DIY Winter Lantern: Easy Instructions for a Beautiful Display

What You’ll Need:

• Cardstock paper (white or colored)
• Double-sided adhesive tape or glue
• Gel pens (optional, for drawing details on your cutting machine)
• Cutting machine (ScanNCut, Silhouette, Cricut)
• Small battery-powered light

Instructions:

1. Design Your Lantern:
   • Use your cutting machine’s design software to create your lantern. You can find this design here
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.