A red paper lantern is one of the easiest Chinese crafts to make at home. With just paper, scissors, and glue, you can create a decoration that works for Spring Festival, the Lantern Festival, or any celebration.

Materials

  • One sheet of red A4 paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • A strip of paper for the handle
  • A ruler and pencil

Folding the body

  1. Fold the red paper in half lengthwise.
  2. Starting from the folded edge, cut evenly spaced slits toward the open edge. Stop about 2 centimeters from the open edge so the paper stays connected.
  3. Unfold the paper. You should see a row of parallel slits down the center.
  4. Roll the paper into a tube, joining the short ends with glue or tape. The slits will bulge outward, creating a round lantern shape.

Adding the handle

  1. Cut a strip of red paper about 2 centimeters wide and 15 centimeters long.
  2. Glue or tape the ends to the top inside edges of the lantern tube.
  3. Gently press the top and bottom of the lantern inward to give it a fuller shape.

Safety tips

This lantern is made of paper, so do not place a real flame inside it. Use a battery-powered LED tea light if you want it to glow.

Hang your lantern near a window or doorway, and it will bring a small piece of Chinese festival tradition into your home.