clearly then show the finished paper covered product.
So glue the paper securely all over and wrap it around like this. I used an old envelope ^_^
Ok once your paper is secure and dry it’s time to make the lantern! You can see from where I’ve drawn in pen below where you should cut. The line in the middle is where we will start making the cuts then the two dots are to mark where will eventually put little slits.
Use your scalpel to make a cut along the first line! Please be very very very careful when using a knife like this!
Now continue around the tube making more cuts parallel to the first one around 1cm apart. Keep going until you reach where you started.
Now make small snips around both ends around 1cm long, you should have something like this:
Next it’s time to fan the whole thing out. Gently push around the middle from the inside.
Keep pushing and use the ends to smoosh it together…
Once you push it out you should be able to create a fold and have something like this:
Now at one end fold all of the little tabbed pieces outwards :D
Taadaa!
On the other end, fold all the little tabs inwards:
Use your glue gun or tape to hold them all in place. This is going to form the base which prevents the tea light candle from just falling out the bottom haha XD
So from the side it looks like this…
And this is what it looks like with the paper. Mine looks pretty dodgy because I was originally planning on painting it so I didn’t think to the the paper on until after it was made >_<
If your roll has brand names printed on the inside you can use the white paint to go over them. In fact you could paint it any colour you like! I didn’t bother doing it completely because this was a test run.
Now pop the tea light candle through the top opening…
And you’ve got a lantern!
Obviously you should be careful when lighting it as it is made of completely flamable materials but they make very pretty decorations and I can imagine hundreds of them strung up to my roof would look AWESOME! What do you guys think?
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It looks really pretty. But I’d be so nervous of it setting alight!
Thank you! Yes you have to be careful but I suppose it’s like any candle in that you shouldn’t leave it unattended. Tig just commented also that you could use electric tea lights which is an awesome idea!
You know, if you got the electric tea lights, the effect would be just as pretty and completely safe! I got mine on sale after Christmas one year for really cheap and I love them, in lanterns and such they’re just as pretty as a real flame. I don’t remember what brand mine are though… http://www.amazon.com/Everlasting-Tealights-Battery-Operated-Flamess-Candles/dp/B001GDXGCO/ref=pd_cp_hi_0
That’s a great idea Tig thank you for commenting! I hadn’t seen electric versions for sale by themselves like that but you’re totally right :D I’ll have to hunt them out and see what I can find locally!
I would also be pretty nervous to light those with tea candles. I would think that it would get pretty hot!!
I have the battery tea lights and they have been a life saver in blackouts and also as night lights for my baby girls room :) I brought mine from Target for about $20 for a carton of 10. :)
I’m definitely going to have a look around for those fake candles, they sound very useful for other things too! In this design most of the heat runs straight out the hole in the top so I haven’t had any troubles with them yet :D
These are such a cute idea! They remind me of being a kid and making Christmas tree decorations from old cards. Some things are too good to leave behind with childhood. :)
I completely agree, why should kids have all the fun XD
hey violet…it turn to be such a great idea for me and my friends for my art project thanks again!!!
I’m glad you liked it Alyssa! <3
What sort of paint would be the best to use for something like this? I know that some paints have a lot of moisture and will causes paper/cardboard to curl… and would not look so pretty :/
I used plain acrylic paint, something like water colours would not be good but plain acrylic paint was ok.