How to DIY Paper Lanterns: 30 Creative Ways To Decorate

Paper lanterns have a way of instantly adding warmth, charm, and whimsy to any space. Whether you’re planning a garden party, decorating a child’s room, or simply looking for a fun weekend craft, learning how to DIY paper lanterns is easy, and budget-friendly.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make paper lanterns step-by-step, use creative materials to decorate store-brought paper lanterns, and clever ideas for how to use them in your home or events.

Materials

To make basic DIY paper lanterns, you likely already have most of the supplies on hand:

• Colored craft paper or patterned scrapbook paper (A4 for beginners)
• Scissors, ruler, pencil and stapler
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• String or ribbon (if hanging)
• Battery-operated LED tealight or string lights (optional for lighting)

Image: A.C. Moore

How to DIY a Basic Paper Lantern?

• Fold Your Paper: Fold your sheet of paper in half lengthwise, so the short edges meet.
• Draw Cutting Lines: Use a ruler to draw straight horizontal lines about 1 inch apart across the folded paper. Start about 1 inch from the edge and stop about 1 inch before the opposite edge. These lines will become your lantern slits.
• Cut Along the Lines: Carefully cut along the lines while keeping the paper folded—don’t cut all the way to the edge!
• Unfold the Paper: Once all slits are cut, unfold the paper carefully. You’ll notice it has a “bendy” texture now from the slits.
• Roll and Secure: Roll the paper to bring the short edges together, forming a tube. Tape, glue, or staple the edges to hold your lantern together.
• Add a Handle (Optional): Cut a strip of paper and glue or tape it across the top to form a handle.

That’s it! You now have a basic paper lantern ready to decorate or display. Here’s a video to guide you.

Basic Chinese Paper Lantern

Creative Ways to Decorate Your Paper Lantern

Once your basic lantern is assembled, it’s time to make it pop with your own style!

1. Fabric and Ribbons

Soft, flowy textures give your lanterns a whimsical or luxurious touch. Use fabric glue or Mod Podge to adhere lightweight fabric pieces to the lantern’s surface.

• For a dreamy glow use sheer fabric (organza, tulle)
• For rustic or farmhouse vibes use burlap or cotton strips
• Colorful ribbons or lace trims are easy to glue around the lantern base or seams
• Attach Tassels, Pom-Poms, or Ribbons to the bottom for extra flair.
• Balloon Mold Lanterns: Glue (2:1 ratio mod podge/school glue to water) lace or string on a balloon with a paintbrush and let it dry, pop the balloon and remove to make lanterns. Add string lights for glow.

Lace and string lanterns

2. Paper Embellishments

Paper-on-paper layers create depth, color, and shadow effects. Try a layered collage or symmetrical pattern using patterned paper or washi tape!

• Tissue paper is great for mosaic or stained glass effects
• Origami shapes like cranes, stars, or flowers to glue on lantern
• Scrapbook paper or cardstock cut into patterns, borders, or words
• Vintage charm with beautiful doilies cutouts.

Doilies Lantern

• Use double-sided tape to stick the paper ribbon on the paper cylinder in the middle at three intervals to make these creative lanterns.

Paper ribbon lantern

Decorate with paper bunting

3. Floral and Nature-Inspired Materials

Natural and faux materials bring seasonal or boho beauty to your lanterns. Stick to one color palette to keep it cohesive and elegant.

• Add silk/faux flowers around the top or bottom of your lantern
• Mod Podge pressed leaves or dried flowers directly onto the lantern or press on wax paper to make lanterns.

Related: Nine Proven Methods to Dry Flowers

• Wrap twine, jute string, or raffia around the frame or use as a hanger
• Use small pinecones, berries, or mini branches for rustic or holiday-themed decor

4. Glitters and Shiny Things

To avoid glitter fallout, seal it with a clear coat or spray sealer once dry.

• Trace patterns or borders with glitter glue for a shimmering outline or use glitter paper
• Add sparkle and texture with sequins or gems
• Metallic paint or foil is perfect for a glam look
• Holographic vinyl stickers are modern and reflective

5. Stickers, Stamps and Stencils

Use alphabet stencils to add names or meaningful words.

• Letter or number stickers are great for custom messages or party themes
• Add Stickers or Washi Tape in fun patterns or themes.
• Use Hole Punches or Craft Scissors to create patterned edges.
• Add intricate patterns using rubber stamps with ink
• Paint or Stamp Designs like flowers, stars, or your favorite quote.
• Use stencils and spray paint or sponge dab for clean designs with minimal effort

6. Paint and Markers

One of the simplest ways to add color and character. Let the lantern fully dry between layers to avoid smudging or collapse.

• Acrylic paint: Bold and opaque
• Watercolor (for light tissue paper): Soft and blended look
• Metallic or neon markers: Fun for party lanterns
• Fabric paint (for mixed media designs)

7. Kid-Friendly Craft Supplies

Let kids create their own themed lanterns: monsters, animals, emojis, or bugs!

• Foam shapes and stickers
• Googly eyes, pom-poms, pipe cleaners
• Crayons or washable markers
• Glow-in-the-dark stars or paint

8. Recycled and Upcycled Materials

• Magazine clippings or comic pages
• Yarn scraps or fabric remnants
• Buttons, bottle caps, or small toys
• Old jewelry pieces or charms

Paper Lantern Ideas

DIY Paper Lantern Crafts to Inspire You

Decorate ordinary paper lanterns from store to reflect your personal style. These ideas will guide you to turn something ordinary into extraordinary:

1. Classic Accordion Lantern:

Fold paper fan-style and form into a circle. Add ribbon to hang.

2. Moon Cut-Out Lanterns:

Use a craft knife to cut celestial shapes for a glowing nightlight effect.

3. Embroidered Paper Lanterns:

Sew thread designs on thick paper or fabric lantern before forming the lantern.

4. Floral Print Lanterns:

Use floral scrapbook paper or decoupage real dried flowers.

5. Watercolor Wash Lanterns:

Paint your own watercolor blend on white paper before shaping.

6. Origami Ball Lanterns:

Fold origami into 3D spheres. Hang them as floating decor.

Related: Easy flower paper craft with origami petals

7. Rainbow Layered Lanterns:

Use strips of colored paper or paint layers in rainbow order.

8. Lace Cutout Lanterns:

Create lace-like designs with a craft knife or cutting machine.

9. Kids’ Coloring Lanterns:

Let kids color paper and transform their artwork into lanterns.

Related: Best ideas to display kids art at home

10. Cherry Blossom Lanterns:

Use paper punch blossoms to decorate a soft white lantern base.

11. Starry Night Lanterns:

Punch tiny holes into dark paper for star constellations.

12. Geometric Fold Lanterns:

Create faceted designs using scoring and folding techniques.

13. Honeycomb Tissue Lanterns:

Layer tissue paper for a honeycomb texture that folds flat.

14. Recycled Cereal Box Lanterns:

Cut and decorate upcycled cardboard boxes.

15. Envelope Cube Lanterns:

Glue envelopes or newspapers into cubes and add messages inside.

Related: Make newspaper baskets by weaving strips

16. Lotus Flower Lanterns:

Layer paper petals to create a floating lotus design.

17. Scroll Quote Lanterns:

Use handwritten or printed quotes around the lantern.

18. Animal Face Lanterns:

Add ears, eyes, and whiskers to make animals like foxes or owls.

Related: 15 Easy Popsicle Stick Crafts Fun Animals For Kids

19. Sunflower Lanterns:

Use faux flowers to decorate lanterns.

20. Jar-Wrap Lantern Sleeves:

Wrap patterned paper around jars with LED candles.

Mason Jar Paper Lantern

Baby Food Jar Hanging Lanterns

Related: 20 Thoughtful Birthday Gifts in a Jar

21. Japanese Washi Pattern Lanterns:

Use washi paper or kimono-style prints for elegant decor.

22. Sharpie Lantern:

Use non-bleeding markers to draw beautiful patterns on lanterns.

Sharpie Pattern Lantern

23. Tiered Temple Lanterns:

Stack cut paper layers to create mini lantern pagodas.

Temple Lantern

24. Minimalist Ice Cube Cubes:

Clean white paper boxes with vellum for a frosty glow.

Glowing Lantern

25. Fairy Garden Lanterns:

Add glitter, wings, and windows for a magical fairy house look.

Fairy Garden Lantern

26. Mirror-Foil Lanterns:

Use metallic or mirrored paper to reflect light beautifully.

Knight Lantern

27. Stained Glass Tissue Lanterns:

Cut black frames and fill with colored tissue for a faux stained-glass effect.

Stained Glass Lantern

FAQs

How to Decorate with Paper Lanterns?

Paper lanterns are incredibly versatile! Here are some delightful ways to use them:

• Party Decorations: Hang multiple lanterns from string lights or tree branches for birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, or backyard BBQs. Mix sizes and colors for a fun, festive look.
• Home Decor: Use lanterns to decorate a child’s bedroom or playroom ceiling, craft corner or reading nook, and even make a seasonal centerpiece for your dining table.
• Holiday or Seasonal Displays: Customize lanterns with seasonal patterns like flowers and pastels for Spring, leaves and oranges for Fall, and snowflakes and stars for Winter.
• DIY Mood Lighting: Place a battery-operated tealight inside (never a real candle!) and use them as glowing lanterns for cozy evenings, indoor picnics and sleepovers or movie nights.

Related: How to make led cloud wall light that changes color

• Classroom or Bulletin Board Decor: Teachers love these for thematic classroom decorations. Let kids decorate their own and hang them from the ceiling for a cheerful atmosphere.
• Cultural Crafts: Celebrate Lunar New Year, Diwali, or Mid-Autumn Festival by making themed lanterns with traditional colors and symbols.
• Make a Lantern Garland: String several mini paper lanterns together with twine or fairy lights to create a unique handmade garland. Perfect for mantels, windows, or party backdrops.

Where to Use Your Paper Lanterns

• Living room or bedroom corners
• Children’s play areas or nurseries
• Party backdrops, table centerpieces, or photo booths
• Seasonal displays for Diwali, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Christmas
• Garden string lights or porch decor (weather-proof versions)

Safe Lighting Tips for Decorated Lanterns

Avoid flame candles and opt for LED lights inside your lantern:

• Avoid using flammable materials like dry leaves or heavy glitter inside
• Opt for LED tealights or fairy lights instead of open flame
• Keep ventilation holes clear to avoid overheating
• Hang lanterns away from ceiling fans, curtains, or low tree branches
• When hanging lanterns, use secure hooks or string, especially for outdoor use.
• If displaying outside, protect lanterns from moisture or wind by spraying them with a light coat of clear sealant or using sturdier cardstock.

DIY paper lanterns are the kind of project that’s both relaxing and rewarding. Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating for a party, or just looking to add a personal touch to your space, these paper lanterns are a creative and charming solution.

Don’t forget to pin this tutorial for later and share your creations using #craftionary on Facebook —we’d love to see what you make!

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Please note some images are AI generated to help you visualize the idea.