DIY Winter Lantern: Easy Instructions for a Beautiful Display

winniwinston Blog Crafts & creative fun Cricut Crafts and Tutorials December 8, 2024

What You’ll Need:

Instructions:

Design Your Lantern:
- Use your cutting machine’s design software to create your lantern. You can find this design here
Cut the Pieces:
- Load your design onto your cutting machine and cut out the pieces from your cardstock paper.
- Typically, you’ll need pieces for the lantern’s body, top, bottom, and any decorative elements.
Assemble the Lantern:
- Carefully score the fold lines on the pieces to ensure clean folds.
- Use double-sided adhesive tape or glue to assemble the lantern. Start by attaching the sides to the bottom piece, then add the top piece.
- The lantern is made in 2 parts the bottom (everything that is black on the picture) and the top ( which you can remove to put a light in/ all the white parts
- We will start with the bottom
Add Decorative Elements:
- If you used gel pens, you can add details like snowflakes, stars, or messages directly on the cardstock before cutting.
- You can also add embellishments like glitter, sequins, or small winter-themed decorations.
Insert the Light:
- Place a small battery-powered light inside the lantern. Make sure the light is small enough to fit comfortably and doesn’t obstruct the light.
Display Your Lantern:
- Place your lantern on a windowsill, tabletop, or hang it from a hook.
- Enjoy the warm, inviting glow it casts.

Tips:

For a more sturdy lantern, consider using thicker cardstock or layering multiple pieces of paper.
To add a touch of winter magic, use translucent paper for some of the pieces to allow the light to shine through.
Experiment with different colors and designs to create a unique lantern that reflects your personal style.

By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and festive paper lantern that will brighten up your winter season.