Skill Level
Beginner. Adult supervision needed
Time to Make
2 hours + drying time for glue + paint
Adult Supervision Needed
Yes
How to Make
- Remove the lid from a square craft box. Place the box base on your work surface. Apply glue to the ends of 4 craft sticks then stick them in the corners of the box. Press firmly so they stay in position. Apply glue to the tops of the sticks then carefully position the box lid over the sticks. Check the sticks are vertical, press the ends and leave to dry. With smaller boxes, trim the sticks by a couple of cm using strong scissors then smooth the ends with sandpaper.
- To make a cone for the lantern, draw a circle 10-14cm in diameter onto plain card then cut it out. Draw around a roll of tape as a guide for the circle shape, or use a compass. Cut the circle half, curl it into a cone then stick the edge with masking tape, leaving a small hole at the top to thread the cord.
The remaining card can be used to make a matching cone for the bottom of the lantern, or leave the base flat. - Thread a 30cm piece of gold hanging cord through the top of the cone.
Tie a double knot at the end of the cord inside the cone. Pull the cord up with the knot in the point then add a blob of glue to hold it in place. Tie the other end into a hanging loop. - Cut around edge of the cone to make small tabs. Fold out the tabs, brush the underside with glue then stick the cone onto the lantern top. Leave to dry.
- Brush gold metallic paint over the lantern, or use a colour. Paint over the outside, the inside and the sticks then leave to dry. Add another coat of paint if necessary.
- Decorate the lantern with sparkly gems. Slide a metallic bead over the cord so it sits on top of the cone. Add a small blob of glue to hold the bead in place.
Top Tip
For a lantern made from a hexagonal box, use 3 wooden sticks instead of 4, so there’s enough room for a tea light to be fitted inside. On a lantern with a cone at the base it’s easier to paint the lantern hanging up.
Tagged with:
Eid/Ramadan
