Halloween decorations don’t have to be expensive or complicated. If you’re looking for a quick Cricut project that looks amazing, this adorable ghost lantern is the perfect craft. It takes only 10 minutes to assemble, costs less than €2, and makes a fantastic decoration for your home, porch, or Halloween party.
Whether you’re crafting for yourself, decorating with the kids, or creating handmade gifts, this paper lantern is beginner-friendly and incredibly fun to make.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Ghost Lantern SVG cut file
- Cardstock (black and orange)
- Craft glue or double-sided tape
- LED tea light (never use a real candle)
- Optional: white butcher paper or vellum for a glowing effect
- Optional: ribbon instead of the paper handle
Step 1 – Cut Your SVG Pieces
Upload the Ghost Lantern SVG into your cutting software and cut all of the pieces from your cardstock.
For this project you’ll need:
- Black lantern panels
- Orange window inserts
- Bottom panel
- Handle
Once everything is cut, remove the pieces from your cutting mat and prepare them for assembly.
Step 2 – Add the Window Inserts
Take the first black lantern panel.
Apply a thin line of craft glue around the window openings and carefully place the orange window layer on top.
Don’t worry if the glue isn’t absolutely perfect. Once assembled, everything lines up beautifully.
Repeat this for all lantern panels.
Step 3 – Fold the Lantern
Before gluing anything together, fold all of the score lines.
This makes assembly much easier and helps the lantern keep its shape.
Step 4 – Assemble the Lantern
Attach the side panels together first.
Then glue the folded tabs onto the bottom panel.
Take your time lining everything up.
A good tip is to:
- Press each glued section firmly.
- Hold it for about 3 seconds.
- Continue with the next connection.
You’ll quickly notice the lantern beginning to take shape—that’s always the most satisfying part!
Don’t Worry About Perfection
If one of the edges doesn’t line up perfectly, don’t panic.
The ghost design is very forgiving, and small imperfections are almost impossible to notice once the lantern is assembled and illuminated.
Even if this is your very first paper lantern, you’ll still end up with a beautiful result.
Step 5 – Attach the Final Panel
Glue the final side panel to complete the lantern body.
It’s easiest to:
- Connect the side seam first.
- Make sure it’s secure.
- Then attach it to the bottom panel.
This keeps everything aligned nicely.
Step 6 – Check the Seams
Before adding the finishing touches, run your finger along every seam.
If you find a loose edge, simply add a tiny bit more glue and press it into place.
A few extra seconds here will make your lantern sturdy enough to use year after year.
Step 7 – Add the Handle
Glue the paper handle onto the lantern.
Want to hang your lantern?
Instead of the paper handle, thread a ribbon through the top for an even more decorative look.
Optional: Make It Glow Even Better
For a softer, spooky glow, glue a piece of white butcher paper or vellum behind the black window openings before assembling the lantern.
This diffuses the light beautifully and creates an amazing haunted-house effect.
How Many Pieces Does This Lantern Use?
It might look complicated…
But the entire lantern uses only 10 paper pieces.
If you add the optional butcher paper liner, the total becomes 11 pieces.
Simple, fast, and surprisingly beginner-friendly!
Light It Up
Place a battery-powered LED tea light inside your lantern and watch your little ghost come to life.
The glowing orange windows create the perfect cozy Halloween atmosphere, making this decoration ideal for:
- Halloween parties
- Mantel displays
- Window decorations
- Entry tables
- Tiered trays
- Classroom decorations
Always use an LED candle. Never use a real flame inside a paper lantern.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about this project is how affordable it is. For less than €2 in materials and about 10 minutes of assembly time, you’ll have a charming Halloween decoration that looks far more expensive than it actually is.
It’s a fantastic Cricut project for beginners and experienced crafters alike, and once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to create an entire collection of spooky lanterns.
Happy crafting, and have a wonderfully spooky Halloween!