China Craft (Week 3) Chinese Paper Lanterns

Welcome to part 3 of our China series at Mommy Maleta.  We unpacked our suitcases a few weeks ago and looked at a map of China, the Chinese flag and country facts.  We also had a fascinating interview with the English doctor and missionary, Hudson Taylor.  Just to review, can any of you answer the following questions without looking back to part 1 of the series?

1. What is the capital of China?
2. What are the colors of the Chinese flag?
3. What craft did we make to help us learn more about China?

OK, so question 3 is a trick question.  But I will give you the answer now.  (now you can go back to China part 1 for the answers to the first two questions)  Today we are going to learn how to make Chinese Paper Lanterns.  According to travelchinaguide.com, lanterns were used as a source of light before other sources of light, including gas and electricity, were invented.  Lanterns are now used as decoration and as part of the annual Lantern Festival.  If you want extra credit you can also read about the 5 distinct classes, or categories of Chinese lanterns.

The paper lantern I made is very simple.  You will only need a few supplies and it will probably only take about 10-15 minutes to assemble.  Here are the instructions.

Materials Needed:

• Construction paper, 2 different colored sheets
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Scotch tape or glue
• Markers, streamers, stickers, or any other fun decorations

Instructions:  (you can also use this photo tutorial)

1. Choose one color to be the  inner portion of your lantern.  Cut a 1 inch strip off of the short end of the paper that you will later use for the lantern’s handle.
2. Fold the same piece of paper in half lengthwise.  It will kind of look like a hot dog bun.
3. Start cutting strips on the crease where the paper is folded, making sure you to stop about an inch before the edge.  You’ll end up with 10-12 strips.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 with the second piece of paper.
5. Now unfold both pieces of paper.  Lay them in front of you horizontally and get ready to staple.
6. Roll the first piece of paper, which will be the inner portion of the lantern, into a tube with the folded edges facing you.  Overlap the edges about 1 inch and staple the ends together.
7. Repeat with the second piece of paper, which will be the outer portion of your lantern.  Only overlap the edges about 1/2 – 3/4 inch before stapling the edges on this sheet of paper.  This way the outer lantern will be slightly larger than the inner lantern.
8. Slip the smaller lantern inside the larger lantern.  Then twist the lanterns so that the slits are slightly offset.  This way you’ll be able to see both of the colors.
9. Finally, use the strip of paper reserved to become the handle.  Staple one end of the handle on the top of the lantern and then repeat with the other end.  You can attach the ends to the outside or inside of the lantern.  It’s up to you.
10. Presto!  You have a Chinese paper lantern ready to hang!

 Featured photo courtesy of: Philo Vivero, Wikimedia Commons

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