How to Make Beautiful Origami Paper Lanterns — Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Create stunning, illuminated decorations with these simple origami paper lanterns. A delightful screen-free activity for the whole family.
Quick answer
To make origami paper lanterns, you need square paper and scissors, taking about 30 minutes. Start by folding the paper in half. This beginner-friendly activity has 12 steps and is perfect for ages 8+.
What you need
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Start with your square piece of paper, colored side down if applicable.
- 2
Fold the paper in half horizontally, creasing well, then unfold.
- 3
Fold the paper in half vertically, creasing well, then unfold.
- 4
Fold the paper in half diagonally, creasing well, then unfold.
- 5
Fold the paper in half along the other diagonal, creasing well, then unfold.
- 6
With the paper still flat, fold it in half horizontally.
- 7
Using your scissors, cut along each of the horizontal creases from the folded edge towards the open edge, stopping about 1 inch from the open edge.
- 8
Unfold the paper completely. You should now have multiple parallel cuts.
- 9
Gently bring the two short edges of the paper together, forming a cylinder.
- 10
Overlap the edges by about 1/2 inch and secure them with a small piece of tape or a dab of glue.
- 11
Carefully bend the lantern outwards, allowing the cut strips to fan out.
- 12
Place an LED tea light or small string lights inside to illuminate your lantern.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- 1Use thinner paper for easier folding and a more delicate lantern.
- 2Experiment with different sizes of square paper to create lanterns of various dimensions.
- 3If you don't have square paper, you can easily make your own by folding a rectangular piece of paper diagonally and cutting off the excess.
- 4For a more decorative touch, use patterned paper or decorate plain paper before folding.
- 5Ensure your cuts are even and stop at the same point to create a symmetrical lantern.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paper is best for origami lanterns?
Origami paper is ideal due to its thinness and crispness, which makes folding and cutting easier. However, regular printer paper or even decorative scrapbook paper can work, though they might be slightly harder to fold.
Can I use real candles in these paper lanterns?
It is strongly recommended to use only LED tea lights or battery-operated string lights. Real candles pose a significant fire hazard with paper and should never be used.
How do I make the lantern stronger?
You can reinforce the lantern by adding a thin strip of cardstock around the top or bottom edge, or by using a stronger adhesive like craft glue instead of tape.
What if my cuts aren't even?
Slightly uneven cuts will still result in a charming lantern. If they are very uneven, you can trim the edges slightly after folding to create a more uniform appearance.
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