Cut a 1-inch wide strip off on one short side. Set this aside for the handle.
Fold the paper lengthwise. (Hotdog style!)
Draw a horizontal line one inch from the long edge opposite the fold.
Starting from the folded edge, cut a straight line about an inch from one short edge, all the way up to the horizontal line.
Continue to cut more straight lines about 1 inch apart until you reach the opposite short edge of the paper. Remember that the horizontal line marks the point where you stop cutting each straight line.
Unfold the paper. The paper will have several vertical slits along the middle. Decorate the top and bottom bands with paint, pens, or even ribbon!
Transform the paper into a lantern by forming it into a tube shape. Overlap the long edges at least ½-inch. Staple or tape at the top and bottom of the overlap. Next, staple or tape the handle to the top.
Thanks to FirstPalette for this great art project idea! https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/paper-lantern.html