In what could perhaps become a theme, of 'lighting up the darkness' or something, I give you...paper lanterns!
I really love paper, and papercraft, no matter how simple, is a high art to me. So, I was overjoyed when I found these Dutch paper lanterns, with similar paper boats, flowers and angels. But love them as I do, and I soooo do, the lanterns are just too flippin skinny. Argh! I’ve op-shopped until I turned blue in the face trying and failing to find tall glasses skinny enough to fit inside these lanterns and wide enough to hold a tea light candle (in the photo above the lantern is undone at the back). Bah! Pretty but useless=pretty useless.
However, last night the hubby (an op-shopper extrodinare, I’m so proud) came home with a pile of retro kids books including this one which features instructions, so simple I feel silly having not had the nous to think I could make them myself, for those very lanterns.
Here are ones I made earlier (in like 2 mins each, a perfect project for the flighty Gemini crafter, heh!).
Basically, pick yourself some snazzy paper and see if it will circle your glass with a wee overlap. Then fold your paper in half longways. From the fold cut, with 1.5 cms gaps, a series of lines which end approx 1cm from the end end of the paper. Open out and stick the ends together with double sided sticky tape and “bluepeter”, you’ve got a stylish little lantern to fit whatever size glass you possess.
I used paper from my extensive but not expensive paper stash (like Nigella clears peoples plates of meat bones for stock, I’m a womble for even the tiniest scrap of cute paper. Other peoples bins, the ground as I walk by, I really have no shame when it comes to paper recycling). However, a slightly firmer than paper card would be more durable if you want to re-use them. And a pattern of your own devising and printing would be much craftier!
I'm thinking nice for dark evening birthday parties (mine, next week!). Also good for cheapskates prezzies, especially as they fold flat all the better for cheapo international postage. If only I'd thought of it in time for your birthday sis!
I'm thinking nice for dark evening birthday parties (mine, next week!). Also good for cheapskates prezzies, especially as they fold flat all the better for cheapo international postage. If only I'd thought of it in time for your birthday sis!
Hi Max, I think your home-made latterns are alot nicer than the bought one atop. I would love to send you some vintage wallpaper for your birthday and so you can make some more...I've got heaps, let me know if you're interested.
ReplyDeletep.s Snugglepot and Cuddlepie is an Australian classic, you should try and get hold of a copy...you'd love it and so would your little girl. The illustrations are gorgeous.
That's a great idea - for some reason that completely evades me, I'd never thought to use scrapbook paper or glass jars. Perfect for outdoor parties, thanks! x
ReplyDeleteHey Kylie, wallpaper is a very good thought for these lanterns, just the right amount of stiffness I reckon. And I don't think I could ever say no to an offer of paper so YES PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteI make these with the littlies at playgroup - although we use cheap paper and they go mad with the paint and glitter! And we put a handle on so they can hang them up (no candles involved for them obviously). Your grown-up ones look lovely.
ReplyDeletehi Max - just saw your kitchen on 'You'll Always Find Me' - love the colour, and I have cookie cutters on the wall too!
ReplyDeleteMax, I haven't seen a lovely handmade paper lantern in so long, but we used to make them at school each year at Easter time. I don't know why it was Easter, but it was. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! x
ReplyDeletePS - And 'hi!' x
Just found you through lakota's charity swap, love these lanterns :o) Scarlett x
ReplyDeletebrava!
ReplyDelete[oh, and do bon appétit....] ;))
n♥