Happy Simple DIY Tuesday!!! Today we have a super fun and totally easy project for you… how to make paper lanterns! These would be perfect mixed in with your wedding decor, especially if you venue doesn’t allow real candles! The best part is you can make these in just a few minutes… check out the easy steps below…

SUPPLIES:

• lightweight paper (no cardstock, it’s too thick for the light to shine through!)
• vellum
• Glue Dots (in any size)
• paper trimmer
• battery operated candles 

Start by cutting your choice of paper and vellum to the size of lantern you would like; here we are sharing three sizes. Small, medium and large.

//////////    the large lantern    //////////

For the large lantern cut one piece of patterned, lightweight paper to 12″ x 5″. Then cut a piece of vellum to 12″ x 2.5″.

To put these lanterns together, we are going to use my favorite adhesive – Glue Dots. They just came out with this handy little desktop dispenser to keep the roll under control! Across the top of your patterned paper, apply an evenly spaced line of Glue Dots.

Then place the vellum strip onto the Glue Dots and press firmly.

Next, apply another evenly spaced line of Glue Dots along the short edge of the patterned paper, but not on the vellum. **You will see the Glue Dots through the vellum and we don’t want that! The vellum needs no adhesive.

Then curve the ends of the paper together and firmly press along the Glue Dots line to secure. That’s it ~ three simple steps to make these darling paper lanterns!

//////////    the medium lantern    //////////

For the medium lantern cut one piece of patterned, lightweight paper to 10″ x 4″. Then cut a piece of vellum to 1o” x 2″.

Using the same steps and the measurements above, make a medium sized lantern…

//////////    the small lantern    //////////

For the small lantern cut one piece of patterned, lightweight paper to 8″ x 3″. Then cut a piece of vellum to 8″ x 1.5″.

Using the same steps and the measurements above, make a small sized lantern… cute!

//////////     CRAFTERS TIP     //////////

Make sure the paper that you choose is lightweight! To check if it is, hold the paper up to a light and if you can see through it thats great ~ if not it’s a no-go. If your paper is too thick you won’t be able to see the faux candle light through it.

Add a few battery operated candles and you have romantic lighting in a snap!

Perfect for any type of wedding event… or even a last minute dinner party!

We love the added touch that the vellum paper gives… it feels more candle like!

As with all our DIY tutorials, if you create one of our projects please send us a picture or a trackback – We Love Seeing Your Creativity! If you use Instagram or Twitter please use the hashtag #SomethingTurquoiseDIY. Happy Crafting!

Photography: Studio 11 Weddings // DIY tutorial by: Jen | Something Turquoise // Glue Dots and new desktop dispenser courtesy of: Glue Dots // Martha Stewart Crafts paper trimmer, battery operated candles, vellum and Recollections patterned scrapbooking paper: Michaels // nail polish: Essie – Turquoise & Caicos