Paper Lanterns are a great way to decorate any space during the holiday season. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these lanterns bring a warm, festive glow to any setting. With just one easy-to-follow template, you can effortlessly customize each lantern to match the season by experimenting with colors and adding seasonal embellishments. 

Materials Needed:

Instructions 

Step 1: Fold the paper in half length-wise. 

Step 2: Draw a horizontal line one inch from the long edge opposite the fold.

Step 3: Begin at the folded edge and cut a straight line approximately one inch from one of the short edges, stopping at the horizontal line.

Step 4: Unfold the paper, the paper will have several vertical slits along the middle. If there are pencil marks, erase them or re-fold the crease in the opposite direction to hide the marks on the back.

Step 5: Using a glue stick, add glue onto one of the slits. 

Step 6: Place the slit on the opposite end onto the one with the glue and press them together- ensuring they stick together. 

Step 7: Cut a strip of paper and glue this strip to the top of the lantern to create a handle. 

Step 8: Decorate your lantern with seasonal decorations. 

Here are some more ideas for themed seasonal lanterns…

Thanksgiving

For thanksgiving, focus on using fall themed colors and decorations. On the lantern use markers to draw leaves, pumpkins, pies and your other favorite thanksgiving themed decorations. Write out your favorite things with felt letters or, also add heart shaped stickers with all the things you’re grateful for written on them. 

Color of Paper Needed: Orange, Brown, Red or Yellow

Winter

During the winter season, use blue and white paper and draw on lots of snowflakes. You could also add more embellishments using Pom Pom balls, paint, cotton balls or glitter to create a fake snow appearance. 

Color of Paper Needed: Blue 

Christmas

When it’s Christmas season, use the tradition Christmas colors- Red and Green. Add holiday Pom Poms, ribbon, glitter and even bells or draw decorations using just your favorite markers. You could also, write out a fun message using felt letters. 

Color of Paper Needed: Red or Green

Lunar New Year

For Lunar New Year, you should use red and yellow but you can also use green and gold. Red indicates happiness, passion, hope, vitality and good luck, so this would be a great base for your lantern. Then use your favorite materials (glitter, markers, paint, etc.) to decorate the lantern with the animal of the year or other lucky symbols. 

Color of Paper Needed: Red 

Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day lanterns can use red, pink or even purple as the base. Then decorate the lantern with heart shaped stickers, chenille stems, glitter, Pom Poms. Draw your favorite designs and names using markers, colored pencils or crayons.  

Color of Paper Needed: Red, Pink or Purple

Summer 

To decorate these lanterns for the summer seasonal use your favorite color as the base and decorate it with all your favorite items, flower stickers, chenille stems, gems and create designs with paint or markers.

Color of Paper Needed: Any Color

4th of July

Lanterns are also a great 4th of July decoration. You can also add American flag beads, or draw fireworks using glitter or markers. Create fun designs with paint and chenille stems. 

Color of Paper Needed: Red, White or Blue