D-I-Y Fourth of July Paper Lantern

MATERIALS:

• Construction paper (red, blue, or white) 10 inches by 6 inches
  (I used construction paper; you can use card-stock paper if you don’t have construction paper)

• Star stickers or cut-outs (red, white, or blue)
  (Make sure to get different colors than what your paper color is)

• Ribbon (Optional)
  You can use a ribbon to decorate your paper lantern

• Markers or colored pencils (Optional)
  You can decorate using markers or colored pencils

TOOLS:

• Scissors

• Pencil

• Ruler

• Tape

• Stapler

(For holding the lantern in place. You can also use tape if you don’t have a stapler.)

• Glue

(You can use it for gluing the cut-outs on the lantern)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take the larger piece of paper and fold the 6 inch side in half. This is for making the lantern fold.

2. Then, 1 inch out from the side, mark it every half inch with a pencil until you are 1 inch away from the side. This is for making sure you make the lines are even.

3. Then use your ruler to make straight lines that measure 1 ½ inches out from the edge. Cut along the lines with your scissors. The lines are for making the lantern slots

4. Unfold the paper and line it up. Use your stapler (or tape) and staple the sides together. This will hold the lantern together.

5. Now push gently on the top and bottom of the lantern. This makes the middle bend.

6. Decorate using the star cut-outs or stickers. If you want to decorate with the markers or colored pencils, bend the lantern gently so that you can decorate on a flat surface.

7. Use the ribbon (if you are using one) and glue it on the top edge of the lantern

8. Tape (or glue) the smaller piece of paper on the lantern. The paper should have two sides on the top edge of the lantern. You can glue (or tape) the handle on the outside or inside. This is so you can hang or hold the lantern

9. Your lantern is complete! You're now ready to light up your room or front porch!