7 Steps: How To Make A Chinese Lantern Craft For New Year

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Chinese paper lanterns are a beautiful and fun way to celebrate the Lunar New Year celebration, the Lantern Festival, or any festive occasion. These classic paper lanterns symbolize good luck and a bright future, making them a great project for kids and adults alike.

In this tutorial, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions to create your own traditional Chinese paper lantern using simple supplies. This craft activity is a perfect way to introduce younger kids to Chinese New Year crafts while improving fine motor skills.

I’ve also included a free printable resource with a printable template for your Chinese lantern craft, making it even easier to create!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Chinese Lantern

Supplies Needed

Before we get started, gather the following materials:

• Red cardstock (letter size)
• Lantern Template
• Gold ribbon or washi tape for decoration
• Scissors
• Glue stick or sticky tape
• Double-sided tape (for extra hold)
• Stapler or paper clip (to hold pieces in place while assembling)

Step 1: Prepare the Paper

• Take a letter-size piece of red paper or construction paper and lay it flat.
• If using a printable template, print it on card stock for durability.
• Fold the long rectangle in half along the short edge to create a folded edge.

Step 2: Draw the Cutting Lines

• Using a ruler, draw evenly spaced straight lines from the folded edge to about an inch from the long edge (do not cut all the way).
• Make sure each strip is about wide strips for stability.

Step 3: Cut the Strips

• Carefully cut along the pencil lines, stopping before reaching the top of the paper.
• Unfold the paper and see the pieces of paper that will form the lantern’s body.

Step 4: Shape the Lantern

• Bring the short edges together to form a cylindrical shape.
• Secure the bottom edges and top of the lantern with sticky tape or a stapler.

Step 5: Add a Handle

• Cut a strip of paper about an inch wide and attach it to the top of the lantern using double-sided tape.

Step 6: Decorate Your Lantern

• Use gold ribbon, washi tape, glitter glue, or a gold paint pen to add Chinese zodiac animals, lantern riddles, or your own design.
• Attach extra decorations to the outside of the lantern to make it unique.

Step 7: Display Your Lanterns

• Hang your DIY paper lanterns around the house or outside to celebrate the end of Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival!
• Try making different shapes and larger lanterns for variety.

Conclusion

This affordable way to create colorful lanterns is a perfect way to introduce history and culture through a craft activity. Whether for Chinese New Year crafts or the Lantern Festival, these traditional lanterns bring good luck and fun to any celebration!

👉 Download your free printable TEMPLATE now and start crafting! 🎉

More Reading:

• 10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year With Kids
• The 10 Best Winter Holidays to Celebrate with Kids
• 101+ Winter Activities for Kids to Learn Life Skills