Lanterns hold a special magic. They cast a warm glow, creating a cozy atmosphere and igniting imaginations. What better way to tap into that magic than with some adorable lantern crafts for kids?
These projects are perfect for rainy days, after-school fun, or even themed parties.
We’ve compiled a list of 25 creative lantern crafts that cater to a variety of ages and skill levels.
From quick and easy paper lanterns to dazzling illuminated creations, get ready to light up your home (safely, of course!) with your little ones.
Paper Power:
Paper lanterns are a classic for a reason. They’re simple to make, use readily available materials, and offer endless possibilities for decoration.
Glowing Paper Lanterns:
This is a basic paper lantern craft that can be customized with paint, markers, or even glitter. Use construction paper to create a rectangular body and glue the ends together to form a cylinder. Punch holes around the top and thread with yarn or ribbon for hanging. Light it up with a battery-operated tea light (with adult supervision, of course!).
Folded Paper Lanterns:
Unleash your inner origami master with these folded paper lanterns. There are many styles and difficulty levels to choose from online.
Chinese Paper Lanterns:
Celebrate Chinese New Year with these vibrant lanterns. Use red construction paper as the base and decorate with traditional symbols like dragons or lucky characters.
Paper Bag Lanterns:
Upcycle a paper bag into a charming lantern! Decorate with paint, markers, or even tissue paper squares. Punch holes around the top, thread with yarn, and add a battery-operated tea light for a warm glow.
Paper Plate Lanterns:
These are perfect for younger crafters. Decorate paper plates with paint, markers, or stickers. Punch holes around the rim and connect the plates with yarn or string to create a 3D lantern.
Light Up the Night:
Incorporate lights for an extra magical touch! (Remember, always use battery-operated tea lights with adult supervision for younger children.)
Jar Lanterns:
Upcycle empty jars into beautiful lanterns. Decorate with paint, glitter, or even tissue paper cutouts. Poke holes in the lid (with adult help) and thread with wire to create a hanger. Place a battery-operated tea light inside for a soft glow.
Fairy Light Lanterns:
Wrap a clear plastic cup or jar with fairy lights for a twinkling effect. Decorate the outside with paint or washi tape for an extra touch.
Glowing Balloon Lanterns:
Blow up a balloon and carefully decorate it with tissue paper squares or paint. Once dry, stretch a net of yarn or string over the balloon to create a lantern shape. Add a battery-operated tea light inside for a soft glow (adult supervision required).
Nature’s Touch:
Embrace the beauty of nature with these lantern ideas that incorporate natural materials.
Leaf Lanterns:
Collect colorful leaves and carefully glue them onto a balloon (adult supervision required). Once dry, pop the balloon and create a frame for the lantern using pipe cleaners or yarn. Add a battery-operated tea light for a soft glow.
Pinecone Lanterns:
Gather pinecones and decorate them with paint, glitter, or even small beads. Use yarn or string to create a hanger and add a battery-operated tea light for a warm glow.
Twig Lanterns:
Collect small twigs and use pipe cleaners or yarn to bind them together in a lantern shape. Decorate with leaves, moss, or small pinecones for a natural look. Add a battery-operated tea light for a soft glow (adult supervision required).
Beyond Paper:
Explore different materials to create unique and stunning lanterns.
Tissue Paper Lanterns:
These are similar to paper lanterns but use layers of colorful tissue paper to create a more vibrant effect.
Milk Carton Lanterns:
Cut and decorate a milk carton to create a lantern shape. Decorate with paint, markers, or even buttons. Poke holes in the top (with adult help) and thread with yarn or string to create a hanger.
Sock Lanterns:
Upcycle an old sock! Decorate it with paint, buttons, or sequins. Cut a hole in the toe and thread with yarn or string to create a hanger. Add a battery-operated tea light for a soft glow (adult supervision required).
Popsicle Stick Lanterns:
Popsicle sticks are a versatile craft material. Glue them together to create a square or rectangular frame. Decorate with paint, markers, or even buttons. Add tissue paper or cellophane on the sides for a glowing effect
Let’s Get Fancy: Lanterns with a Wow Factor
Confetti Lanterns:
Fill a clear plastic cup or jar with colorful confetti or sequins. Decorate the outside with paint or washi tape. Add a battery-operated tea light for a twinkling effect.
Melted Bead Lanterns:
For older crafters, try creating a lantern frame from melted beads following a pattern. This adds a unique textured element.
Fingerprint Lanterns:
This is a fun activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Decorate a paper lantern with colorful fingerprints. Let their creativity shine!
Glow Stick Lanterns:
For a nighttime adventure, fill a clear container with water and add a glow stick. Decorate the outside with markers or washi tape. Fun and functional!
Festive Fun: Themed Lanterns
Firefly Lanterns:
Celebrate summer nights with these adorable firefly lanterns. Use a mason jar or clear plastic cup. Paint black dots for the fireflies and add battery-operated fairy lights for a twinkling effect.
Pumpkin Lanterns (Not Just for Halloween!):
This isn’t just a Halloween craft! Decorate a paper bag or balloon (adult supervision required) orange and add black construction paper cutouts for a cute pumpkin face.
Ghost Lanterns:
Perfect for Halloween! Cut out ghost shapes from white paper bags and decorate with spooky faces. Add a battery-operated tea light for a glowing effect.
Snowman Lanterns:
Embrace the winter chill with snowman lanterns. Use a white paper bag or balloon (adult supervision required) and decorate with black construction paper for a friendly snowman face.
Under the Sea Lanterns:
Create an ocean scene! Decorate a paper lantern with blue paint and add cutouts of fish, seaweed, and bubbles.
Space Themed Lanterns:
Explore the cosmos! Decorate a paper lantern with black paint and add stars, planets, and even a rocket ship cutout.
Remember:
- Adult supervision is recommended for younger crafters, especially when using tools like scissors or hot glue.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless tea lights for safety.
- Get creative with embellishments! Buttons, ribbons, and glitter can add extra personality to your lanterns.
- Most importantly, have fun and let your child’s imagination soar!
These lantern crafts are a great way to spend quality time with your kids, develop their creativity, and create beautiful decorations for their room or a special occasion. So grab your supplies, turn on some music, and get ready to light up your world (safely, of course!) with some adorable lantern creations!
