Welcome to the Craft Rainbow!
Happy Week Three of February! Here in the Delmar Maker District, summer is in full swing, and we are celebrating the vibrant spectrum of creativity that makes St. Louis such a colorful place to live and create.
At Craft Alliance, we believe that craft is for everyone—whether you are a master metalsmith or a kid with a pair of scissors and a dream. This week, we are diving into a project that is perfect for makers of all ages: Colorful Paper Lanterns.
This Week’s Feature: DIY Paper Lanterns
In this week’s video feature, we break down the process into simple steps so you can create your own Craft Rainbow at home. These lanterns are not only fun to make but connect us to a rich history of light and celebration.
📺 Watch the Tutorial Below:
A Brief History of Lanterns and the Lunar New Year
While these paper lanterns make for beautiful summer decor on a St. Louis patio, they are deeply rooted in the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Festival), which marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
🛠️ How to Make Your Lantern
Follow these steps to build your lantern layer by layer:
Prepare the Outer Layer: Fold your sheet of red paper in half.
1. Create the Slits: Using your scissors, cut every 1/2 inch along the fold (be sure not to cut all the way to the edge!).
2. Form the Outer Tube: Unfold the paper, roll it up into a tube shape, and glue the edges together.
3. Prepare the Inner Layer: Take your yellow sheet of paper and cut some fringe along the edge.
4. Form the Inner Tube: Roll the yellow sheet up into a tighter tube and glue it secure.
5. Assemble: Insert the yellow tube inside the red tube.
6. Secure: Glue or tape the ends of the tubes together so they stay in place.
7. Add the Handle: Cut a strip of paper for the handle and fasten it to the top of the lantern.
8. Add the Trim: Cut a final strip for a decorative trim and fasten it around the top or bottom.
9. Final Touch: Gently flare out the red “flames” (the folded strips) to give the lantern its shape and volume.
A Brief History of Lanterns and the Lunar New Year
While these paper lanterns make for beautiful summer decor on a St. Louis patio, they are deeply rooted in the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Festival), which marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.