Paper Lanterns

Step 1: Cut a thin strip about 1.5cm strip across the width of some stiff A4 paper or thin A4 card. This will be used for the lantern's handle so set this strip aside for now.

Step 2: Lay the remaining paper landscape and fold in half from top to bottom.

Step 3: Make cuts along the folded edge.

Step 4: Open the card and curve it round so that the two shorter sides meet and slightly overlap.

Step 5: Staple, glue or tape these sides together.

Step 6: Gently push the top and bottom of the lantern to create a traditional lantern shape (fatter in the middle where the cuts have been made).

Step 7: Next get some brightly coloured paper (which should be about the same height as your lantern) and roll it up into a tube.

Step 8: Place this tube into the lantern and let the roll of paper unravel to fit snugly inside the lantern, staple, tape or glue into place.

Step 9: Tape, staple or glue your handle (Step 1) to the top of the lantern on opposing sides.

Tip 1: Use brightly contrasting paper to the colour of the lantern to enhance the effect of 'light' shining from within.

Tip 2: Use different sizes of paper and/or card to make different sized lanterns. Smaller ones can be hung from the paper chains you have (hopefully) made and also used to decorate the Christmas tree.

Tip 3: You can also recycle old Christmas cards to add interest to your lanterns

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