Paper Lantern Craft
Paper lanterns are a beautiful symbol across many Asian cultures and are especially central to Lunar New Year celebrations. Making a simple folded-paper lantern is a satisfying craft that children can make in under 15 minutes — and a row of them hung across a classroom is absolutely beautiful.
What You'll Need
- Rectangular paper — 9×12 construction paper or wrapping paper
- Scissors — for the cuts
- Tape or glue
- Strip of paper — for the handle
- Optional: LED tea light — to illuminate the finished lantern
How to Do It
Step 1: Fold the paper. Fold the paper in half lengthwise (hot dog fold).
Step 2: Cut slits. Cut parallel slits from the folded edge toward the open edge, stopping 1 inch from the open edge. Make cuts every inch.
Step 3: Unfold. Open the paper back up.
Step 4: Roll into a cylinder. Roll the paper into a cylinder so the short edges meet. Tape or glue the seam.
Step 5: Add the handle. Tape or glue a paper strip inside the top of the lantern as a handle.
🎓 Skills Your Child Will Develop
Following sequential instructions — The fold-cut-roll sequence requires careful step-following.
Transformation — Turning flat paper into a 3D form by cutting and rolling is a remarkable transformation for children to experience.
Tips & Variations
- Use gold or red paper for an authentic Lunar New Year look.
- Decorate before rolling with gold marker patterns.
- String multiple lanterns together for a garland.
My Two Cents
Demonstrate the cutting step very carefully — if children cut all the way to the open edge, the lantern won't hold its shape. The 1-inch margin at the top and bottom is critical. Use a finger as a physical stop: "Cut until your finger, then stop!"
